BLHS Girls Basketball 2024–2025 Season Recap: A Year of Growth, Grit, and Gritting Out Wins
For the BLHS girls basketball program, the 2024–2025 season was about new beginnings, rediscovering identity, and forging a path forward under fresh leadership. In his first year as head coach, Scott Powers faced the daunting task of building chemistry with a small but determined roster while replacing a graduated senior class that had left big shoes to fill. What followed was a season marked by growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of promise for the future.
Finding Their Footing
Coach Powers candidly described the start of the season as “a little slow,” something he expected with the transition in coaching and the departure of last year’s seniors. It took time for players to adjust to new systems, roles, and expectations. But once the pieces started to click, the results began to follow.
“We lost some games early that I thought we could have won,” Powers said. “But the girls became more comfortable with what we were doing, and they turned the corner and beat some of the teams that we lost to earlier.”
That turnaround was more than just statistical—it reflected a growing belief in each other and the direction of the program.
Key Contributors and Their Impact
While the team was small in numbers—just nine players total across grades 7 through 12—each athlete played an important role in making the season competitive and inspiring.
Lily Hubin was the heart of the offense and a defensive menace, averaging an incredible 26 points per game while also leading the team with 5 steals per game. Her ability to take over games on both ends of the floor turned her into one of the top threats in the area and a natural leader on the court.
Right beside her was Jamie Novotny, the senior leader and post presence who averaged 8 points and 9 rebounds per game, while also ranking second on the team in steals. Jamie’s work ethic and energy were contagious. “She was first on the court and last to leave,” Powers said. “Always had a smile, worked hard, and asked how she could get better. She far exceeded anything I was expecting. She will definitely be missed.”
Elizabeth Ovitt rounded out a strong trio of contributors, averaging 8 points per game, leading the team in assists with four per game, and acting as one of the primary ball handlers. Her decision-making and poise improved steadily as the year progressed.
The Turning Point: Christmas Break Bounce-Back
Every team has that moment where something shifts. For BLHS, that moment came just before Christmas break. In a game against GHEC, the girls staged a dramatic comeback in the final minutes, showcasing resilience and a never-quit attitude.
That win fueled their confidence heading into a game against Cedar Mountain, a team that had previously handed them a lopsided 30-point loss. This time, the BLHS girls flipped the script, dominating and winning by more than twenty points. That kind of turnaround not only revealed how much they had grown but also proved that they could go toe-to-toe with strong competition when they played as one.
Young Talent Stepping Up
This season was more than just a success story for the starters—it was also a glimpse into the future. Coach Powers noted how players like Lily, Jamie, and Elizabeth matured in their roles, but also gave a nod to Jozlyn, who stepped up late in the season with multiple double-digit scoring performances. Her emergence added valuable depth and scoring versatility.
“Lily really grew as the season went on,” Powers added. “She accepted her role as scorer and leader. Jamie became more comfortable in the post. Elizabeth’s ball handling and decision-making improved. And Jozlyn came through in the end.”
With so many players evolving and embracing their responsibilities, the team’s late-season success felt earned.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
It’s no small feat to compete with a roster of just nine players. Depth concerns, injuries, and fatigue can derail even the most talented teams—but not this one. Instead, the players leaned on each other, trusted their training, and pushed through the adversity.
“We only had nine girls out for the team,” Powers said. “They all had to rely on each other and trust every player.”
That trust translated into gritty performances—none more memorable than their second matchup with New Ulm Cathedral. Down by ten with just three minutes to go, BLHS roared back to win by three. That comeback didn’t just add to the win column—it was a defining moment in a season built on fight and belief.
A Senior to Remember
Jamie Novotny’s graduation will leave a significant hole, not just statistically, but in the locker room. As the team’s emotional leader, she led by example and brought positivity and determination every day. Coach Powers couldn’t say enough about her impact.
“She will definitely be missed,” he said. “She brought great senior leadership and far exceeded anything I was expecting.”
Jamie’s contributions went beyond numbers. She helped shape a culture of hard work and resilience that will guide the returning players in seasons to come.
Looking Ahead: Building a Bright Future
The best news? Eight of the nine players from this year’s roster will be returning, including four starters. That experience—now coupled with the confidence earned through hard-fought wins—gives Coach Powers plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
“We have all but one coming back,” he said. “They’ll have another year under their belt and a clearer understanding of the roles they need to play to be successful.”
One focus area for the offseason will be fundamentals and game understanding. Coach Powers believes his team has a high basketball IQ and wants them to apply that more consistently on the court.
“We need to continue to work on our fundamentals and understanding of the game,” he said. “We have the IQ—we just need to make it show during games.”
With offseason training, player development, and increased chemistry, the BLHS girls are positioned to take a big step forward in 2025–2026.
Follow the Progress
For fans and supporters looking to follow the team’s progress, stats and highlights can be found on Hudl, where game film and player breakdowns are uploaded throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
In a year filled with uncertainty, small numbers, and steep learning curves, the BLHS girls basketball team delivered a season full of heart, hustle, and hopeful beginnings. Under Coach Powers’ leadership and with a battle-tested core returning, the future of the program looks bright. This season wasn’t just a transition year—it was the start of a new era.
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