Palisade High School Girls Basketball Season Preview

As the new season approaches, Coach Don Bavor is determined to lead the Palisade High School girls' basketball team to success. With a strong group of returning players and some new additions, the Bulldogs are ready to make their mark on the court. The top returning players from last season are Delaney Wright, Addie Ritterbush, Sadie Bunker, Lyla Lancaster, and Mady Bavor. All five of these players have started at some point and earned all-conference honors. They bring experience, skills, and leadership to the team. Their dedication to the program and their ability to put the team's needs above their own makes them special. In addition to the returning players, some new players will have an immediate impact on the team. Gracie Ehart, Sedona Zoobi, and Kyra Birch, who have all been sidelined in the past two seasons, are determined to make a difference on the court as seniors. The team also has a couple of underclassmen, like Gracie Cooper, who will be vying for starting positions as the season progresses. For Coach Bavor, qualities like positive energy, a never-ending work ethic, and the ability to be inclusive and supportive of all teammates are essential in selecting team captains. This season, Addie Ritterbush and Kyra Birch have been chosen as captains, and Coach Bavor has full confidence in their ability to lead the team. Building team chemistry and camaraderie is a vital aspect of any successful team. At Palisade High School, the girls' basketball program takes pride in being a family. The players refer to each other as sisters and are always there to support and uplift one another. The strong bond among the players creates a positive and motivating environment for everyone. The coaching staff at Palisade prioritizes the mental aspect of the game. They believe that building mental toughness not only helps the girls compete on the court but also prepares them for life. Mistakes are bound to happen, but the coaches focus on praising effort and coaching skills to help the players grow. The Bulldogs have set high standards on and off the court, and the coaching staff holds themselves and the players accountable to those standards. With a tougher schedule this season, including a game against 6A Chaparral, the team is determined to work harder and refine their skills to be prepared for playoff competition.