The John Bapst girls basketball team will be loaded with experience players this season. They return 12 players from a team that won 11 games and fell by one point to Presque Isle in the quarterfinal round last season.
The players will be the same, but the coach will be new. Chris Woodside won a state championship in his first year as a boys coach, when he led Calais to the 2015 class C title. Woodside coached two years for Calais. He spent last year coaching division 3 Shriner University in Kerrville, Texas. This year, he takes over a Crusaders team with high hopes.
“This team returns 12 varsity players from last year. There is a great mix of talent both inside and outside. There are seven seniors in that returning group providing a lot of experience and leadership, “Woodside said. “Biggest challenges besides all of the very good teams in Class B this year will be adjusting to a new coach and style of play. How well coach and players adapt to each other will determine success for the season.”
Crystal Bell and Grace Philippon with lead the offense for the Crusaders. Woodside will have plenty of depth with seniors Tia Zephir, Abbey Legasse, Caleigh Lebel and junior Tianna Cyr among others.
The Crusaders will open the season at home against Foxcroft.
