“We have a fun year ahead with many unknowns,” said Montezuma girls basketball Coach Janel Burgess.
Notice, though, that she said, “fun.”
Montezuma has a number of experienced players returning from last year’s, 22-3, Class 1A state semifinalist team.
There are promising newcomers as well.
It’s possible it will be more of a “reloading” issue than a “rebuilding” task that faces the Bravettes’ coaching staff.
“I do know we have a lot of defense to figure out and we will identify what our rotations are as we head through the week,” Burgess said on Sunday evening, Nov. 17.
“We have our Lynnville-Sully jamboree on Monday (Nov. 18), then we scrimmage at Solon on Saturday. We’ll know a lot more after that.”
The Bravettes return 5-11 University of Iowa signee Shateah Wetering for her fourth year as a varsity starter.
Shateah averaged 18.9 points last season, was a .561 shooter from the field, led the team with 135 rebounds, had 72 steals and blocked 29 shots.
Elise Boulton, a junior with a 9.5 average and a .414 shooting percentage from behind the arc, also is back.
So is 5-10 junior Dylan Holland, a 4.0 scorer with a .535 avarage and the second leading rebounder.
Senior Shelby Conger brings her 3.7 points per game and versatility back.
Senior Maddy McKeag, a quick defender with a 3.2 scoring average that included bursts from behind the arc.
Another who returns inside is 5-10 senior Madelyn DeJong, a .560 shooter who averaged 2.1 points.
Senior Carissa Van Zee returns experience to the backcourt.
Another senior who brings athletic ability is 5-9 Waverly Roorda, who was a standout volleyball player.
If you’re a follower of the Montezuma program, you can look at the roster below and realize there is much potential firepower on this team.
There are nine players listed as standing between 5-8 and 5-11.
There is quickness.
There is speed.
What about intangibles, which probably will be the deciding factor on how good this team can be?
“Our seniors have been very good and are leading in a very special way,” Burgess said.
“We have a strong junior class that will help us,” Burgess said, adding that the rotation could include more underclassmen than we’ve mentioned.
“We will hang our hat on defense again as we figure out our identity on offense,” Burgess said.
“If believe the ball movement will remain, and we may be a tad more efficient from behind the three-point line, but that has yet to be seen,” she said.
The first official game for Montezuma will be Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Pella Christian. The Bravettes will then play East Buchanan on Rivalry Saturday on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Coe College in Cedar Rapids.
OK, ring the bell.
“The fun is here!” Burgess said.
The Bravettes
(varsity as of Nov. 18)
Seniors – Maddy McKeag, 5-7. Shateah Wetering, 5-11. Carissa Van Zee, 5-5. Shelby Conger, 5-9. Waverly Roorda, 5-9. Madelyn DeJong, 5-10.
Juniors – Kierstyn Price, 5-7. Alyssa Cline, 5-6. Elise Boulton, 5-5. Dylan Holland, 5-10.
Sophomores – Shanae Wetering, 5-8. Ashlyn Krousie, 5-8. Korinn Kehoe, 5-9.
Freshman – Mia Boulton, 5-3.
