Team Preview
Written by: Sven Alskog
What a season it was last year for Twin Falls, far exceeding the expectations of those around the state on its way to the 4A state championship, falling 69-55 to a tough Skyview team.
The Bruins went 23-3 overall, including an undefeated conference season on their way to becoming Great Basin Conference champions.
Plenty of talent exits from that team, although the winning mentality has been built, something Head Coach Nancy Jones thinks will help Twin Falls to reload rather than rebuild.
By no means is the cupboard bare for her squad, with the return of senior Regan Harr, arguably one of the best players in the state of Idaho. Media and coaches from throughout the state would agree, with the sharpshooter taking home All-Conference First Team and All-State Second Team Honors for her strong campaign.
Joining Harr in an attempt to rekindle the magic of last season will be Madison Ford, a player that the coaching staff is excited to have back.
“[She’s a] great defender who can score 8-10 per game consistently,” said Jones.
Perhaps even more exciting for the Bruins than what returns is what the new year brings in terms of talent.
Jones pointed to several members of what was an undefeated JV squad last season as players who will be expected to fill the gaps left by the departure of seven graduating seniors.
Having the winning mentality already in place will help Twin Falls as they try to gain confidence early in the season.
“Success breeds success, so I know these incoming players work hard and love to win,” said Jones.
On the interior is where the Bruins appear to separate themselves from the pack, boasting plenty of size and rebounding ability down low.
Having Harr out on the wing should provide Twin Falls with a solid inside-out combination for this season, just like last year.
Plenty of reasons for optimism exist for the squad as they get set to embark on the new season, including the style of play that will be on display in the gym this winter.
“Defensive intensity including outhustling our opponents to get steals, loose balls and rebounds, transition buckets, capitalizing on our size since we have some post players that are 6’0” and taller to build around,” said Jones.
Within the Great Basin Conference appears to be plenty of rebuilding this season, with namely Jerome having lost a large contingent of talent, leaving the Bruins as the clear favorite to repeat again this year.
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