Team Preview
Chris Chatburn, a longtime assistant coach in the Sandpoint High girls program, took over as Badgers coach last season.
A lot of young players got a lot of experience in a 3-16 season.
"We had a host of players who for various reasons did not play last year," Chatburn said.
One of those, Savannah Woods, a 5-foot-10 senior post, is back after being an foreign exchange student last year.
Other key returnees for the Badgers include Jasmine Hill, a 5-8 senior guard; Kerstin Oxford, a 5-7 junior guard/wing; and Abby Davis, a junior guard.
A key newcomer, Chatburn said, is Miranda Wenk, a 5-10 freshman post.
"Savannah Woods is an inside/outside presence, and Jasmine Hill is among the best shooters in North Idaho," Chatburn said. "We will be looking to push the ball at every opportunity."
Defensively, Chatburn said better communication will be the key.
"Kerstin Oxford is a tough on-ball defender and can play anywhere from 1-4 on defense, depending on matchups," he said. "And Miranda Wenk should provide some toughness inside and on the boards."
The Badgers will likely have to contend with Timberlake, second at state last year, and Priest River, fifth at state last year, just to get out of the Intermountain League and on to state.
"Those are the teams we need to go through to reach our goals," Chatburn said.
He said a couple keys to the season for Bonners is coming together as a group, and controlling the defensive glass. This year's motto, he said, is "All in."
Chatburn said he's excited "to see where we can go, melding our returning players with some exciting young and raw talents."
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