Beachwood has undergone some growing pains over the past couple of seasons and this year the Bison should be ready to compete at a higher level.
The Bison return two starters from last season and several others with varsity experience.
“I feel comfortable that we have a group of student-athletes who wants to learn and compete hard,” said third-year head coach Grant Wilson. “We have a group that works hard and looks to make each other better.”
Beachwood’s projected starting lineup includes Madison Prince, Taylor Blackwell, Audrey Hardis, Emily May and Briahna Golubitsky.
Blackwell and Prince are the team’s returning starters.
Prince, a 5-foot-7 senior guard, was named first-team All-Chagrin Valley Conference last winter after averaging 15 points, five rebounds and three assists per game.
“(She is) one of the most versatile players in the area,” Wilson said.
Blackwell, a 5-foot-7 sophomore guard, averaged 5.3 points and three steals per game.
“Taylor is the hardest working player I know,” Wilson said.
Hardis is a 5-foot-8 sophomore wing, May is a 5-foot-6 senior guard and Golubitsky is a 5-foot-6 sophomore guard.
“Audrey has improved more than anyone, even in the midst of a pandemic. She will be a major factor for us,” Wilson said. “Emily competes with the heart of a lion. (Briahna has a) high basketball IQ with a sweet stroke.”
While the Bison are relatively young, they do have the varsity experience and talent they’ll need to be competitive this season.
Their success hinges on how quickly the rest of the roster can develop and contribute each night.
“We are challenged with a lot of young inexperienced, young players,” Wilson said. “We will continue to preach encouragement and coach them up. Our team will compete hard, continue to learn the game, and try to stay healthy.”
