With no graduation losses and all five starters returning this season, the Falls girls basketball team is looking to improve upon its 15-13 record in 2010-11.
Head coach Shawn Gilbert enters his seventh year as the FHS varsity coach after having led the Broncos to the Section 7AA semifinals the previous season.
The returning starters include senior guard Hanna Heibel and junior center Jenna Vergeldt, who were All-Iron Range Conference selections and on the All-Arrowhead second team last season.
The three other returning starters include junior forward Sophie Fredrickson and junior guards Reva Renollet and Rachel Foss.
Returning reserves of note include junior forwards Sara Christanson and Anah Schwartz and senior center Sam Hams.
Gilbert said the team’s strengths include speed, quickness, experience and depth on the bench.
He said turnovers can sometimes be a problem for the team along with rebounding against the better teams.
In addition to improving upon last season’s winning record, Gilbert said the team’s goals include winning the Iron Range Conference and also competing for the Arrowhead title.
While he is the most concerned about injuries this season, Gilbert said he is looking forward to “winning a lot of games” and “watching the team improve.”
He said the teams to watch out this season include Hibbing in the IRC, along with having Grand Rapids back on the schedule and the potential Section opponents of Esko and Braham.
The Broncos begin the season Tuesday against Ely.
