2025 Winter Season Recap: Coach Paul Sonius Reflects on the West Hancock Girls Basketball Team
As the curtain closes on the 2025 winter sports season, the West Hancock girls basketball team has much to reflect on—and even more to look forward to. Under the steady leadership of Head Coach Paul Sonius, this young and determined group of athletes battled through adversity, exceeded expectations, and laid a strong foundation for future success. Despite entering the season with just one senior, the team fought its way to a double-digit win total, defying external predictions and growing tighter as a unit along the way.
Season Overview: Building Momentum and Breaking Expectations
The 2025 season was one of growth, resilience, and gradual improvement. According to Coach Sonius, the team began hitting its stride in the second half of the season, finishing with a 7-3 record over their last ten games. That late surge included signature wins over strong programs like Belmond-Klemme and Clarksville, both of which had racked up at least 14 wins on the season.
“This team continued to get better as the season went on,” said Sonius. “We showed strong tenacity in all facets of those games.”
West Hancock also showed flashes of brilliance in a thrilling road win over GHV, where the team knocked down four three-pointers in less than two minutes to clinch a statement victory. That kind of resilience and late-game execution was emblematic of the team's growth and confidence, qualities that weren’t necessarily expected for such a young squad.
Unsung Heroes and Key Contributors
The 2025 team was marked by a mix of experienced returners and rising stars, each bringing a unique strength to the floor. Junior Meara Kudej played a vital role with her sharpshooting from the perimeter and her leadership born from previous varsity experience. Meanwhile, Vanessa Mendez emerged as a defensive stalwart, regularly tasked with shutting down opposing teams' top players—and delivering.
“She was our top defensive player,” said Sonius. “She shut down some very good players this season.”
Peyton Whipple added scoring punch with her outside shooting and game knowledge, while Lauryn Johnson and Charlie Bruggeman anchored the team inside. Both players not only played strong interior defense but also stretched the floor with improved shooting range, adding an extra layer of versatility to the team's offensive game.
Off the bench, Cooper Sobek and Aubry Madson provided timely three-point shooting, helping the team shift momentum in key situations. Perhaps the most exciting addition, however, was freshman Izzy Weiland, who took over point guard duties and impressed with her poise and court vision.
“Izzy did a great job running point for us in her freshman year,” said Sonius. “She gained valuable experience and has a chance to become one of the best point guards at West Hancock.”
Her ability to manage the offense and elevate the play of those around her has Coach Sonius and the rest of the staff excited for what lies ahead.
Cami Haugland, who helped inside when we had foul problems or illness she plays strong on defense.
Ava Keiper helped us out on the defensive side, and Taylor Redig helped us out on the offensive side, as she has the ability to knock down 3-pointers.
Overcoming Adversity: Illness, Setbacks, and Leadership
While injuries were not a major issue this season, illness proved to be a significant hurdle. The team dealt with more than 10 missed games due to sickness, including critical absences right before district play. Notably, West Hancock’s top two players missed practice days leading up to the district game, with one unable to attend altogether due to quarantine.
“That situation was tough,” Sonius admitted. “One of our top players went for over 20 [points], but we missed the other girl as she would’ve helped tremendously versus a zone defense.”
Despite these setbacks, the team continued to fight and stay competitive, demonstrating both physical toughness and mental resilience. Through it all, senior Damaris Duran provided essential leadership, guiding her teammates vocally and emotionally, even while battling an early-season injury.
“She brought a lot of energy, excitement, and leadership to our team,” said Sonius.
A Defining Turning Point
Though the team fell short of a deep playoff run, the wins over Belmond-Klemme and Clarksville late in the season were defining moments. More than just entries in the win column, these victories were psychological turning points that instilled belief within the roster.
“I really believe those wins didn’t just shape our season this year,” Sonius said. “They grew the confidence of my girls in what they believe they can do going forward.”
Those performances solidified the team’s identity as a gritty, hard-working group that could compete with—and beat—high-level opponents.
Looking Forward: A Bright and Promising Future
With the 2025 season in the books, Coach Sonius is already looking toward the future with optimism. West Hancock will return a deep core of experienced players, including multiple letterwinners who’ve proven they can contribute at a high level. This returning depth, combined with the maturation of young talent like Weiland, has the program on an upward trajectory.
“We’ll be returning the most experienced [letterwinners] in quite some time,” said Sonius. “These girls are straight-up athletes and really began to learn more about the game of basketball this year.”
He emphasized that the development of a capable and confident point guard could be a game-changer. Weiland’s ability to direct the offense, find the open player, and create her own scoring chances gives West Hancock a legitimate weapon at the most important position on the court.
“The girls' excitement and optimism for next year is also exciting,” said Sonius. “They know they have the tools to compete with anybody.”
Areas for Growth: A Focused Offseason Ahead
As always, there is room for improvement. Coach Sonius was direct in identifying the team’s biggest areas of need heading into the offseason: shooting, free throws, and team defense, particularly in full-court situations.
“Shooting probably cost us anywhere from four to six games,” he admitted. “Free-throw shooting and full-court defense need to get better as well.”
These are correctable issues, and with a motivated roster returning, there is plenty of confidence that West Hancock will put in the work necessary to take the next step.
Conclusion: A Season of Growth, A Future of Promise
The 2025 season for the West Hancock girls basketball team will be remembered not only for the wins and losses but for the grit, growth, and groundwork it laid for the future. With a young team that played beyond its years, a standout freshman point guard in Izzy Weiland, and a returning group of dedicated athletes, Coach Paul Sonius has every reason to believe that the best is yet to come.
For fans and followers eager to track stats and player performance, you can find more detailed information on Bound.
In a year where many counted them out, West Hancock proved they belonged—and they’re only just getting started.
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