By Jeremy McDonald
jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
STAYTON, Ore.– The Stayton Girls Basketball program accomplished something that they hadn’t done since the 2018-2019 season:
Reach the Elite 8.
And though they didn’t place, they are returning a strong core from last year’s 19-6 squad as they only graduated one in Liv Smart.
Kenzi Hollenbeck and Haley Butenschoen, return. The Samek twins in Kourtney and Kathryn return as does Brookelynne Morley. Zuri Anderson, a sophomore, is expected to have a strong year, points out Head Coach Tal Wold after the work Zuri put in this offseason.
For the 21-year coaching veteran, Wold points towards how connected this team is. They just enjoy being around each other and that has helped them set the foundation last year and to build upon that going into this season.
“So we have a really good group of seniors and we have a really good group behind them. They love battling for each other. So it’s a really good returning group, no question about it,” said Wold. “Last year was such a fun year and the girls, they can feel it. They felt it this Summer like, ‘hey we can do something special’. So they’ve been working hard.”
The mindset is to get one-percent better every time they step on the court. Whether in practice or in a game, that goal is to just take that next step. And with how tough the Oregon West Conference is with Philomath, Cascade and North Marion and Newport on the up-and-up, it is important for them to make the most of every opportunity they get.
“(Last year) just gives us something to work harder for. We’re returning most of the team, which is good and that kind of gives us more of a family environment, something to work harder for everyday to get one-percent better,” said Hollenbeck. “Our thing has been to get touches and talk to each other. The best teams get touches and letting each other know that we’re here for each other, we’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders and we’re here to make each other better.”
Stayton opens the season December 4 at Junction City before hosting Molalla for their home opener December 10.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
