Staff writer
Ranked No. 9 in the state in Class 2A, Hillsboro’s girls’ basketball team will open the season with a new coach.
Micah Ratzlaff will debut as coach for a team that finished 13-9 last year.
“We bring back the core from last year’s team, who had a really solid year,” Ratzlaff said.
“We will look to rely on that core as well as add a couple upper classmen and a couple younger girls to make an impact this year.”
Notable returning starters include all-conference performers Zaylee Werth and Savannah Shahan, along with Trudy Hein.
“Zaylee Werth has the ability to impact the game from every position on the floor,” Ratzlaff said.
“She is a very good ball handler and can score inside and out. She is also a great defender and last year led the team in steals, blocks, and rebounds.”
“Savannah Shahan is an exceptional athlete who is also capable of scoring from all over the floor with the ability to impact the game on both ends of the court.”
Other returning players include Makeena Reed, Kori Arnold, Anslee Brewer, and Kingzley Ratzlaff. They will be playing significant roles this year.
“We will compete hard every night with the expectation of winning,” Ratzlaff said.
Hillsboro girls will open the season Friday at home against Sterling.