The clock buzzes signaling the loss against Milford High School. After the Oyster River High School (ORHS) girls’ basketball team lost in the finals, they were frustrated and upset. This year, starting with the preseason, the girls are working hard to put that behind them.
After the Oyster River girls’ basketball previous season, they advanced to the finals and lost four seniors. What is the future of the girls’ basketball team this year? The team has been preparing all preseason for what this new season will throw at them.
Approaching the new season, the team is feeling excited and anticipating what’s to come. The girls’ varsity basketball coach, Bryan Wall, says, “I’m really looking forward to the new group. We’re on a rebuild this year and I’m excited to see what our identity will be this season.”
After losing four out of five of the starting lineup, the team will face some serious adjustments. Avery Biggwither (‘27) says, “I have hope for us, winning-wise and maybe not as much as last year but I think if we adjust, we will be okay.”
It’s important to look at the strengths and weaknesses of the team, so it is clear what to work towards to improve. Jasmine Alverz (27’) acknowledges the fact that, “I think for strengths, we have a lot of speed, but we definitely don’t have height. I think we’re good on fast breaks and high low [offensive play] are some of our strengths as well.” She goes on to explain further, “I think we’re going to have the hardest year because we lost four amazing seniors.”
While this season will no doubt be difficult for the incoming players, the returning players are currently training in preparation for the new season. Wall says, “I don’ t think team chemistry will be a problem. My favorite thing is how friendly everyone is with one another, so I don’t think it’ll be an issue.”
A major part of the game that the team is working towards is the defense side of things. Wall goes on to say, “We’re definitely focusing on defense, and I hope that is one of our strengths this season.”
Last year no one was expecting much from the Oyster River girls, and the team ended up in the championship game. This year the “spotlight” is going to be placed on the other players after losing almost everyone in the starting lineup. Ashling Feris (28’), expresses that, “I’m excited but I think that this year will be a difficult season and we are all going to have to step it up this year, but overall, I think that we’re going to have a good season if we try our hardest.”
Many returning players have been preparing for the change this year compared to previous seasons, especially last year. Payton Drapeau (28’) also touches on this fact, “I think this year since we only have two seniors, we are going to all have to step up, but I think that will be good for everyone and I’m really excited to see where we go this season.”
This year will no doubt be a tough one, but the team is prepared for the challenges the season will throw at them. The team will face Hollis Brookline on Friday, December 12th as the start of the 2025-2026 season.
-Eva Bebbington
Mouth of the River 
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