Basketball teams have good returning squads

It's time to hit the hardwood.

The Lady Pirates basketball team is looking much like last year's, only losing three seniors to graduation - Val Aman, Kate Taylor and Jessica Lemon.

"Kate was our rebounder and defensive specialist," head coach Bruce Thomas said.

"Jenni Nesladek is lighting quick on defense and a good outside scorer"

But the Lady Pirates should have no problem filling those voids.

Nesladek will have help from Strohm Fouty, a three year starter, who averaged close to 12 points a game last season and was named to the second team all conference.

"She's definitely a leader on the team," Thomas said about Fouty.

Kari Mowbray, one of the team's top rebounders, also returns this year.

Thomas said Kari is really strong inside on the boards.

Thomas will be playing 6-foot-1-inch tall Kara Huyser at the front of their press.

"She plays like she's 6' 3" - she can score from the outside and inside."

The Lady Pirates will open their season against Anaconda in Hamilton Dec. 10.

For the boys, the biggest change might be off the court, with the emergence of head coach Karl Tait, who last coached at Polson in 1985. He said he's been looking forward to returning for a long time.

"I have missed basketball. It's kind of the love of my life."

The Pirates lost no seniors last season and should have a good pool to pick from.

"I think we have some pretty good kids coming back," Tait said.

"I think we have some pretty good individual talent, but our goal is to get them to mesh together and play as a team."

Polson will have two weeks to get ready for the season opener at the Hamilton tourney.

Tait said home court advantage will be important, and that he wants to keep the ball moving around.

"With our offense there is a lot of movement and everybody gets involved," said Tait. "There will be lots of picks, cuts, and passes."

For Ronan, boys basketball head coach Aaron Griffin only lost three seniors to graduation last June.

"The bulk of my team is back," said a happy Griffin.

Ronan hopes to build on last year's 11-4 record in conference play, and with the meat of the team back, should be able to grow.

"I think we are better this year than last," said Griffin.

Ronan has eight returning lettermen and one all-state player.

Jimmy Michel, an all-state guard who averaged close to 14 points a game, should have another stand out season.

"Western A is a dog fight, you got to take care of the home court advantage," said Griffin.

Ronan opens against Corvallis at the tip-off tourney in Hamilton on Dec. 10.

Dave Paisley is the new head coach for the Maidens. Paisley maybe new to Ronan, but not to basketball, he brings 11 years of coaching experience from the Cleveland, OH. He won 32 games combined in two years and one the schools first ever district championship.

The Maidens had a good summer of playing before this season. The girls won the Summer Shoot Out this summer in Whitefish.

"The surprising thing is that we have 11 seniors trying out" said Paisley.

Some of the top seniors this year will be, Jamie Lake, Deserie Krell, and Cambrie Starkel.

"Krell has good footwork for a post player and has a soft shot" said Paisley.

The Maidens open against Corvallis in Hamilton Dec. 10.

"With the talent I have seen and the numbers of seniors we are expecting to have a good season"