Beaverton High School Girls Basketball 2025 Winter Season Recap: Resilience, Growth, and Future Promise
The 2024-2025 girls' basketball season at Beaverton High School was one marked by determination, growth, and the resilience of a young team facing adversity head-on. Under the leadership of Head Varsity Coach John Naro, the Beaverton Beavers navigated one of the toughest preseason schedules in the state while coping with significant injuries and roster challenges. Yet, through it all, the team showcased grit, development, and the promise of a bright future.
As part of our 2025 Winter Season Recap Series, Coach Naro candidly reflected on the season’s highs and lows, the key contributors who powered the team, and the outlook for Beaverton girls basketball in the coming years.
Key Contributors: Youthful Talent Leading the Charge
The backbone of Beaverton’s season was formed by three standout players—sophomores Dara Oluwafemi and Ruby Foord, along with junior London Bologoff. Together, they led the team’s scoring efforts and anchored the defensive unit, making crucial plays on both ends of the court.
“These three were our main contributors,” Coach Naro said. “Their ability to score and play solid defense gave us a chance every game.”
In a season where experience was scarce—just two seniors and two juniors on a roster dominated by sophomores and freshmen—these players’ consistency provided stability and kept the Beavers competitive.
A Challenging Season: Tough Schedule and Tougher Breaks
Coach Naro described the season overall as “good for the most part,” but punctuated with significant challenges. Beaverton faced one of the hardest preseason schedules in Oregon, taking on every top 10 state team and even a tough opponent from California.
“It was a grind from the beginning,” Naro explained. “We started out with some players missing in preseason and then lost a key starter early in the Metro league.”
The injury to junior post player Alexia Braden in just the third Metro league game was a pivotal moment. Before her injury, Alexia was averaging 11.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and was a top defender inside. Her loss left a significant void that impacted the team’s ability to close out the season stronger.
Despite these setbacks, Beaverton finished second in the Metro league—a notable achievement given the hurdles—and earned a 12th seed in the playoffs. Unfortunately, a tough second-round matchup against Clackamas, oddly seeded fifth, ended their playoff run sooner than hoped.
Defining Moments: Injury and Adversity
The loss of Alexia Braden was the season’s biggest turning point. “She was our top post defender, and losing her really hurt us,” said Naro. The team struggled in two Metro losses immediately following her injury, moments that underscored how vital her presence was.
Had Alexia remained healthy, Naro believes Beaverton could have captured the Metro league title and earned a top 8 playoff seed. Instead, the team had to recalibrate and lean on the rest of their young roster to step up.
Rising Stars: Development Amid Adversity
While the team was young, Coach Naro saw significant development across the roster due to the demanding competition and constant challenges.
Two players in particular stood out for their growth:
Mila Watson (Freshman): Mila’s role expanded steadily as the season progressed. “She’s going to be a key player for us for years to come,” Naro said, noting her increased minutes and contributions on both ends of the floor.
Ashlyn Hicks (Sophomore): Though Ashlyn missed the first month and a half of the season due to injury, she returned strong and became one of Beaverton’s best defenders down the stretch. Her impact was felt in critical moments late in the season.
The evolution of these young players amid tough competition is a bright sign for the Beaverton program’s future.
Meeting Challenges Head-On
The season was a constant exercise in overcoming adversity. With injuries limiting practice and game availability, the team learned to adapt quickly.
“We dealt with challenges daily,” Naro said. “Missing kids for practice and games, plus facing top competition, made us grow up fast and prepare for the future.”
This experience, while difficult, forged a resilience in the players that Coach Naro views as invaluable in their long-term development.
Leadership from the Seniors
With only two seniors on the roster—Embrie Honnold and Allium Berg—the team relied heavily on their leadership. Naro praised the seniors for bringing “great leadership and what it takes to practice and perform as older players.”
Their experience and steady presence helped guide the younger players through a tough schedule and the ups and downs of a demanding season.
Looking Ahead: Excitement for Next Season
Despite the challenges, Coach Naro is optimistic about the future. With a large core of underclassmen gaining valuable experience this year, he believes the team is poised to rise even higher.
“I am very excited about next season,” he said confidently. “I believe we are a top 10 team that can compete with anyone in the state.”
Naro emphasized that much will depend on health and defense, but with the foundation of youth and experience laid this year, the potential is undeniable.
