EHS Girls Basketball is looking to bounce back after a 10-13 season. Coach Fugate has big goals for his team this year.
“Win 15 games, win the league, and win a playoff game,” Fugate said.
The team is led by Senior Rylie Homan, who averaged 13.5 points per game a year ago, which was good enough for 6th in the SWOC. However, this is the first year for the Cougars in the SWBL.
“The SWBL definitely brings a lot more competition than the SWOC did for girls basketball. It’s gonna be a new environment to play in,” Homan said.
“It is going to be a lot more physical night in and night out. Also, the atmosphere is going to be much better I think.” Fugate said.
The Cougars open their season on November 30th, hosting the defending league champion Bellbrook Eagles. This season’s schedule headlines key SWBL opponents.
“Well, the usual rivals are always excited Ross, Talawanda. But going into a new league I’m excited to bring back the Monroe and Franklin rivalry and adding Bellbrook,” Fugate said.
Senior point guard, Rylie has a particular SWBL foe in mind for this year.
“The game I’m most excited for is Valley View, after losing to them last year I’m excited to play them again. We shouldn’t have lost so it will be good to get back on the court with them for a rematch.” Homan said.
This year’s team is a veteran group led by four seniors and three juniors. Coach Fugate believes in the importance of having familiarity.
“I think the experience coming into the season is huge anytime you have four seniors that have played a lot of minutes you have high expectations. I think you’ll see a team that doesn’t get overwhelmed with the ups and downs aid the game,” Fugate said.
The team worked hard this offseason to prepare for the season.
“I know the team conditioned and lifted weights a lot. They shot a lot of free throws and worked on basic fundamentals.” Homan said.
As Fugate enters his third year at the helm with a combined 25-22 record, he identifies the major ways to have a good season.
“Our keys to success this year is just to play as hard as we can at all times and everyone accepts their role. Every one of the girls have a different skill set and when they just play as themselves we can be very good.” Fugate said.
