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Christian girls return familiar faces this season

Aberdeen Christian’s Chloe Holt, left, goes up with a shot as teammate Sophia Eichler, second from the right, blocks out Herreid-Selby Area’s Jada Rossow, far right, as the Wolverines’ Sophia Ritter, center, helps defend during a game last season at the Aberdeen Civic Arena. Photo by John Davis taken 12/8/2022

The Aberdeen Christian girls’ basketball team will feature some familiar faces this year, which will provide valuable experience for the Knights for the upcoming season. With that in mind, coach Cristian Martinez knows the expectations will be higher than last season.

“The expectation is to get a better season than last year,” Martinez said. “I know we’ve been working and also the players are already getting better than (they were) last year. It’s a process, so hopefully we’ll get there.”

The Knights must replace just one senior from last season’s campaign, and return a plethora of players that will make big contributions this season. Martinez said the experience will help the team in many ways this season.

“We’ve got more experience and now everybody knows a little bit more about me and I know more about them,” Martinez said. “We adjusted a little bit more of the system, so we know how we’re going to run it and how they play, so hopefully it helps with the experience.”

Christian will be led by a pair of 5-foot-11 seniors in Chloe Bosma and Chloe Holt. Bosma was a second team all-conference selection last season, while Holt received honorable mention all-conference honors. Martinez noted that he has high expectations for the ‘Chloe Combo.’

“We have a high expectation on (Chloe Bosma). I know the other team is looking at guarding her, so we’re trying to figure out something and use her the way she likes to play and the way I like to play,” Martinez said. “Last year, (Holt) battled injuries and stuff like that, so hopefully this year at least get her a little healthy, try to protect the ankle. She’s 100 percent right now, but we haven’t started yet.”

Aberdeen Christian’s Chloe Bosma, center, puts up a shot over Warner’s Stacia Carda (12) and Morgan Haselhorst (21) during a game last season in Warner. Photo by John Davis taken 1/23/2023

The Knights will also rely on seniors Sophia Fogarty and Bailey Hunstad to contribute leadership and experience on the floor.

“We have a high expectation on (Sophia) too. She got more experience and she’s looking better,” Martinez said. “Bailey, she’s a great defender, so hopefully we can use her there. She’s going to help tremendously for the team.”

Martinez said it is too early to tell if any newcomers will step up into bigger roles, however the team has been working on finding a role for each player. However, freshmen Payton Skarin, Jolie Fogarty, and Sophia Eichler could see plenty of playing time at the varsity level this season.

The Knights are also welcoming in new assistant coach Rachel Crary, and Martinez says she has already been a big part of the team in the early stages of the season.

“It’s meant a lot,” Martinez said. “She brings experience. She brings the communication with the girls. She played in college, so she’s got experience over there. She’s now coaching the junior high, so I’m her assistant coach and this time I’m just taking it and watching her and learning a lot from her.”

Aberdeen Christian’s Bailey Hunstad, right, comes away with the loose ball as Oakes’ Emma Muggli, left and Lily Thorpe (11) look on along with the Knights’ Sophia Fogarty (34) during a game last season at the Aberdeen Civic Arena. Photo by John Davis taken 1/5/2023

The Knights begin their season this evening when they host Warner, and Martinez says it will be a one game at a time approach throughout the season.

“We start getting ready day-by-day, game-by-game,” Martinez said. “We want to beat teams, so we’re just getting ready for them, (and) prepare physically and mentally. That’s the most important. I know I’ve got a decent team in my hands, so I trust in them 100 percent.”

Overall, Martinez hopes the team can improve every chance they get and achieve the goals they have set for themselves by season’s end.

“Win more games, try to get that ‘W’ and get a better season,” Martinez said. “Lower turnovers, that’s the number one (goal) now, and (improve) our defense. Get better; that’s why we’re working on it.”

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