Washington Township Girls Basketball: Building on a Strong Season and Passing the Torch
The 2025 winter season was a memorable one for the Washington Township High School Girls Basketball team. Under the guidance of Head Coach John Gast, the squad not only battled through one of the more competitive schedules in recent memory, but also made a deep postseason run, finishing as Sectional Finalists. With a blend of seasoned senior leadership and emerging young talent, the team embodied resilience, growth, and a next-play mentality that will echo into future seasons.
Senior Leadership That Shaped a Season
Every successful team has its cornerstone players, and for the Senators this year, that foundation was built on the efforts of Gracie Little, Clair Klinger, and Brooklyn Campbell.
“Gracie and Clair were not just leaders in scoring,” Coach Gast explained. “They were vocal leaders on and off the court. We could count on them in critical moments, and they always stepped up.”
The duo’s ability to keep the team focused through tight games was instrumental to Washington Township’s success, especially during its run to the sectional championship. Their performances consistently steadied the team and allowed their teammates to rise to the occasion.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn Campbell provided an inside presence that was hard to match. She was a force in the paint, dominating the boards and protecting the rim on defense while also contributing significantly to the team’s offensive production. Her double-double efforts in the state tournament were crucial, and with her return next year, she’ll be a central piece in the next chapter of this team’s journey.
Season Highlights: A Battle-Tested Team
Coach Gast described the season as successful, despite a few bumps along the way: “There were games we wish we could have back, but overall, we had a great year.”
Indeed, the team compiled an impressive 6-1 regular season conference record, placing them second in the league. They also tested themselves against formidable 4A programs throughout the season, demonstrating a willingness to embrace challenges that would ultimately strengthen the team for the postseason.
Among the highlights were key victories against rivals and high-performing teams alike. A major win over West Central just before winter break gave the team momentum, while Senior Night against LaVille proved to be an emotional and victorious send-off for the team’s veterans. Rivalry wins against Kouts and Morgan—both during the regular season and the state tournament—were sweet rewards for the team’s hard work and competitive grit.
Emerging Players Stepping into the Spotlight
Though the seniors grabbed headlines, this year was also a breakthrough season for several younger players who stepped into new and expanded roles. Chief among them was Madi Winchip, whose increased responsibilities on both ends of the floor made her a key cog in the Senators' rotation.
“Madi hit some big shots against Westville, a one-loss conference opponent,” said Gast. “She really grew this season.”
Another important contributor was Alivia Goetz, who developed into a reliable defensive stopper and began hitting clutch shots during the postseason, especially in tournament games against Kouts and Morgan. Her evolution into a two-way threat added depth and balance to the team’s lineup.
These breakout performances bode well for the program’s future, as several JV standouts are expected to transition into varsity roles next year.
Overcoming Adversity with a “Next Play” Mentality
Adversity is a given in any sports season, but it’s how a team responds that defines their character. For the 2025 Senators, the response was unwavering.
“Our team stayed positive,” said Gast. “We looked at every loss as motivation and stayed focused on the next play.”
This mentality—embraced by the coaching staff and echoed by the players—was evident throughout the season. Whether battling through tough losses, facing stronger opponents, or enduring pressure-packed moments, the team never folded. Instead, they drew strength from each other and pushed forward, a mindset that was especially useful in their playoff push.
A Senior Legacy That Will Last
The departing senior class leaves big shoes to fill—not just statistically, but emotionally and culturally.
“They brought maturity to high-pressure situations,” said Coach Gast. “They’ve played in big games and knew how to handle the moment.”
Their leadership set a tone that Coach Gast believes will carry forward into the next group. More than just winning games, the seniors left behind a blueprint for what it means to lead—with toughness, humility, and grace. Their example is now the standard for future classes.
The Future Is Bright
Even with the loss of several core contributors, there’s plenty of excitement brewing in Washington Township’s gym. Brooklyn Campbell will return as a dominant inside presence, and a new guard trio—Heidi Stump, Rebecca Martin, and Catelyn Wellensiek—will step into varsity roles after developing chemistry and finding success together at the JV level.
“These girls have put in the work,” said Gast. “They’re ready to fill those roles and rise to the occasion.”
With so many new faces expected to contribute next season, the emphasis during the offseason will be on building varsity game experience and helping the players adjust to the increased speed and intensity of play.
“It’s all about getting them comfortable in those high-stakes moments,” said Gast. “We want them ready to compete from day one.”
Offseason Goals and Continued Growth
For Coach Gast and his staff, the offseason won’t just be about reps and drills—it will be about preparing a new identity. With a fresh lineup, the focus shifts toward building chemistry, establishing trust, and sharpening the team’s mental game.
“Varsity experience is our biggest gap,” Gast admitted. “We’ll spend the offseason building that, making sure our players are ready to step into the spotlight when the time comes.”
And if this past season is any indication, the Senators have the foundation—and the mindset—to meet that challenge.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Washington Township Girls Basketball season was more than just a series of games—it was a testament to growth, grit, and generational leadership. From standout seniors to rising sophomores, the team proved that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about trust, teamwork, and tenacity.
With Coach Gast at the helm, and a hungry group of returners ready to make their mark, the future is bright for the Senators. The torch has been passed. And the message is clear:
They got next.
For stats and more details, visit Washington Township’s team page on MaxPreps.
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