By Tiffany L. Rehbein
The Havre Blue Ponies girls basketball squad would like to claim its third consecutive regular season title, according to head coach Dennis Murphy.
To accomplish that goal, the Blue Ponies must refine the team speed they possess.
Overall, this is maybe the quickest team weve had, Murphy said. I believe theyre very coachable.
Last year, Havre finished 16-2 in the Central A conference and 20-4 overall. The Blue Ponies lost five seniors to graduation last season, and those spots are being filled this year with sophomores and juniors.
Erin Patera, a two-year letterman, and Tiffany Shrauger, a one-year letterman, are the only two seniors on this years squad.
Our seniors have come in so far and shown pretty good leadership with their effort, Murphy said.
Murphy said offensive inconsistency appears to be the greatest team weakness after one week of practice.
Theres always going to be an offensive change when you dont have a 30-point scorer, Murphy said, referring to Loree Payne, one senior lost to graduation. Well be a different team.
Another difference can also be seen in the coaching staff this fall. Diane Way is the new B squad coach, replacing Carla Beattie-Cunnen. Sam Dierman is the freshmen coach and John Barnhorst is the returning junior varsity coach.
The Blue Ponies will hold their annual Blue and White Scrimmage Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Havre High gymnasium. The girls will hold a floor demonstration beginning at 5:45 p.m. and play will begin at 6:30. Parents and the public are encouraged to attend.
Murphy will be looking for offensive spacing and defensive communication both on and off the ball, he said.
Were learning to come together, Murphy said. This is a great learning experience for the younger kids.
