Northrop’s Khala Williams-Thomas shoots a free throw during January 6, 2023’s game against Snider.
The Northrop Bruins are entering the 2024-2025 basketball season with both excitement and a tinge of uncertainty. Under the leadership of head coach Katie Jackson, the team has built a reputation for being a competitive and defensive force.
Despite losses of four seniors – three of which are playing on the college level – Northrop has a talented core returning, led by an experienced and resilient junior class. Swynn Jackson and Khala Williams-Thomas, both versatile 5’11” guards, will be crucial in leading the team on and off the court. Their length and ability to play multiple positions make them valuable assets.
“We will continue to look for those juniors to lead us, as most have been gaining valuable varsity minutes since they were freshmen,” Jackson said.
Williams-Thomas’ 17.6 points per game is the highest returning average in the SAC and she was a defensive presence at 3.4 steals per game. Jackson will look to build into a bigger role after averaging 6.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Joining them in returning are juniors Brilee Day (3 ppg), Alivia Rice (3.3 ppg, 1.3 spg), Niamyah Anderson and Marion Wyss. Anderson, at 5-10, is a critical player when it comes to locking down the interior.
A pivotal new addition to the team will be 6’1” forward Miley Wareing (11.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg), a transfer from Bishop Luers. However, Wareing won’t be available until mid-season. Her return is highly anticipated, as her height and inside play will significantly enhance Northrop’s lineup, adding both rebounding and shot-blocking capabilities.
Until she returns, the team will rely on its deep bench, including Laila Lockett, a 5’10” senior forward, and Jersey Webb, a 6’2” junior forward move in.
Coach Jackson is optimistic about the team’s strengths. One of the key advantages the Bruins possess is their length at the guard position.
“We have length in the guard position and that will create some match-up issues for our opponents, not just offensively, but defensively,” Jackson said.
The team’s ability to pressure opponents and push the ball in transition will be vital. Their speed and defensive tenacity are expected to frustrate teams and lead to fast-break opportunities, something Coach Jackson will emphasize as a key aspect of their game plan.
“Our ability to pressure and push will allow us to determine pace in many key games,” Jackson said.
The experienced guard play, combined with their ability to dictate the pace of games, gives the Bruins a strong chance to make a deep playoff run. Key matchups, especially in conference play, will test the team’s resilience.
WHY #3?
Northrop again has to replace some vital pieces and it gives early pause. But they also did that last season and still won 14 games, making a push in the SAC with just two conference losses.
The reality is that Northrop wins and Northrop is consistent. So while they lost three college level players to graduation, there is no indication that Northrop is going to stall, especially with any amount of Jacksons on the sideline and court. A potential key addition for Northrop is having both Arielle and Amanda Thatcher, former star guards for the program, both on the sideline next to Katie Jackson and longtime staff members Andrew Wyss and Joe Kerwin.
KEY GAME
November 22 vs. Carroll
While going to Norwell for the second game of the season on November 12 is a huge test with two teams replacing key cogs, Northrop’s key is always going to come in the SAC.
Expecting the conference to be loaded again, Northrop would love to take a game off sometime rival Carroll. These games have drawn a lot of interest in the past few seasons, despite being lopsided in Northrop’s favor each of the last two seasons. This game is a great litmus test for Northrop to tip off SAC season.
Be the first to comment