Coach: Chris Bessey (first year)
Last year’s record: 19-1, lost in Western B semifinals.
Returning players: Seniors – Samantha Richards C, Nicole Hamblin G, Kailee Newcomb G, Amanda Castonguay G, Amia Pelletier F, Vanese Barnes F, Emily Keene F; Juniors – Emily Hogan G, Rylee Moore F; Sophomores – Alex Bessey G, Brooke Tracy C.
Key losses: Victoria Ouellette F, Ladesta Tracy G
Promising newcomers: Junior – Avery Goding F; Sophomore – Kim Seitz G; Freshman – Hanna St. Pierre F.
Overview: The Phoenix make the jump to the KVAC while Coach Chris Bessey makes the jump from the boys’ program back to coaching girls, where he guided the Jay girls to the state title in 2009. Spruce Mountain won 45 straight games in the MVC and went 18-0 the past two seasons.
The Phoenix return much of last year’s team, which allowed just 27 points per game.
Sam Richards, Nicole Hamblin, Kaylee Newcomb, Vanese Barnes and Emily Keene have all been starters the past few seasons while Amanda Castonguay, Amia Pelletier, Emily Hogan, Alex Bessey and Rylee Moore saw time last year and could see increased role this season.
Spruce Mountain is a deep team with good defense and experience. It will take an adjustment to the KVAC level of play but this team is certainly seasoned enough to face that challenge.
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