High School Sports Preview: Phillips, Wood, and Birdsell to anchor explosive Miner offense
JOSH McDONALD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 4 weeks AGO
The Wallace Jr/Sr High School Girls Basketball Team. Pictured from the left are Lauren Voorhees, Kadynce Hanks, Aliyah Birdsell, Grace Delano, Aubrey Birdsell, Kylee Phillips, Khepri Wood, Mia Stutzke, and Kayden Stutzke.
Courtesy photo
The Wallace Miners enter the 2025-26 season with experience and grit, aiming to challenge league favorite Lakeside while leaning on a strong backcourt. Ninth-year head coach Nichole Farkas likes what she sees from her group.
“We have a lot of returning players,” Farkas said. “Lakeside will be favored in our league, but we will work hard to try and come out ahead.”
Roster Outlook
Wallace brings back two seniors and five juniors, giving the Miners a solid foundation of leadership and familiarity. While size may be a concern, Farkas believes her team’s guard play will be a difference-maker.
Players to Watch
The Miners will rely heavily on their guard trio of Kylee Phillips, Khepri Wood, and Aubrey Birdsell to set the tone offensively and defensively.
“We have a number of players who can step up and have big games for us,” Farkas noted.
Goals and Identity
Defense will be the calling card this season. “We are hoping to amp up our defense this year and be more aggressive,” Farkas said.
With limited size, Wallace plans to use speed and pressure to disrupt opponents.
Key Dates
Wallace has a jam-packed schedule in the month of January. Including non-league contests with Kellogg, Deary, Logos, and Genesee.
What’s New
The Miners will miss Bethany Phillips, whose presence in the paint anchored their defense last season. Still, Farkas calls this a “great group of girls” and believes their experience in the backcourt gives them an edge.
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