After a 24-win campaign that ended in the regional semifinals, the Upperman Bees girls basketball team enters the new season with a strengthened core, a sharpened identity, and a coach who believes her group is only getting better by the day.
Head coach Dana McWilliams said the focus this preseason has been simple: Improve daily.
“They’ve been really fun [to coach,]” McWilliams said. “I’ve really enjoyed them. They play so hard. They’re gonna give you their best each and every night that we go out there.”
That effort is already showing. McWilliams said the Bees, who averaged 33 points over their final three games, have seen significant strides offensively during early scrimmages.
“All the girls are really locked in,” McWilliams said. “Everybody’s contributing. Seems like we’ve gotten a little bit stronger physically, and it seems like they’re really locked in to be the best they can be this year.”
McWilliams said the chemistry has returned with three returning seniors. The Bees bring back three seniors who have started every game since their freshman seasons: Gracie Butler, Maggie Butler, and Taylor Dolente. Junior Sadie South also returns after taking on major minutes last year.
Perhaps the most notable early development is the emergence of Cassie Crouch, whom McWilliams said has taken command at point guard, a shift she believes will influence every area of Upperman’s play.
“I think they’ve always been confident,” McWilliams said. “I think that’s the one thing for sure they’ve had, but I think every year as you play and become more experienced, obviously I think your confidence grows just with that alone.”
McWilliams said the Bees plan to rely more heavily on man-to-man defense this season, looking to take advantage of their toughness and communication shown throughout previous years.
Upperman finished second in District 7-3A last year and has posted back-to-back seasons of 24 or more wins. But after falling short of a regional championship berth last spring, the goal is clear: take the next step.
