Girls basketball deep with athletic guards

The Lady Bulldog basketball team looks as promising as it has in years with depth on the roster, athleticism — and the ability to put the ball in the basket.

Whitefish is looking to put their 1-19 record from last season in the rearview mirror and build on the experience. Coach Clint Peters says this group of girls could have what it takes to get the program back on the winning track.

“I do like what I see so far,” Peters said. “They play well together and feed off each other. It’s going to be fun.”

Twenty-two girls came out for the team this winter, enough to field a varsity, JV and froshmore team.

No seniors are returning, so the Lady Dogs will lean on a group of seven juniors for leadership.

Two new faces could make an immediate impact on the hardwood.

Junior Coral Schulz, a transfer from Helena who led the Lady Dogs to the Class A golf title, will provide a spark at guard. Freshman Danni Douglas, who transferred from Kalispell, looks ready to crack the starting lineup as well.

Captains for the season are forward Mariah Drown, Coral Schulz and guard Allie Schulz.

Peters expects more of an uptempo pace on offense with the depth in athleticism.

“We’ll be fast and have a lot of kids who can get to the rim and shoot,” he said.

“It will be a whole different style of basketball than we’ve played in the past.”

Columbia Falls is the favorite to win the Northwest A, but Peters says Whitefish has a shot at making the state tourney.

“We want to make state — that’s our ultimate goal,” he said. “We want to improve every day. I know it’s a cliché, but that’s really what we need to do. Everyday, take a step forward.”

Whitefish opens the season Friday when it hosts Class AA Flathead High School at 6 p.m.

Peters simply wants to see his team play as a unit.

“I want to see them trust one another,” he said.

“They’re all champing at the bit to get on the floor and play some hoops.”