By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports Report
WAVERLY — Coming off a 17-4 season, the Waverly girls return all but one starter and nearly all of its bench, but longtime coach Bob Kelly said there is work to be done as the 2025-26 season tips off this afternoon.
"We still like to run-and-shoot, and press on defense, and I don't see that changing.
"This is an encouraging group that we have high hopes for," said Kelly.
The Wolverines' big loss from last season was Addison Westbrook, who averaged 12 points per game.
"We're looking for someone to help Ryleigh (Judson)," said Kelly. "She scored about 15 points per game last year.
"We need others to step up and score, and they all have the capabilities," he noted. "It's just a matter of being consistent, and having the confidence and willingness to pull the trigger, and not being upset when it doesn't go in.
"Sometimes when it doesn't go in, they shut down, and you can't do that — you have to have a short memory," added Kelly.
Brilynn Belles and Kaitlyn Sutton returns as the Wolverines' only seniors, while Makenzie Olmsted, Emma Richards-Randall, and Hannah Carpenter return as juniors.
Also returning are sophomores Maci Wheeler, Kaylin Twedt, Kendall Rockwell and Lauryn Welles.
"I don't think we'll have a set starting line-up," noted Kelly.
"We won't have a set starting line-up this weekend, we'll have two different starting line-ups.
"It's going to change depending on the match-up," he added.
Kelly also notes he'll be a bit short-handed this weekend at the Baldwinsville Tip-Off Tournament.
Welles, who swam at the New York State Championships last weekend, and Olmsted, who is nursing an injury sustained during soccer season, are not likely to see action this weekend.
Kelly sees several strengths when he looks at his roster.
"I think overall our team speed is better than some of the better teams we've had," he said. "The team speed is really encouraging.
"The attitude has been outstanding.
"And, based on the scrimmage we had, our defense is pretty solid," added Kelly. "It's just a matter of understanding our defensive rotations."
With those strengths, there are some concerns as well.
"We're hoping to get more out of our post play than we have the last two years," said Kelly.
"These girls have been on varsity since 8th-grade, and a couple of them are only sophomores, so they're still young, but they need to be more productive and more physical.
"Rebounding is something we will have to continually work on," Kelly added.
As noted, Kelly has high hopes for this team.
"I think this group could make some noise, they certainly have it in them.
"We are up in Class A now, but just about everyone we played in B, with the exception of Forks, is up in A, too," said Kelly.
"It's going to be a battle. Our schedule is brutal, but it can only help us, I hope," laughed Kelly.
"I like to be competing for a Sectional title, that's our goal every year," added Kelly. "If we could get a STAC Championship that's great, but I'd put the Sectional title in front of that."
Around the STAC'S Central Division, which also includes Chenango Forks, led by Oregon State-commit Maggie Warpus, Seton Catholic, Owego, and Chenango Valley.
"The team to beat is going to be Forks again," said Kelly. "(Class B Player of the Year) Maggie Warpus is back ... they lost a couple of seniors who were a big part of what they did last year, but they have parts that can fill those holes and they will.
"I think Forks is the big dog everyone will be chasing," added Kelly.
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IN PHOTO 1: Waverly's Ryleigh Judson. IN TOP PHOTO: Waverly coach Bob Kelly. ... PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES.
