2025 Season Recap: Smoky Mountain Girls Basketball Shows Grit, Growth, and a Fighting Spirit
The 2025 winter season for Smoky Mountain High School’s Varsity Girls Basketball team was one of growth, resilience, and unwavering effort. Guided by longtime Head Coach Ollin Dunford, the team weathered a stormy start, battled elite competition, and emerged stronger and more united by the end of their campaign. Though their final record stood at 10-13, and they placed fourth in the Mountain Seven Conference, the season was anything but ordinary.
Coach Dunford, who served at Smoky Mountain High School for 20 years! Here is the breakdown: he started in 2005 as the Head JV Girls Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach for 10 years, 2 years as Varsity Girls Assistant only, before becoming Head Varsity Girls Coach for the last 8 years.
Key Contributors Lead the Charge
Every team has its difference-makers, and for Smoky Mountain, several players stepped up in pivotal ways. Leading the offensive efforts was Aaliyah Voss, who emerged as the team’s top scorer, delivering consistent point production throughout the season. She was a reliable offensive threat, helping to keep the Mustangs competitive in every matchup.
On the defensive side, Braelyn Mulligan anchored the team’s effort with relentless hustle and energy. Her commitment to locking down opponents helped give the Mustangs the edge they needed in several tight games.
Dayritzis Chinea was the team’s top rebounder, battling for boards and maintaining second-chance opportunities. Meanwhile, Kieaira Ensley delivered one of the season’s most memorable performances with the highest single-game scoring total, helping secure a critical win and showing her explosive potential.
Julia Macauley contributed solid numbers all season, providing much-needed depth and stability to the roster. And Kailey Broom was the glue—the all-around contributor who filled gaps wherever needed. Whether it was defense, passing, or scoring, Kailey was always there to step in and make a difference.
A Season of Highs, Lows, and Valuable Lessons
Coach Dunford didn’t sugarcoat the challenges the Mustangs faced. “We were in several barn burners that didn’t end in our favor,” he shared. “But we grew as a team.”
The season opened with an especially difficult stretch, facing some of the top-ranked teams in the state. Those early games delivered a harsh learning curve, testing the team’s resilience and mental toughness. After falling to 0-10, many programs might have folded. But not the Mustangs.
“We took our lumps,” Dunford said, “but once we got past that stretch, we started to jell as a team and got on a winning track.”
The turnaround was a testament to the team’s internal resolve. They embraced the challenge, learned from early mistakes, and began to find cohesion on both ends of the court.
Growth Across the Board
One of the season’s most encouraging developments was the collective improvement of the entire roster. When asked who stepped up into bigger roles as the year progressed, Coach Dunford didn’t single anyone out—instead, he credited the entire team.
“I think the whole team grew considerably,” he said. “They had to, to get on the winning track.”
From adjusting to new roles to gaining confidence against elite opponents, every player played a part in the team’s growth. It was a season that demanded flexibility and maturity, and these student-athletes delivered.
Battling Without Size—but Never Without Heart
One of the major challenges Smoky Mountain faced this year was a size disadvantage. With their tallest player standing at 5’8”, the Mustangs were frequently outsized in the paint. Yet, despite the physical mismatch, the team never backed down.
“I don’t think any of them like losing, but we didn’t have much of a choice,” Dunford explained. “They never quit trying, and I was very proud of them for that.”
Their fight was fueled by grit, smart play, and relentless hustle. While they may not have always come out on top, their effort and refusal to fold under pressure were the true markers of success.
A Senior Class That Set the Tone
The seniors on this year’s roster left a meaningful legacy. According to Dunford, they “played hard and tried to lead by example,” embodying the effort and attitude he values most.
Leadership doesn’t always come from words—it often shows through actions. These seniors guided the team through its toughest moments, modeling what it means to persevere in the face of adversity and giving the underclassmen a roadmap to follow.
The Future: A Foundation of Talent and Experience
Though this was Coach Dunford’s final year at the helm—he was dismissed following the season—his belief in the program’s future remains steadfast.
“They have what it takes to be winners,” he said. “They’ve got two juniors who were starters, two sophomores with varsity experience, and some promising JV players coming up.”
With those ingredients in place, the next chapter of Smoky Mountain girls basketball is filled with potential. If the returning players continue their offseason development and maintain the spirit of togetherness built this year, there’s no ceiling on what they can accomplish.
Offseason Priorities: Building the Frontcourt
For the next coaching staff, one key area for improvement will be size.
“They’ll need to add some size to go with their spirit of play,” Dunford advised.
Size alone doesn’t win games, but combined with effort, strategy, and heart, it can be a game-changer—especially in the rugged Mountain Seven Conference.
The offseason will also be a crucial time to solidify team chemistry and develop individual skillsets, giving the Mustangs a strong foundation heading into 2026.
A Coach’s Parting Words
As he steps away from the program he’s led for over a decade, Coach Dunford’s message is clear: he believes in this team and wishes them nothing but the best.
“I still wish them well,” he said. “They have what it takes.”
Coaching changes are part of sports, but the impact of a leader like Dunford is lasting. Over 12 years, he helped shape countless young athletes, not just as players, but as people. His pride in their effort, growth, and resilience is evident, and his departure marks the end of an era at Smoky Mountain.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season for the Smoky Mountain Varsity Girls Basketball team was a masterclass in perseverance. From a tough start against elite competition to a gritty finish that showcased heart and hustle, these Mustangs proved they were more than just competitors—they were fighters.
With experienced underclassmen, a group of hungry returners, and a legacy of toughness left by Coach Dunford and his seniors, the future of the program looks bright.
For full team stats, visit MaxPreps.
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