BELOIT, Ohio (WKBN) – For the past thirty years, there’s been a constant in Beloit – that the girls basketball team would have a winning record. After last year’s Warrior group posted its 23-3 season and its’ first league championship in four years – that feat was fulfilled again.
Coach Walt DeShields is back for his 20th season at the helm of the West Branch program.
He’ll be asked to replace the likes of EBC Player of the Year Sophia Gregory, who averaged 16 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, as well as a pair of all-conference players in Chloe Dennison (8.9 ppg) and Olivia Showalter (7.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and a couple of key contributors in Brynn Smith and Mikalyn Woods (3.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg).
Carter Shepherd (3.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Audrey Eaton (5.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg) will be looked upon for their leadership on the floor and off as both are returning starters. Seniors Presley Egli and Mati Hawk will both be back in the fold as well as juniors Alli Kanagy, Tallie Muniz and Hallie Vie Burton and sophomore Ellie Tucker. The team will also have newcomers in sophomores Cailyn Fritz and Alinee Bacconi. Sammi Beatty, a junior guard, from Louisville will also be asked to contribute as well.
DeShields views this team very different.
“We lost a lot of height; this team is working really hard and we’re looking forward to see them compete this season. The team motto this season is to; ‘Make Em’ Believe’. They want to prove that even with losing a lot of good players to graduation, that we’re able reload,” says coach Deshields.
The season tips off on Friday, November 22 with a matchup against Norton on the horizon.
“One key will be how the team develops experience and toughness,” DeShields states. “That’ll determine our success. The expectations are very high, as always. After a successful off-season, we think that we have 10-12 girls in the mix for playing time; it’ll come down to improving and competing every day.”
West Branch Warriors
Fast Facts
Head Coach: Walt DeShields, 20th season (357-116, overall)
Assistant Coaches: Chris Adams, Mike Butcher, Tony Lucente, Lou Sellaroli, Bob Shepherd
2023-24 Record: 23-3 (10-0), 1st place in EBC
2023-24 Post-Season Finish: Lost in District Final to Laurel Academy (51-39)
Team Stats
Scoring Offense: 50.5
Scoring Defense: 27.1
2024-25 Schedule
Nov. 22 – Norton
Nov. 26 – at Minerva
Dec. 2 – Struthers
Dec. 4 – Alliance
Dec. 7 – Carrollton
Dec. 11 – at Salem
Dec. 14 – at Boardman
Dec. 18 – at Fitch
Dec. 21 – Marlington
Dec. 23 – at Lake
Jan. 4 – Minerva
Jan. 6 – Howland
Jan. 8 – at Marlington
Jan. 11 – at Mooney
Jan. 15 – at Alliance
Jan. 18 – Ursuline
Jan. 22 – at Carrollton
Jan. 25 – New Philadelphia
Jan. 29 – Salem
Feb. 1 – at Canfield
Feb. 5 – Warren JFK
Feb. 8 – at Girard
