Lady Wolves Aim For Return Trip To State

Wolf Point’s girls’ basketball season begins practice with the goal of returning to the state tournament this season.

Seniors on the squad are Juellz Bauer, Sierra Hamilton, Kylie Rodenberg and Azalei Ackerman.

Other returning players from last year’s varsity roster include junior Keeley Blount-Henderson, junior Ameliya Doney and sophomore Kashlyn Speak Thunder. Girls who were alternates on the tournament team were sophomores Karmyn Plain Feather and Amya Martinez.

Coach Frank Benton said the Wolves are very fundamentally sound heading into the season.

“They like to run the offense,” Benson said. “They like to play defense.”

The coach has been impressed with several players during the first days of pre-season practices.

Hamilton was an All-Conference selection last year and is anticipated to have a big senior season.

Benson said Ackerman has improved a good deal and sees the floor very well. He noted that Ackerman and Bauer were key contributors in last season’s challenge game to qualify for the state tournament. Both are excellent shooters.

Rodenberg was one of the team’s top rebounders last season and play solid defense. “She brings energy to the team. She goes 100 miles per hour all the time,” Benson said.

Blount-Henderson is excellent at creating plays, Benson said.

The coach looks forward to having a strong inside game with Hamilton and Speak Thunder.

“We’re going to be going high-low,” Benson said. “I’m excited about it.”

The Wolves, with an opening turnout of 20 players, has team speed as a strength.

“We have a solid bunch,” Benson said.

He feels the Wolves will compete with Poplar and Malta for the district championship. “It’s going to be a fight,” Benson said.

Other top teams in the division are expected to include Chinook and Fairfield.

Wolf Point’s assistant coaches are Marianne Zilkoski- Rees and Alonna Sansaver- Martinez.