'Beeter Girls expect to make another run in the 9C, advance to 6th straight Northern C
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BCJ Staff
The 2015-16 Chinook girls basketball team. Brooke Nicholson stands above her teammates as the lone senior on the roster. Back row (L-R): Head Coach Mollie Rose, sophomore Erin Pula, junior Nicole McCracken, junior Kelsey Mathon, junior Rochelle Chaffin, freshman Kourtney Hanson, sophomore Abby Ellison, sophomore Sierra Swank, junior Taylor Neibauer and assistant coach Lesa MacLeod. Kneeling (L-R): Freshman Rachel Gunderson, sophomore Carrie Hofer, sophomore Anne Reed, freshman Ashley MacLeod, freshman Megan Molyneaux, junior Brooke Elliot and freshman Lincey Johnson.
The Chinook Sugarbeeters have been at the top of the District 9C for some time now having qualified for the Northern C Divisional the past five seasons. This year's squad looks to make it six in a row and they have the fire power to do it.
Mollie Rose is back for her second season at the helm after guiding her team to a third place finish at the Northern C a season ago.
Rose will have a good idea where this year's team is following their opening games in Chester this Thursday and Saturday.
The 'Beeters return senior Brooke Nicholson an All-Conference, All-State performer that has guided the offense the past three seasons.
With only one senior on the roster, the juniors and sophomores will be called upon to lead the team and the good news is they have a ton of experience in that group. Junior Taylor Neibauer started a season ago and Kelsey Mathon saw quality minutes as a freshman and played a big role down the stretch last spring.
Junior Brooke Elliot developed a strong post game and will again be asked to protect the paint. Junior Nicole McCracken adds depth inside.
New to the team is junior Rochelle Chaffin, a versatile player that can play both the guard and forward positions and shoot the ball while also being able to attack the defense.
A strong sophomore contingent is led by Abby Ellison and Sierra Swank. Both saw quality minutes a year ago.
Sophomores Erin Pula, Carrie Hofer, Heaven LaForge and Anne Reed are back for their second season and have the opportunity to make an impact.
Freshman out for their first season of high school basketball include Megan Molyneaux, Ashley MacLeod, Rachel Gunderson, Lincy Johnson and Kourtney Hanson. This group is young but athletic and talented.
Chinook will begin play Thursday afternoon when they face the Great Falls Central Catholic Mustangs at 5:15 p.m. in Chester. The Mustangs were also at the Northern C a year ago and will provide the team with a good measuring stick to begin the season.
Saturday the team will take on the Dutton/Brady Diamondbacks at 11:15 a.m., also in Chester.
Both games are non-conference but do count towards their overall record.
Chinook will begin conference play December 18 when they travel to Hays to face the Thunderbirds in their District 9C opener.
The 'Beeters will host the Big Sandy Pioneers the following night as the play at home for the first time this season.
