By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
DE PERE — A year ago, the West De Pere girls’ basketball team raced through the Bay Conference with a 14-0 record.
The Phantoms survived two scares from New London, winning both games by a combined four points.
“We had a goal of winning the conference,” said head coach Chris Abaray. “We were not sure how things would play out being so young. Shawano was the favorite, and New London returned lots of experience. Once we got rolling early last year, we knew our goal was possible. It’s tough playing the second half of the conference slate – everyone knows what your tendencies are.”
Despite finishing 16-6 overall, the Phantoms were awarded a No 4 seed in the WIAA Division 2 regional and were beaten in the opener by Green Bay Southwest, 49-42.
“It’s imperative we play a tough non-conference slate this year,” Abaray said. “Our playoff road is tough, and there are no easy games. We need to be battle-tested, particularly on the road. Our non-conference schedule will be tough with games against Southwest, Ashwaubenon, Green Bay Preble, De Pere, New Berlin Eisenhower and Brookfield Central. These games will tell us more about who we are and what we need to improve. We will play anyone.”
Post player Alexa Thomson, who averaged 11.8 points and 9.2 rebounds a game as a sophomore, returns this season.
Alivia McNabb, Imani Ninham and Casey Jepson combined for more than 400 points and will also bring a strong nucleus back to the court.
“Alexa, Casey and Alivia bring back lots of experience,” said Abaray. “Alexa and Casey have become more vocal this offseason. Alivia is our most vocal player. She has the ability to set the tone every time we hit the floor. She is good in the passing lanes defensively and tough to stop in the open court once she picks up steam. Alexa will be our best player. I believe she is the top player in the Bay Conference and one of the best in the area. She can play and defend all five positions when asked. Casey brings us more offensive firepower. She is an excellent passer and has worked at becoming a better defender.”
West De Pere will have to replace Sydney Appleton at the point guard position, but Bailey Baeten and Rebekah Buboltz played big-time minutes last season.
Breanna Schneider and Nevaeh Thomas will be counted on to contribute as well.
“We have to emphasize our style of play daily on the practice floor,” Abaray said. “We incorporate a ton of transition and dribble-drive principles through small-sided games. This year, with us looking to get after it more defensively, we expect there to be some battles. We have to be committed to making each other uncomfortable on the practice floor. If we can accomplish those things, we will put ourselves in a great position to achieve success come game time.”
West De Pere girls’ basketball schedule
12/3 – Ashwaubenon
12/6 – New London
12/13 – @ Seymour
12/17 – @ Menasha
12/19 – @ Xavier
12/27 – @ New Berlin Eisenhower
12/30 – @ De Pere
1/4 – @ Brookfield Central – 3:30 p.m.
1/9 – Green Bay West
1/14 – @ Shawano Community
1/17 – @ Green Bay East
1/18 – Luxemburg-Casco – 4 p.m.
1/21 – @ New London
1/24 – Seymour
1/31 – Menasha
2/4 – Xavier
2/7 – @ Green Bay West
2/13 – @ Shawano – 7:15 p.m.
2/17 – Oshkosh West
2/20 – Green Bay East
Editor’s note: All games begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.