The preceding season for the Ronan Maidens is one they would like to put behind them.  While they were competitive in several games during the schedule, they couldn’t quite close the door on opponents when they held a narrow lead.  In other contests where they were able to pull within reach, they couldn’t secure those timely baskets to get over the hump.   But when it is all said and done after a season that fell shy of higher expectations, they can all say they played against Stanford-bound and prospective future NCAA All-American Joslyn Tinkle when they took the court against two-time Class AA state  champion Missoula Big Sky.

The Maidens graduated five seniors from last season.  Two of them were 3-point sharpshooters who finished just behind the conference leaders in treys and both were TOP TEN placers in multiple categories.  One of those was all-conference 2nd-team selection Carli Starkel, who posted a seasonal double-triple (202 pts, 108 reb)  and was barely displaced from a fifth category among the TOP TEN (3rd in treys, 8th in total pts & steals, 9th in fg%).   The other was point guard Jordan Strozzi  (2nd in ft%, 4th in treys, 7th in steals). The third key contributor for the Maidens last season was Kaylee Larson, an all-conference 2nd-team selection her junior year who likewise posted a seasonal double-triple (139 pts, 119 reb) and was a presence among the TOP TEN  (8th in rebounds, 9th in blocks, 10th in 2-pt fg).  The other  graduates to depart the Maidens were Ashlee Cheff and Jade Michel.

Efforts to establish a greater presence in the post position elevated to prominence sophomore Morgan Belgarde a third of the way through last season, where she did not disappoint (144 pts, 104 reb) by placing among the TOP TEN in some key categories (5th in reb, 8th in 2-pt fg).  Unfortunately, Belgarde has relocated elsewhere, once again leaving a gaping hole to be filled in the post. 

As the Maidens embark upon this season, they will have to reconfigure their offense to make up for the firepower lost by the departure of the six players who accounted for over two-thirds of the Maiden’s offensive output last season.  One bright spot among last year’s statistics  is that those returning with varsity experience combined to crest the century mark in both scoring and rebounding.

Returning upperclassmen vying for slots on the varsity roster include juniors Tailyr Irvine, Taylor Lynch and Alice van Gunten.   Lynch has indications of a long-range shooting touch.  Van Gunten is a capable rebounding presence who will be called upon to step up her offensive productivity.

In an effort to inject some life into last year’s lineup and turn a sliding season around, several promising freshmen were brought up to varsity where they were able to hold their own.  With a little seasoning now under their belts,  this season’s sophomores who will challenge for varsity playing time include Nina Orozco, Shandeen Belanger, Tylynn Lefthand, and Ashley Grandchamp.  All have shown indications of being capable ball handlers with quick acceleration at their disposal. 

The athleticism of junior Katie Andrews, evident from her contributions both at the volleyball net and on the softball field, will now be applied to making her impact count on the basketball court this winter.  Mission/St. Ignatius transfer  5-10 junior Jonna Grant looks to provide a boost to the program to help stem the vacancies at several key positions.

Another promising freshman class with aspirations of becoming contributors to the Maiden basketball program in the years to come includes  Ashleigh Lynch, Courtney Clairmont, Mariah Cheff, divisional cross-country placer Taneesha Lefthand and NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Western Sectional 1st-place finisher for age 14-15 Trinity Rosenbaum.

The prognosis for the upcoming season?  When one languishes at the bottom of the heap, the only direction where one can look is up.  With Doug Fisher taking over the reins of the Maidens as their head coach this season, assisted by Clayton Curley and Shelly Buhr, the Maidens will take aim at shortening leads held by opponents in an effort to catapult the flying R onto the other side of the ledger by improving upon team unity and cranking up levels of intensity on the court.