Maidens look to bounce back from rough season
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The Maidens will be looking to bounce back from a rough season last year as they take to the court for the 2010-11 campaign.
Led by second-year head coach Doug Fisher, the Maidens will be looking to improve on last year’s 2-20 record.
“Last year was a rebuilding year for the Maiden program,” Fisher said. “We had no seniors on the roster. We put a very young team on the court that displayed a solid work ethic and improved throughout the season. They were able to end a losing streak that had lasted longer than two years and then capped off the season with a win at the divisional tournament.”
The Maidens had a rough start to the season last year but broke through for a win Jan. 2 as they ended a 29-game losing streak with a 42-32 victory over Whitefish.
Ronan’s only other win of the season also came against the Lady Bulldogs, this time in the conference tournament.
Just as they did last season, the Maidens will have to overcome their lack of height this year as they prepare to build on last season’s wins.
“The obvious challenge for us this year will be our size,” Fisher said. “We are small in size but are hoping to make up for that with a relentless defense that will attack the boards. Our players have shown the willingness to work hard to overcome any obstacles they may face.”
Ronan will have four returning players who saw significant time in the starting lineup last season, led by senior All-Conference Honorable Mention member Alice Van Gunten.
“Alice has improved a great deal over the past year,” Fisher said. “She is our reigning defensive player of the year and will anchor the middle of our defense again this season. She will be asked to expand her role on the offensive end, and her mid-range shooting will be an important key to our success.”
Senior Tailyr Irvine is another returning starter from last season.
“Tailyr showed a lot of potential during our summer program,” Fisher said. “She is emerging as a scoring threat with a soft touch both inside and outside of the paint. She led the team in scoring during the summer league and looks to continue improving her offensive skills.”
Ashley Grandchamp was a regular in the starting lineup last season and will look to be a key player this year.
“Ashley handles the ball well and has the ability to hit the three,” Fisher said about the junior. “She has the potential to score off the dribble as well. She is developing nice leadership skills, and she had a very good summer and has looked good in open gym play.”
Sophomore Courtney Clairmont started in several games last season and will be battling for a spot in the starting lineup this season.
“She is extremely quick and is a tenacious defender,” Fisher said. “She spent a lot of time improving her shooting over the off-season, which will give her a more well-rounded game.”
Mariah Cheff, another sophomore, will also be fighting for a spot on the starting team.
“She is a relentless defensive presence on the court and she is not afraid to play physical or get on the floor chasing after the ball,” Fisher said. “She has a nice shot from the perimeter and will take it inside as well.”
Polson transfer Marissa McCrea is a newcomer to the team but looks like she should fit in well with the squad.
“She brings some toughness with her as well as a strong work ethic,” Fisher said. “She is quick and fits in well to the style of defense we want to play this season.”
Justice Burland, Trinity Rosenbaum and Ashleigh Lynch will also be looking to find their spot on the team this season.
“All three of them have played together a great deal and have good chemistry together,” Fisher said.
While the Maidens will once again play in one of the tougher conferences in Class A this season, they will be looking to improve on last season as they strive to reach their team goals.
“Realistically, our expectations this year are to improve on last season,” Fisher said. “The major expectation is to play hard and to play well as a unit. We feel this will lead to the laying of a strong foundation that will take the program in an upward direction.”