Offseason Focus: Fundamentals and Strength
To build toward next season’s success, Coach Naro highlighted three offseason priorities:
Fundamentals: Ensuring players have strong basketball basics to play “the right way.”
Strength: Getting physically stronger to handle the demands of a tough schedule.
Learning: Developing a deeper understanding of the game.
“The offseason is about growth in every area,” Naro explained. “We want our players to come back stronger, smarter, and more prepared to compete.”
Where to Follow Beaverton Basketball
Coach Naro plans to share detailed statistics via email, but Beaverton fans can usually find team information and results through local high school sports outlets and district websites.
Conclusion: Building Through Adversity
The 2024-2025 season for Beaverton High School girls' basketball was a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. A young roster battling injuries, tough competition, and shifting roles learned invaluable lessons along the way.
Key players Dara Oluwafemi, Ruby Foord, and London Bologoff led with skill and heart, while rising stars like Mila Watson and Ashlyn Hicks grew into their roles as the season progressed.
Though injuries—particularly to star post Alexia Braden—altered the team’s trajectory, Beaverton finished strong in league play and gained experience that will serve them well in the years ahead.
With a steady senior leadership core and a talented group of underclassmen hungry to improve, Coach Naro’s optimism about a top 10 finish next season is well-founded.
As the team heads into the offseason focused on fundamentals, strength, and mental growth, Beaverton’s future looks bright, ready to compete at the highest level in Oregon girls' basketball.
: Mila’s role expanded steadily as the season progressed. “She’s going to be a key player for us for years to come,” Naro said, noting her increased minutes and contributions on both ends of the floor.
Ashlyn Hicks (Sophomore): Though Ashlyn missed the first month and a half of the season due to injury, she returned strong and became one of Beaverton’s best defenders down the stretch. Her impact was felt in critical moments late in the season.
The evolution of these young players amid tough competition is a bright sign for the Beaverton program’s future.
Meeting Challenges Head-On
The season was a constant exercise in overcoming adversity. With injuries limiting practice and game availability, the team learned to adapt quickly.
“We dealt with challenges daily,” Naro said. “Missing kids for practice and games, plus facing top competition, made us grow up fast and prepare for the future.”
This experience, while difficult, forged a resilience in the players that Coach Naro views as invaluable in their long-term development.
Leadership from the Seniors
With only two seniors on the roster—Embrie Honnold and Allium Berg—the team relied heavily on their leadership. Naro praised the seniors for bringing “great leadership and what it takes to practice and perform as older players.”
Their experience and steady presence helped guide the younger players through a tough schedule and the ups and downs of a demanding season.
Looking Ahead: Excitement for Next Season
Despite the challenges, Coach Naro is optimistic about the future. With a large core of underclassmen gaining valuable experience this year, he believes the team is poised to rise even higher.
“I am very excited about next season,” he said confidently. “I believe we are a top 10 team that can compete with anyone in the state.”
Naro emphasized that much will depend on health and defense, but with the foundation of youth and experience laid this year, the potential is undeniable.
Offseason Focus: Fundamentals and Strength
To build toward next season’s success, Coach Naro highlighted three offseason priorities:
Fundamentals: Ensuring players have strong basketball basics to play “the right way.”
Strength: Getting physically stronger to handle the demands of a tough schedule.
Learning: Developing a deeper understanding of the game.
“The offseason is about growth in every area,” Naro explained. “We want our players to come back stronger, smarter, and more prepared to compete.”
Where to Follow Beaverton Basketball
Coach Naro plans to share detailed statistics via email, but Beaverton fans can usually find team information and results through local high school sports outlets and district websites.
Conclusion: Building Through Adversity
The 2024-2025 season for Beaverton High School girls' basketball was a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. A young roster battling injuries, tough competition, and shifting roles learned invaluable lessons along the way.
Key players Dara Oluwafemi, Ruby Foord, and London Bologoff led with skill and heart, while rising stars like Mila Watson and Ashlyn Hicks grew into their roles as the season progressed.
Though injuries—particularly to star post Alexia Braden—altered the team’s trajectory, Beaverton finished strong in league play and gained experience that will serve them well in the years ahead.
With a steady senior leadership core and a talented group of underclassmen hungry to improve, Coach Naro’s optimism about a top 10 finish next season is well-founded.
As the team heads into the offseason focused on fundamentals, strength, and mental growth, Beaverton’s future looks bright, ready to compete at the highest level in Oregon girls' basketball.)
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