The Clarksville girls basketball team will have a smaller group than years past, with nine players (12 in 2023) but enters the season with a group ready to get after it.
Clarksville Head Coach Ross Timmermans on managing a smaller team and returning leaders.
“We’ll figure out how to practice, we’re going to figure out how to play games. I think the girls are going to have a ton of fun doing it because everybody’s going to get to play, and we’re going to get after it every day,” says Timmermans. “Claire Lodge, Emily Manwarren, Jeni Johnson, those three girls return as seniors, really excited about our strong senior class and the leadership they’re going to provide for us. Hannah Wangsness is coming back, and she’s one of the best rebounders I’ve ever coached. She set the school record last year for rebounds in a season at Clarksville.”
The Indians return their leading scorer and top rebounder from last year’s team. Junior Paige Kampman averaged 18.7 points and 3.3 assists per game last season. Junior Hannah Wangsness had 275 rebounds last season (single season school record) averaging a team-high 12 rebounds per game. Wangsness was also the team’s third leading scorer with 7.4 points per game. Seniors Claire Lodge and Emmalee Manwarren bring valuable in-game experience to this year’s team, as everyday starters last season.
Timmermans says staying true to defense and improving scoring is a focus.
“They do well in just about any defensive position we put them in, it’s something that we’re gonna continue to hammer. Offensively is where we’re really gonna focus this season. Scoring a few more points, putting the ball in the hole a little bit more frequently and at a higher rate. Then focus on points per possession and scoring on all three different phases of the game. At the rim, free throws, mid-range, and then ultimately behind the arc.”
Clarksville’s season opener will be at Janesville on Tuesday, December 3rd.
