Winter came on like a fast break and means we're that much closer to everything that the hardwood will include! Every season has it's own flavor but with new additions to the local scene & significant turnover from last year to this one the 2022/2023 season will be a ride all it's own.
In preparation for the first games, this edition comes courtesy of coach Tonah Safranski talking about Davies girls hoops.
Before looking ahead, what are the best memories from last season?
"I have many great memories from last year, but the best memory I would say was the growth of our team throughout the season. The girls bought in to the “process” and continually grew together as a team even with all the game day postponements due to the weather. I thought we were playing very strong at the end of the season, winning the EDC Tournament for the 3rd consecutive year and had a strong 3rd place finish at the State Tournament."
Did your team participate in any camps this past Summer? If so, how did your team benefit from that?
"We did participate in team camps this summer – SDSU, UMary, UND and MSUM. We had some adversity with some injuries this summer and we had some younger players get some opportunities to show their skills and I believe that will help us this winter."
Who, and in what ways, do you anticipate taking pressure off your junior guard tandem of Karley Franks & Ashton Safranski?
"We will look for leadership from our senior class. Ashley Wacha had a great summer and we will look to her to build on the role she played for us last year.
We will look at Maci Wheeldon to lock up the lane defensively and have an increased role offensively for us this season. Brooke Everson is a senior guard who is ready for an opportunity to help us on both ends of the floor as well. We are also excited about our underclassmen including freshman Fallon Passanante and sophomore Mariah Burian – both dynamic guards that will be looked upon to have increased roles. As the season progresses we could see a few more underclassmen play increased roles for us as well."
How did those two improve last season? How might they continue to do so this Winter?
"As returning all-conference players, we will look for Karley and Ashton to continue to lead our team in many facets of the game. Like I said above, the girls bought in to the “process” and with each experience they had, were able to grow and play big roles for us both offensively and defensively. They have put a lot of work in this offseason that should help them continue to grow as basketball players." Davies girls basketball has consistently been one of the top teams in the state over the last several years. Given that, how do you define success for your team?
"I look at the growth from day 1 to the final day of the season. Growth in all members on our team – growth as individual basketball players, growth as a team and growth as young women. When there is growth in those areas we are doing things right and will be successful." Is there anything else you would like people to know about your program or players?
"We are super excited about this group of girls and can’t wait to see what they can do TOGETHER. We will work hard, be ourselves and do the right thing!"
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