Stanton Girls look to pick up where they left off last year

Team: Stanton

Mascot: Mustangs

Colors: Orange and Black

Class: C-2

Conference: East Husker

Head Coach: Greg Wegner (1st season)

2014-2015 record: 23-2 (lost to Pierce in Sub Districts)

Returning Starters: 3

Overview:

The Stanton Girls hope to have another fantastic season under first year Head Coach Greg Wegner.

The Mustangs return three starters in Hiliary Huss, MacKenzie Brandl, and Leah Arens.

Stanton will have to make up for the loss of Rachel Brandl and Tabitha Kander.

Two newcomers who could make an impact on this year's team, according to Wegner, are Jessie Brandl and Bree Burtwhistle, both freshmen.

Wegner talks about what his team will do offensively and defensively. "We will run dribble drive/motion sets on offense. Defensively, we will most play man to man, but will jump into some zone throughout the year. Also, you will see a full-court press for the entirety of the game, unless the contest is out of hand."

The press could come in handy for the Mustangs, although I'm sure Stanton will have some games where they won't need to press late. 

 

Wegner says quickness is a strength of his team. "I believe our biggest strengths on offense are our guard play and our speed. Defensively, our speed and aggressiveness will create a lot of havoc for opposing offenses."

Defense figures to be the name of the game for the Mustangs, who only gave up over 50 points twice last season.

However, once teams get the ball down low, Stanton could have their issues. Wegner says the Mustangs could be weak down low. "Height and Post Play. We are not very tall, which can cause problems if our speed/press is not working effectively."

Given how good this team was last year and the run these girls had in volleyball this year and last year, I wouldn't be surprised if this team is down in Lincoln at season's end.

Season Outlook:

Stanton definitely has high expectations coming into the season given what happened last year. Wegner says he expects this team to be good. "I expect a lot of success to come from these girls. We have a good group of kids coming back from last year. They worked hard in the summer and during the fall, which was shown with their success in volleyball this year. They have a winner’s mentality when it comes to work ethic, which any coach would be glad to have."

Hard work, toughness, grit, determination, and sacrifice will no doubt play a role in this team's success this year.

Wegner says his team needs to be well rounded offensively. "We need younger players to step up and play valuable/productive minutes. We cannot rely on two girls scoring the majority of points every game. We also need some post play to show up throughout the season. Last year’s team relied solely on guard play, I want to have a more balanced attack."

It will be important for the Mustangs' offense to be potent like it was in quite a few games last year. 

Wegner says his squad hopes to accomplish a lot this season. "I am super excited about this year’s team! The girls have great attitudes and work hard to push each other, which makes my job a lot easier. The girls have filled out goal sheets for this year’s team, and they want to win the conference tournament again, win the district title, and win games down in Lincoln. I have the same expectations for these girls, their work ethic will take them far, especially when sports are done in their lives."

Stanton has some tough games, especially early on. The Mustangs face difficult matchups against Tekamah-Herman, Howells-Dodge, West Point-Beemer, Pender, Lyons-Decatur Northeast, and Twin River. 

Being in C-2 should help Stanton reach their goals. That's not to say the Mustangs couldn't do it in C-1, but the road to Lincoln is more favorable in Class C-2. It should be a fun season for Stanton.

The Mustangs open up the year at Tekamah-Herman on Thursday. 

 

Projected starting lineup (Height, Grade, position, how many years starting experience)

Hiliary Huss, 5’7’’ Senior, PG, This will be her 3^rd year as a starter I believe.

MacKenzie Brandl, 5’5’’ Junior Guard. I believe this is her 3^rd year as a starter.

Leah Arens, 5’10’’ Senior Post. This will be her 2^nd year as a starter.

Jessie Brandl, 5’6’’ Freshman Guard. This will be her 1^st year as a starter.

Ali Wade, 5’10’’ Senior Post. Or Bree Burtwistle, 5’8’’ Freshman Post. It will be either girls’ first year as a starter.

2015-2016 Stanton Mustangs Girls Basketball Schedule:

12/03/15	@ Tekamah-Herman	C1
12/04/15	Howells-Dodge	D1
12/08/15	@ West Point-Beemer	C1
12/10/15	Wisner-Pilger	C2
12/15/15	@ North Bend Central	C1
12/18/15	Wakefield	C2
12/19/15	@ Pender	D1
12/28-12/29	(To Be Determined)							Stanton Holiday Tournament	Stanton
01/02/16	@ Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family	C2
01/05/16	Battle Creek	C2
01/08/16	@ Oakland-Craig	C2
01/09/16	Logan View-Scribner-Snyder	C1
01/12/16	Plainview	C2
01/15/16	@ Boone Central/Newman Grove	C1
01/19/16	@ Madison	C1
01/23/16	Lyons-Decatur Northeast	D2
01/26/16	Twin River	C2
01/29-02/06	(To Be Determined)							East Husker Conference Tour	TBA
02/11/16	@ Clarkson/Leigh	C2