Whitehall keys on defense, playing fast

After a breakout season with 15 wins and a second-place regular-season finish in the 5B District, the Whitehall High School girls basketball team stayed hungry during the offseason.

The Trojans will open their season Saturday on the road at Manhattan Christian and according to head coach Kelly Nieskens the team really got after it this summer.

"It's always difficult to have everyone get together at one time. Busy time of year but we were able to still get in a couple of tournaments, our Butte Monday night league, and a team camp, which I believe was really good for us. I was able to take ten kids to it. The best time for a team to bond is when you get them all together and away from distractions where we can just focus on improving our skills and knowledge," he said.

The third year coach is also pleased with the first few weeks of practice.

"This group has hit the ground running. They believe in themselves and know they can play with the best. We've got our season goals set and are hungry to get after it," Nieskens said.

Unfortunately for Whitehall, they will not be at full strength for their opener with Asha Noyes and Maxine Hoagland not suiting up. He said Noyes tore her ACL right before districts last year and is nearing the end of her healing process and Hoagland is still trying to heal from a volleyball injury. Nieskens is hoping both will be able to join the team right after the first of the year.

Looking towards the 2019-20 season, Nieskens said the Trojans plan on getting after it defensively and playing fast.

"We should be exciting to watch. I expect it will take us a few games to get rolling, but when we do, we will be a tough basketball team to beat," he said.