Golden Bears taking their lumps early in the season

After starting the season with five straight losses, Gibsonburg girls basketball finally got its first win, 46-21 over Northwood before the holidays.
        Gibsonburg first-year coach Bo Evarts knew it would be like this, but said he was “excited” to be the guy taking over the program.
        “It's been a little tough starting out considering the program hasn't been very successful in recent years but I am hoping to change that,” Evarts said. “Plus, I know the future is bright. We have a very solid youth program established and we should see the results a few years down the road.”
        The five season opening losses were to Elmwood (47-18), Danbury (46-28), Tiffin Calvert (41-35), Hopewell-Loudon (81-24) and Lakota (37-35). After the win against Northwood, New Riegel sophomore Aubrey Bouillon scored 14 points as her team defeated the Golden Bears, 44-38.
        The Golden Bears are led by 5-foot-4 senior shooting guard Becca Morelock, 5-7 senior point guard Mikela Simmons, 5-10 junior forward Katie Hovis, 5-5 junior forward Marissa Bruns and 5-9 sophomore forward Cam Krotzer. Morelock averaged 11 points and 3.5 rebounds a year ago and Hovis scored seven points per game and averaged 5.6 rebounds.
        Morelock, Simmons, 5-4 senior guard Olivia Paul and 5-2 senior forward Mersades Carr are the only seniors, and Evarts has two sophomores contributing in 5-7 forward Kylee Gamble and 5-9 forward Camren Krotzer, and freshman Jenna Bloomfield is also contributing.
        Evarts says his team’s emphasis is on defense, and he cannot stress that enough.
        “Defense, defense and defense will be our three main focuses,” Evarts said. “We will be somewhat limited offensively so we will try to limit other teams offensively and use our defense to create offensive opportunities.
        “Olivia Paul and Mikela Simmons will be our top defensive players. Both are quick and physical and can put pressure on the ball handler,” Evarts said.
        He has others who can bolster the team.
        “Mersades Carr is a senior who never played basketball until two years ago now she has worked extremely hard to be able to help contribute to this year’s team, especially defensively,” Evarts said. “Kayli Schneider is a junior who did not play last year. She is a very athletic player who knows the game well and can help in many ways.
        “Jenna Bloomfield is a freshman who will get some varsity time. She is very strong and athletic for her size. She should help us with rebounding and scoring at the post.”
        Gibsonburg also has some players who still have to get healthy, and Evarts has had to account for that.
        “Due to injuries to several players, we have yet to have a practice with every player participating. Due to this fact, I think it could be a struggle until we get healthy. When healthy, I think we will compete with most teams,” Evarts said.
        The SBC River is a tough draw for his team in his first year, but he hopes to compete. The Golden Bears found that out when they took on Hopewell-Loudon, which is new to the SBC River and already mixing things up.
        “It should be a very competitive league.  Hopewell-Loudon is now in our division which should help raise the level of competition as well,” Evarts said.