Tide girls basketball continues to expand with more eager players after last year’s near miss

After facing Revere in the home opener last night, Everett will welcome Lynn Classical to town next

Thursday

By Joe McConnell

The Everett High School girls basketball team completed last year with an 8-12 record, just barely missing the state tournament. Coach Riley Dunn, however, was anything but disappointed, because she knew the effort was there throughout the entire season, and it’s something they can build on going forward into the upcoming campaign.

“We finished strong, while persevering through many challenges last year,” the veteran Everett coach said.

The carryover affect from that finish has already paid immediate dividends. “I’m thrilled to report that we had almost 40 girls tryout this year,” Dunn said.

“This also speaks volumes to the growth of women’s basketball,” she added. “It’s great to see so many girls get in the gym to work on their game. I’m very excited to develop all (talent) levels this year, while continuing to build the basketball community here in Everett as one family for the younger generation.”

Since beginning practice on Dec. 2, the Everett girls have already played two scrimmages against Whittier Tech and Georgetown. “Both teams were great. They each challenged us early on, both physically and mentally to get ready for the regular season. I wish both programs good luck during their upcoming seasons. Their futures also look bright.”

Senior Emilia Maria-Babcock is returning for her second year as captain of the team. She is joined by classmate Manal Bouhou and junior Casey Martinez as this year’s varsity leaders, and Dunn is extremely proud of their growth and commitment to the sport.

“(These three captains) truly embody the complete student-athlete. They all maintain 4.0 GPAs in the classroom, while also being kind and helpful to their peers and working relentlessly on the basketball court,” the coach added.

Dunn wants her players to focus on ‘winning the day’ this season, while adding, “we want to make sure we are getting better every single day (by concentrating) on the little things like highlighting the fundamentals of basketball, and making sure we are respecting the game by playing it the right way.”

The Everett girls are definitely going to be a quicker team this season with many versatile guards, who can handle the ball, while also moving it up court at a fast pace, according to Dunn.

“But we will also use that speed at both ends of the court,” she said. “I’m also looking forward to seeing the underclassmen step into their roles in order to build confidence (overall).”

There are some underclassmen in the program, who already have the potential to be excellent varsity players, according to Dunn. “They are showing up every day willing to push themselves harder (to get better),” the coach added, “and they are also all willing to learn, which is a coach’s dream.”

With a large turnout of players, Dunn obviously needs help to coach them. Former Tide player Courtney Meninger is back once again to be Dunn’s varsity assistant coach. “Courtney is an integral part of this program, and continues to make me a better coach every single day,” Dunn said. “I’m grateful to have an assistant like her.”

Jayme Davies, another former EHS player, is new to Dunn’s staff this year as the JV coach. “(Davies) brings her playing experience and post (up) expertise to the program, which will be integral (assets) in developing our younger players.”

Rounding out her staff this year is Eyris Emmanuel, also another former player, who’s new to the staff. “The energy and passion she brings to the game is unparalleled, not to mention her teaching skills,” Dunn said. “The future of EHS girls basketball is extremely bright with the addition of these two new coaches.”

The Crimson Tide girls opened up the regular season last night (Dec. 12) at home against Revere after press deadline. They will remain at home to take on Lynn Classical next Thursday (Dec. 19), starting at 6 p.m.