Lady Cats Are Young, But Determined To Compete for a Spot in Tough Northern B

 

November 30, 2022

Junior Emma Billmayer was an integral part of the Lady Cat's success that led to an appearance at the Class B State Tournament. Billmayer will be called upon by Head Coach Brandon Trottier to use that experience in leading this years team.

The Harlem Lady Cat basketball team sure turned some heads a season ago. The Lady Cats clawed their way from a difficult regular season all the way to the Class B State Tournament.

This years roster is very young on paper, but Head Coach, Brandon Trottier and his staff are familiar with the underdog roll. Some pundits might be quick to write the Lady Cats off, but if you have followed their program lately, that's probably the wrong call.

This years roster includes seniors Ma'Lea Moore and Crysie Johnson. Juniors back for another season include Emma Billmayer and Tova Anderson.

Sophomores looking to play a bigger roll on the Varsity include Aaraya Mount, Raelynne Briere, Jaden Blackcrow, Lacia Walls and Gracie Sanchez. Freshman Kelsie Mount rounds out the Varsity line up.

The Junior Varsity will include sophomores Amara Cochran, Jailee Wing and Annalise Yellow Robe. Freshman Jarah Wilson and Cadence Fortin round out the Lady Cat roster.


The Lady Cats have state tournament experience in a number of returning players but many don't, " This years team will be young, but they are a determined group of ladies that want to get back to the state tournament," stated Trottier.

Harlem lost a lot to graduation, "I am returning two starters from last years state tournament team - junior guard Emma Billmayer and sophomore guard Aaraya Mount. I'll be looking for leadership from them."

Trottier will look to others with experience to provide leadership, "I will have junior guard Tova Anderson and sophomore post Raelynne Briere as well as senior post Ma'Lea Moore, these three saw significant minutes off the bench last season."


Trottier has a feel for his team identity, "I think our strength this season will have to be our defence. Practice has been going great, the ladies come in and work hard every day."

The Lady Cats style of play won't change, "We will push the ball again this year and try to switch up our defensive schemes during games to catch teams off guard."

Some big changes to the way games are played will force teams to have to adapt, "I'm very excited for the shot clock this season, especially for high school basketball. I think our team will adjust to the shot clock just fine."

The Lady Cats can certainly be counted on to compete from the opening tip to the final buzzer regardless of the score. Coach Trottier will have his team conditioned to run with any team they play. Win or lose fans are certain to be entertained.


The Lady Cats will begin their season in Billings at the Lockwood Tip Off Tournament. The Lady Cats will open the season on Friday, December 10 at 3:00 pm against Huntley Project. The girls will play Roundup on Saturday, December 11 at 3:00 pm.

Harlem will then open District 2B play on the road against Malta on December 16. The Lady Cats will make their home debut against the Poplar Indians on Saturday, December 17.

The girls will close out the 2022 portion of their schedule with a home contest against the Rocky Boy Morning Stars on December 19 and a road trip to Cut Bank to face the Wolves on December 22.

The Lady Cats will begin 2023 at home on Friday, December 6 when they will welcome the Chinook Sugarbeeters to town. Harlem will then face the Wolves in Wolf Point on January 7.

The remainder of the Lady Cats schedule includes home games against Glasgow on January 13; Box Elder, January 14; Malta, January 19, Cut Bank, January 28. Harlem will honour their seniors on Saturday, February 4, their final home contest of the season.

The Lady Cats will be on the road for games in Poplar, January 21; Rocky Boy, January 26, Chinook February 3; Box Elder, February 9. They will conclude their regular season schedule on Friday, February 10 in Glasgow against the Scotties.

Harlem will begin what they hope to be another deep post season run in Malta, February 16-18 at the District 2B Tournament.

Junior Tova Anderson and sophomore Raelynne Briere, above right, logged plenty of minutes a season ago and will be called upon to take on bigger rolls to help this years team accomplish their goals.

The top four teams from the District 2B Tournament will advance to the Northern B Divisional in Glasgow, February 23-25.

The top two teams at the Northern B Divisional will move on to the Class B State Tournament in Great Falls, March 9-11. The State B will be held at the Four Seasons Arena.

 
 

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