Bravettes set for hoops opener
Varsity roster has 9 seniors
The Flathead Bravettes rebounded marvelously from an opening-round loss at last season's Class AA state basketball tournament, winning three games in a row to claim third place.
Such a gutsy performance would render any team confident heading into a new campaign, but the Bravettes have another reason to expect big things in 2007-08: All nine of their varsity players are seniors.
Second-year Bravettes head coach Kim Elliott said he has never seen a senior-rich team that was so talented throughout.
"Not where it's this deep, no," he said. "This is solid."
So how do Flathead's coaches plan on orchestrating such a unique group on the court?
"We'll basically get out of their way," Elliott said. "We'll use our enthusiasm, and we've got stuff for them to free flow and read off of each other. That's the beauty of the seniors: They can read off each other and understand where they're cutting and what's going to happen next."
The Bravettes do have some big sneakers to fill. Defensive stalwart Annie Braseth has graduated, along with versatile classmates Lindsay Ingram, Sara Newgard, Leslie Quay, Chelsea Vaudt, Christina Zorn and Chaeney Latimer.
Flathead again will press relentlessly on defense, while running on offense. But the news gets even worse for its opponents.
"We're actually faster than last year," Elliott said.
The Bravettes' speed isn't limited to the backcourt. Kaylyn Heaton (6-0) is Flathead's fastest post, minding the paint with Ashlea Vaudt (5-11) and Ashley Brown (5-10).
Shaina Evans (5-9) returns from a knee injury to play forward, along with Ally Krautbauer, who can play in the 2, 3 or 4 positions.
Flathead's most decorated players reside in the backcourt, where 5-foot-7 all-state performers Meghan O'Connell (point guard) and Kendalyn Habel (2 guard) return. Ashley Younkin (5-4) is another standout point guard, while Kali Radel (5-6) will play extensively at the 2.
The Bravettes shouldn't have any trouble acclimating to their up-tempo pace.
"It's not tough at all because they all played a fall sport, for the most part, with soccer and volleyball," Elliott said. "They're all very active, very athletic young ladies, and they simply want to win."
After holding opponents to 41 points per game during their season-ending victory streak, the Bravettes again have something to rely upon until they jell on offense.
"Defense," Elliott said. "Creating turnovers. Pressure on the ball. We know we're going to cause turnovers on ourselves until we get the rhythm down with each other."
According to Elliott, last winter's state tournament experience will pay dividends as the Bravettes brace for nerve-racking situations this season.
"They know what they need to do," he said. "As a coach, you can tell them about it, but they have already felt it. They know the emotions of it, they know the rewards of it."
Flathead's first contest is a dandy: a 3 p.m. nonconference showdown today at Lake City High School of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The Timberwolves were state champions last season.
"I wouldn't want it any other way," Elliott said of the stiff opening test.
The Flathead faithful are eager for their first glimpse of what promises to be a highly-entertaining season.
"It is very enjoyable to watch," Elliott said. "It's the reward that you seldom get as a coach. It's what you cherish, and you make sure there's not going to be anything getting in the way of their goals."