Last season was a bit of a revival for the Mount Vernon girls basketball program, according to head coach Nate Sanderson.
Following a 1-20 campaign two years before, “we made some significant improvements both to the culture of the program, and the quality of play on the court,” the coach said.
Since their “bottoming out”, the Mustangs have been 14-11 overall.
Sanderson is joined by assistant coaches Ben Knake and Jacob Misener.
The team set numerous school records last year including:
3-Point FG% in a Season (team) — 36.1%
3-Point FG% in a Season (individual) — Kameron Brand, 48%
Total 3-Point FGs Made (team) — 161
Total Assists in a Season — 301
“Last season was a massive learning curve for everyone from the coaches to the players, as we installed new offensive and defensive systems, and it took a while before we started feeling comfortable,” said Sanderson. “This year we are starting way ahead of where we were a year ago.
“Overall, we are very pleased with where the program is at. Our numbers have deteriorated some,” Sanderson said, pointing out there are only 16 players in the high school program.
“We have started a youth program this year, and hopefully that will lead to increased participation in the future,” said the coach.
“This season, we will feature an experienced core of players led by seniors Lilly See and Kameron Brand. Both were starters a year ago, and averaged about 30 minutes per game. Brand is a calming presence, and a steady player. Her game is simple and consistent. She rarely gets rattled, and is a terrific leader for us.
“See was one of the few players that could create her own advantage off the dribble last year. Her commitment to the weight room is obvious, as she is stronger and more balanced than ever. She is also a vocal leader in our practices, and is a great example for our younger players to follow,” Sanderson said.
“Junior guard Peyton Simpson is our leading returning scorer from last season (9.9 ppg). She will be an important weapon on the perimeter for us this season.
“The post will be occupied by junior Brynley Rasmussen and sophomore volleyball sensation Chloe Meester. Bryn has good size at 6’0” and a strong back-to-the-basket game on the block. She also has a soft shooting touch from 15-18 feet.
“Meester is a gifted athlete with unique length at 6’2” tall. Meester is noticeably stronger this year and is capable of rebounding in a crowd,” said Sanderson.
Rounding out the starting five, the coach said, would be freshman Courtney Franck.
“Courtney is a tenacious competitor and outstanding athlete with good speed and quickness,” he said.
“Sophomore Eryn Jackson will play close to starter minutes this year. Jackson is a reliable outside shooter,” said Sanderson. Jackson shot 43.4 percent from the three-point line last season.
Joining Jackson and Meester off the bench, the coach said, will be junior Josie Niehaus and freshman Taylor Franck.
“Franck has incredible speed and quickness. Niehaus is a streaky scorer that has really improved her game since last season. She’s become more reliable with the ball, and has honed in at the defensive end,” Sanderson said.
“Offensively, we want to play faster in transition, and will shoot a lot of three-pointers in transition if we get the opportunity.
“Defensively, we hope to stay in the zone and be able to play faster and generate more turnovers,” he said.
“We have a really tough schedule this year as well that includes 12 games against teams in the IGHSAU preseason rankings. That does not include an additional three games against teams from the MVC (Western Dubuque, Kennedy, Hempstead). We know to get through 3A in this area we are going to have to play some outstanding teams, and we are excited to see how this schedule helps us prepare for postseason play.”
Taylor Franck ninth
Courtney Franck – ninth
Eryn Jackson – 10th
Chloe Meester – 10th
Abbie Moss – 10th
Elsa Appleton – 11th
Josie Niehaus – 11th
Crynley Rasmussen – 11th
Peyton Simpson – 11th
Lillian Wischmeyer – 11th
Kameron Brand – 12th
Lilly See – 12th
Laura Swart – 12th
Players lost due to graduation / attrition / transfer from last year’s varsity roster: Four