Lady Bulldogs return experienced core

Whitefish posted one postseason victory last year in a season that saw a rash of injuries that tested the program’s youth and depth.

According to Whitefish head coach Bob Bolam, the team is looking forward to building on last year and making a late-season push for divisionals.

“I think we learned a lot from the trials we went through and think it will help us going into this year,” Bolam said. “My expectations for this year are to improve upon what we did last year and make a run to the divisional tournament.”

Whitefish returns four seniors and starters from last year, as posts Jude Perry and Ainsley Scott will join wing Bailey Smith and point guard Hailey Ells to establish a solid core.

“Our strength will be our experience,” Bolam said. “We have a lot of returning players who have played many games, and I look forward to that experience helping us play at a better level.”

Whitefish is also adding junior post and wing Charlize Ullrich, who will give the team added inside and outside presence. Whitefish will also have juniors Madi Gordon and Yoli Krastev, who will strengthen the roster.

“With the addition of Bigfork into our league, it sets up to be very competitive to reach a spot to go to the playoffs,” Bolam said. “We will have teams that we will have to play well against to win games. It will be a challenge.”

Whitefish was 7-12 last season and 3-9 in conference play, but could see movement up the conference standings this year with so many experienced players returning.

The Lady Bulldogs were set to get the season started at home against Frenchtown Tuesday, Dec. 5 after press time. Then the team will travel to Frenchtown for the Western A Tip-off Tournament Friday and Saturday.