2012-2013 Bruin basketball seasons are beginning, with the first girls scrimmage today, November 1, and the guys beginning practice Monday, November 5.
Girls began practice Monday, October 22. Coaches Krysten Parson, Margene Zink, Brent Reinhardt and volunteer Malaina Weldy (‘12) are looking forward to the new season. There are now 13 girls on the team after losing four graduating seniors to the class of 2012.
Coach KP said one of the things they are ready for this season is being very in shape and competitive. “With low numbers,” she said, “we don’t get much rest in practice and several kids will have to step up and play at a higher level.”
Even though low numbers will push the team to a higher fitness and level of playing, it can also be a challenge. The team will have to learn how to stay healthy, but also play smart defense and stay out of foul trouble. On senior Natalie Thorne’s injury, KP says “it was unexpected, but I think the girls are accepting that challenge well and working hard to fill that void.”
Coaches and players alike agree that the season will be fun. KP said “We have a great group of girls that come to practice and work hard. They are pushing each other to get better.”
Boys basketball players are ready to start practice the first week of November. Coaching staff is Jim Buller, John Mast, Dan Bodiker, and Trevor Daugherty. The team lost seven seniors to graduation last year so the team is definitely younger, but head coach Jim Buller sees this as both a challenge and something to look forward to.
Jim Buller also said that the team is wide open, and coaches are doing a lot of talking about the direction they want the team to take. “It’s going to be a very different team from last year,” he said, “with opportunity to carry on tradition but also form a new identity for Bethany basketball.”
A challenge for the young team will be keeping nerves in check early on, but coaches are also looking forward to growing together. Buller is also looking forward to seeing emerging players step up and play with the six returning letterwinners.
With strong leadership and growing teams, it’s going to be an exciting season for Bethany basketball.
~Katie Hurst