Girls basketball: Cohesive juniors lead Badgers in 2018-19
NIAGARA, Wis. — A veteran group will lead Niagara in the 2019 girls basketball season.
“The girls on this year’s team have played together since fourth grade,” said Niagara head coach Karl Lamoreaux, noting seven juniors that either started or lettered last season. “I am looking forward to a fun year.”
All-M&O Conference first-teamer Jasmine Racine along with 6-foot-1 Jessica Oratch and 5-10 Cassie Gill started last season. The other letter-winners back are sophomore Alyssa Cretton, senior Marissa Blosser and juniors Jaida Maki and Cailin Hagerty.
The Badgers graduated Ki’Eircidy Hannah, Maddie West and Allison Wells from last year’s team which finished 17-7 overall and 10-6 conference.
“Two six-footers and a great defender,” Lamoreaux said of the graduates.
The Badgers host Goodman-Pembine on Thursday to start the season. Wausaukee comes to Niagara on Tuesday, Nov. 27, for the M&O opener.
“M&O Conference is as good as it has been in my five years,” said Lamoreaux, assisted by Miranda Cretton and Ryan Allred.
Lamoreaux has the Badgers contending with Crivitz, Oneida Nation, Wausaukee and Gillett.
“Teams will have to be prepared every night,” Lamoreaux said. “If they are not, they we’ll get beat. It should be a very competitive race to a conference championship.”
Roster:
SENIOR — Marissa Blosser, 5-3
JUNIORS — Jessica Oratch, 6-1; Jasmine Racine, 5-6; Jaden Payette, 5-4; Sydney Dunkes, 5-6; Cassie Gill, 5-10; Olivia Brasure, 5-4; Jaida Maki, 5-7; Cailin Hagerty, 5-10
SOPHOMORE — Alyssa Cretton, 5-6