New leadership will take over the Wakefield girls basketball program of 12 players who will be put to the test early in the season.
Ben Donner will be in his first year as the varsity head coach after spending the past three years leading the Junior High girls program in Wakefield.
"We have really been trying to focus on press breaking," said Donner. "Most teams now a days press, so I told the girls if we want to compete we have to beat the press."
Coach Donner will be joined by a former Trojan in Alex Arenas. Arenas is attending Wayne State College and will be in her first year as an assistant coach.
The senior class of four are Seirra Kaufman, Gracyn Keagle, Ashlyn Riewer and Kinslee Metzler. With no juniors on the team, Wakefield will also have four sophomores and four freshmen.
Wakefield was unable to participate in any camps but spent most of their off season in the weight room and gym.
A main goal this year for the Trojans is keeping the games close when it gets to the fourth quarter along with giving themselves a chance.
Senior Gracyn Keagle is a utility player for the Trojans mainly playing guard or a small post but will go wherever the coaches need her.
Now entering year number four on varsity, this will be her first season as a starter.
"Like every other team we've been working on offense and defense," said Keagle. "But mostly been working on playing together and communicating as a team."
NSAA official winter sports practices began on Nov. 17 as Keagle shared you get out what you put in.
"There's always going to be the things you can't control but you can control your attitude and effort."
One of the team goals Wakefield will be in search of early in the season is playing together as one unit.
"I am most excited to see the work we have put in pay off and playing my last team sport with the girls that have become my sisters," said Keagle. "Sports wouldn't be the same without my team."
One of the most important spots the team will be looking to fill is the point guard position.
"Seirra and Ashlyn are the seniors that have some varsity experience," said Donner. "Ashlyn is hurt right now but hopefully we will be able to get her back sometime this season."
"I'm hoping Quinn Riewer will be able to be a factor for us," said Donner. "She just needs to learn to try and slow the game down."
The Trojans are coming off a 4-18 season. Coaches will continue to emphasize improvement in breaking the press, more crisp passes and catching the ball.
The Trojans first played another opponent on Dec. 1 visiting Plainview during a road jamboree.
"We were just hoping to figure out where we are as a team and the knowledge that we have been working on," said Donner.
Wakefield opens their season hosting Pender on Dec. 4 starting around 6 p.m. for the girls followed by the boys.
"Pender being returning state champs (2023/C2, 2024-25/D1) is going to be a tough task," said Donner. "We need to be able to look past that and just go out and compete."
The Trojans will also travel to Dodge to face Howells-Dodge on Dec. 6 beginning with girls action around 6 p.m.
Coach Donner is asking for your support of Wakefield girls basketball this season.
"We are a young team with not much experience," said Donner. "But having a crowd behind you to support you win or lose helps to show the girls that they have people behind you no matter what happens."
"Thank you for the continued support," said Keagle. "It means the world to us girls."
