Bears’ roster full of underclassmen this season

NORTH ENGLISH — With a roster of seven seniors, including all-conference players Kennedy Axmear and Delaney Hall, the English Valleys girls’ basketball team went 14-9 last season and finished second in the South Iowa Cedar League East behind Sigourney.

The Bears won one game in regional play before falling to Holy Trinity Catholic.

This season the Bears are all underclassmen. Not a single junior or senior is on this year’s team.

Addison and Aubrey Achenabch will be the top returners for the Bears. Both started a majority of games and scored 99 points last season.

“Ava Gehrking will also be a top returner this season,” English Valleys head coach Jeff Miller said.

Gehrking was injured midway through her freshman season last year.

Incoming freshman Anna Luers and Kaylynn Caster, fresh off their cross-country seasons, will be newcomers to watch on the young team.

“I’m not sure what to expect this season,” Miller said.

The Bears open up their season with back-to-back games Dec. 2-3, the first at home against HLV-TC and the second at Iowa Valley.