RANGELY I “I’m the only one in my class that has played basketball,” Haeley Enterline said and she is Rangely’s only senior on the girls’ basketball team.
“I expect great things from her,” head coach Jimmie Mergleman said of her lone senior. “She is a great leader and really played well this summer.”
Rangely will open the season tonight against Palisade in the White River Electric Association Cowboy Shootout in Meeker.
The lady Panthers graduated six seniors from last year’s team, which finished third in the league and fell short in their regional game.
Rangely used the summer to play 16 games in three tournaments, including hosting their own, as well as playing tournaments in Eagle Valley and Cedaredge.
“I am ready for the new year and what the new mix of girls will bring to our team,” Mergleman said of the 17 girls out for the team. Mergleman is starting her sixth year leading the lady Panthers and has been coaching for nine years.
Along with Enterline, Quincey Thacker, Brittany Babineaux, Aimee Hogan and Hailee Russell return with varsity experience in a competitive league.
“I think we have one of the tougher leagues around,” Mergleman said. “I know Paonia is going to be very tough, along with Hayden and Meeker. I think Soroco could also do well and I think we also fit into the mix. It always seems like there is a sleeper that comes out of somewhere.”
Quinton Kent will assist Mergleman for a third year and will bring a JV team to the WREA Cowboy Shootout.
Rangely is scheduled to tipoff against Palisade tonight at 6 p.m.
“I am looking forward to a great season with a bunch of girls that work really hard every day,” Mergleman said.
