Last year, the Ellsworth High School girls basketball team won its first-ever Class B state championship. They had a great season, ending 19-3 and winning tough games in the Class B North tournament. The team is back, with almost all its starters, and they’re aiming to be the first to win back-to-back titles since 2012 and 2013.
The coach, Andy Pooler, is excited but knows it won’t be easy. He says they ‘flew under the radar’ last year, but now everyone will be giving their best against them. Key players like Abby Radel and Grace Jaffray are returning, and they were standout performers last season. Radel was the Most Valuable Player in the Class B North Tournament, scoring an average of 19.3 points per game.
Jaffray, a junior forward/wing, was a top scorer and rebounder. She wants to improve her shooting skills and become a reliable defender. The team has other strong players like Addison Atherton, Lizzie Boles, Lily Bean, and Meg Jordan, who made crucial contributions in the last season.
Coach Pooler is optimistic about their depth and skills, emphasizing teamwork and sharing the ball. The team also benefits from five players who were part of the Class B North championship soccer team, bringing both fitness and experience to the basketball court.
Despite their success, Coach Pooler urges the team to stay focused and motivated, saying, ‘We need to practice like we never won and play like we never lost.'”
