Team Preview
Written by: Sven Alskog
New leadership is on the sideline this season for the Hagerman Pirates girls basketball team as Amber Fouts takes over for Dana Bates who went 21-2 in her only season.
The coaching change is not the only major difference on the hardwood this season for the Pirates, with plenty of talent having departed from the state tournament team from last year.
Along with the exit of experience, a couple of new additions to the 1AD1 Snake River Conference could make things even more difficult. Both Oakley and Valley enter for the upcoming season, something which should add more parity to the league.
Brianne Crist, Brandalyn Sartain and Samantha McCrorey all return for Hagerman to provide leadership to what is a relatively young group.
To be successful this season the Pirates will rely on a large influx of players with limited varsity experience.
Coach Fouts is excited about what the new group is capable of.
“We are young, but we are quick, scrappy and can move the ball up and down the floor quickly,” stated the coach.
Opposing teams can expect to face a well-conditioned team which will push the ball whenever it gets a chance.
“Our girls can play 32 minutes of fast-paced basketball which is a great thing,” added Fouts.
After a 20-0 start to last season, Hagerman is hoping for a return to state to avenge a 1-2 showing in the Treasure Valley, falling to eventual state champion Prairie in their opener and Challis in a consolation contest last time around.
Newcomers Mackenzie Crist, Julianna Douville and Lizzy Scheller were mentioned by Fouts as players to watch in the upcoming campaign.
On top of pushing the ball on the offensive end, Hagerman will apply heavy pressure defensively as they try to force the opposition into turnovers.
Winning loose balls and boxing out to get rebounds will be other keys for the Pirates.
They appear to have the pieces in place to make good things happen in that regard.
“Our girls fight till the end, never give up on a play and can go, go, go. They have a ton of hustle and drive to get the job done,” said Fouts.
In early season action the Pirates will be looking for pieces to step up and fill the shoes left vacant from the departed senior class. The squad could face some speed bumps but if they are able to get past them it should prepare the unit for another strong run in the district tournament come February.
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