The 2019-2020 North Union girl’s varsity basketball team is pictured from the left, front row, Sadie Spriggs, Alyssa Guy, Madison Amstutz, Kenna Ruhl and Kori Marvin; second row, head coach Bre Nauman, Sydney Parish, Brycelyn Deickert, Gabby Zeigler, Journey Blevins, Sydney Bacon, Jordyn Hoffman and coach Alexis Maenz. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
North Union’s girls basketball team worked with a lack of experience last year, not only with the roster, but also with first-year head coach Bre Nauman.
The Lady Cats’ coach, however, said there was a lot of growth during the offseason.
“We have grown a lot, mentally and physical, since last season,” she said. “That is the only thing you can ask for as a coach.”
The Lady Cats will have a roster full of experience this season with the return of all the of the varsity payers from last year.
They are also returning several key players who missed the season due to injuries. Nauman said the lack of senior players last year was tough, but will hopefully help pay off this season.
“We did not have any seniors on the team, so our returning players all gained a lot of basketball minutes last season on both the junior varsity and varsity courts,” she added.
The Lady Cats will have their leading scorer, Journey Blevins, back to the team. Blevins averaged 13.5 points over 20 games last season.
NU will also have two of its offensive weapons in Kori Marvin and Jordyn Hoffman return to the team after suffering injuries last season.
North Union will also welcome a new face in senior transfer student Gabby Zeigler. Nauman said Ziegler was been working out well so far and can help the team accomplish its goals this season.
“Some of our team goals are to have a winning record and to be Central Buckeye Conference campions,” Nauman said.
Along with their season goals, the coach added they would be emphasizing game- time goals to help keep the team focused after a 7-16 record last season.
Numan said in her second season as the head coach, she wants to see her Cats find success.
“I am still trying to instill my players with hard work, dedication to the game and to their teammates,” Nauman said. “I want my players to experience the sweet feeling of working hard for what you want and getting it done in the right way.”
NU has won its first two games of the over Ridgemont and London.
North Union girl’s junior varsity basketball team is pictured from left, front row, Sadie Spriggs, Anna Rauck, Lacetyn Riffle and Nevaeh Alvarado; second row, coach Bre Nauman, Jayla Kelley, Jada Davis, Taran Moran, Hope Hall, Kendal Walzac-Music and coach Alexis Maenz. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)