The George Stevens Academy girls basketball team finished as class C North runner-up last season. They will have an experienced group returning, as they look to overcome the loss of their coach and one of the best players in class C.
The Eagles finished 18-3 and fell to Dexter in the regional final with William Case leading the way on the sidelines and Morgan Dauk leading the way on the floor.
First year coach Brandi Ensworth will have eight returning players, including three starters. Ensworth has been in the program as junior varsity coach and assistant varsity coach in recent years.
“Our biggest challenge will be having a new coach with a completely different style,”Ensworth said. “Although I have been in the program the past 10 years, so it won’t be a huge adjustment for them.”
Mazie Smallidge, Emma Crosby (seniors) and Julianna Allen (junior) started last season.
”Mazie Smallidge with her height and speed will be hard to stop under the basket. Emma Crosby has great court awareness and leadership. Julianna Allen sets the tempo on offense and defense. She leaves it all on the floor,”Ensworth said. “I am expecting a lot out of those three.”
Junior Mallory Charette and sophomore Vanessa Sherwood could round out the starting five for the Eagles. Sophomores Saylor Grant and Jaiden Dennison, along with juniors Yulia Heggestad and Mackenzie Tapley will be who Ensworth looks to for key minutes off the bench.
George Stevens will open the season at Deer-Isle Stonington on December 8th. They will play their home opener against class C contender Central on December 11th.
