Chantilly High School Girls Basketball Season Preview

As the upcoming high school basketball season approaches, the Chantilly High School team is determined to make their mark on the court. After a successful run last year, reaching the regional semi-finals, Coach Josh Regan has high hopes for this year's team. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Regan about the team's goals, returning players, recruits, and overall mindset for the upcoming season. First and foremost, Coach Regan shared that the top returning players from last season are crucial to the team's success. Led by Emerson Mustard, who has been the leading scorer and rebounder for the past three seasons, these players have proven their talent on the court time and time again. Coach Regan describes them as special because they believe in themselves and their abilities. "Our goal is to qualify for the state tournament. The key to our success is the players believing they are as talented as we know they are," Coach Regan emphasizes. In addition to the returning players, some recruits are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. Alivia Tarry and Alex Wilson, both Division 1 recruits, bring a strong skill set and experience to the team. However, Coach Regan also points out Maddie Bernet as a player to watch out for. Despite not being a newcomer to the team, she is considered the "glue" that holds the team together with her selfless and team-first attitude. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Regan looks for players who possess leadership qualities and have a positive influence on their teammates. However, this year, with the entire team being composed of returning players, he believes they all have the potential to be leaders and take ownership of the team's success. Motivation is a key factor in any sports team's success, and Coach Regan has a unique approach to inspiring his players. He arranges for the team to have breakfast at a local IHOP after their first Saturday practice, and also plans on taking them to a holiday tournament in Charleston, SC. These team bonding experiences help build a strong team dynamic and motivate them to push themselves to their fullest potential. As for the team's schedule, it is safe to say that they will be facing some tough opponents this season. With two games against state semi-finalist Centreville and two games against state quarter-finalist Oakton, the team will have to be at their best to come out on top.