Maidens hope to rise

RONAN - The Ronan girl's basketball team has struggled with

several coaching changes in recent history, so the consistency of

head coach Doug Fisher going into his second year should mean good

things for the Maidens.

RONAN - The Ronan girl's basketball team has struggled with several coaching changes in recent history, so the consistency of head coach Doug Fisher going into his second year should mean good things for the Maidens.

"Last year was a rebuilding year for the Maiden program," Fisher said. "We had no seniors on the roster. We courted a very young team that displayed a solid work ethic. The team improved throughout the season and was able to snap a losing streak that lasted more than two years."

While the Maidens had a 2-20 record last year, they capped things off in the divisional tournament with a win.

Seniors Alice Van Gunten and Tailyr Irvine saw significant varsity action last season, and were forces on the volleyball court in the fall. They could combine for a double dose of offensive firepower and defensive might.

"Alice has improved a great deal over the last year. 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. Her mid range shooting is very good," Fisher said. "Tailyr Irvine showed a lot of potential during our summer program. She is emerging as a scoring threat with a soft touch both inside and outside the paint."

Junior Ashley Grandchamp will handle the ball for the Maidens and has a deadly three-point shot from the outside.

"She handles the ball well and has the ability to hit the three," Fisher said. "She has the potential to score off the dribble drive as well. Ashley is developing nice leadership skills on the court."

Sophomores Courtney Clairmont and Mariah Cheff should see significant action for the Maidens. Clairmont started several games as a freshman so varsity action is nothing new for her.

"Courtney is extremely quick and a tenacious defender," Fisher said. "She spent a lot of time improving her shooting over the off season, which will give her a more rounded game."

Cheff was no stranger to the lineup either and should make games miserable for opponents.

"She is also a relentless defensive presence on the court," Fisher said. "She is not afraid to play physical or get on the floor after the ball. She has a nice shot from the perimeter and will take it inside."

Polson senior transfer Marissa McCrea should also fit in nicely with the Maidens as her speed and work ethic have already earned notice from her coach.

Fisher is looking to see improvement from his team this season and lay a strong foundation for the program.

"We are small in size but are hoping to make up for that with a relentless defense that will attack the boards," he said. "Our players have shown the willingness to work hard to overcome."