BonnerSprings.com

Bonner Springs will play host to the Class 4A substate basketball tournament this season, and the BSHS girls have some big plans to go along with that home-court opportunity.

After having a breakthrough season in 2010-2011 where the Braves surged to a 15-6 record and a berth in the substate semifinals, they have their sights set on grander goals.

“A possible Kaw Valley League championship and a trip to the state tournament could be in order if the cards fall just right for us,” fifth-year coach Clay Oakes said.

Oakes’ cause for confidence is his team roster. The Braves return seven letter-winners and four starters, as well as their key reserves.

Senior Yessenia Hernandez is back for her fourth year as the Braves’ starting point guard. Junior guard Anna Deegan, an inside-outside scoring threat, also returns for her second year in the starting lineup. In addition, senior post players Emily Wilson and Erica Wilson will be back for another season as starters, and they are expected to be among the best forwards in the league.

In addition, senior center Erin Marx gained significant experience last year, and junior guards Haley Hoffine and Cassady Holloway played extended minutes in the backcourt.

All of that adds up to a lineup that is heavy on varsity experience.

“I expect Yessenia Hernandez, Anna Deegan and Emily Wilson to continue to show why they were voted as all-league players,” Oakes said. “I am counting on Erica Wilson and Erin Marx to dominate inside, and I expect to see Haley Hoffine and Cassady Holloway emerge as two of the best shooting guards in the league.”

Oakes expects competition for the Kaw Valley League championship to be fierce this season.

“Besides ourselves, I feel that Mill Valley and Tonganoxie will both be at the top of the league,” Oakes said. “You can’t ever count out Lansing or Basehor-Linwood as they have proven to be at the top or near the top each year.”

That tough league schedule — BLHS finished third at state last year, and Mill Valley won 17 games — has the Braves eager for the season to begin. It’s Mill Valley that Oakes admits his team is particularly excited to play.

“We still have a bad taste in our mouths from losing to Mill Valley on a buzzer-beater shot, and we are looking forward to that rematch,” Oakes said. “We are also looking forward to playing Basehor-Linwood, as our last game of the season (last year) was canceled against them due to inclement weather conditions.”

Bonner Springs opens its season at 6 p.m. Friday at home against Piper. The Braves then play at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Blue Valley Southwest.

ONLINE

Look for updates on the Braves’ games against Piper and BV Southwest online at bonnersprings.com.

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