Lady Rebels return with experience and depth

The Riverside Lady Rebels return for the 2024-2025 basketball season with the numbers to be competitive in varsity, junior varsity, and with their C team. The returning roster includes seniors Vinaya VanderPloeg and Ada Pratt; juniors Johnna Clifford, Varissa Olsen, Brooklynn Paxton, Kennedy Bassett, and Julie Earl;  sophomores Brinley Longshore, Belle Starbuck, and Kalli Russell and freshmen Kaydee Brown and Kadence Powell.

Belle Starbuck, who started in Ten Sleep last year, is “a high-motor player every second she’s on the court,” said Coach Jason Mitchell.  Senior Vinaya VanderPloeg “creates havoc on the defensive end and her ability to score in transition will allow us to increase our tempo this season. Another senior, Ada Pratt, has made big improvements each year and is hoping to be a presence around the rim for us on both offense and defense.  

“Varissa Olsen’s contributions have often gone under-appreciated.  Almost every big run we made last year was made with Varissa on the court. Her physicality, her fight, and her consistency constantly create positive situations for her teammates. Kennedy Bassett is ready to make a huge jump this season.  Now a multi-year starter, her veteran decision-making will compliment her already outstanding effort, speed, and athleticism.”

Johnna Clifford, Mitchell said, “was one vote away from being selected as an all-stater last season.  She’s as well-rounded as they come.  She’s a great leader who will be near the top of our team in nearly every statistical category.  Brooklynn Paxton was a unanimous selection for all-state last year.  She led the team in almost every stat, has already broken multiple school records, and is often at her best against the top competition.  Brooklynn’s wide array of offensive skills make her nearly unguardable both around the rim and in the open court.

Mitchell added, “The early part of our season is typically dedicated to working out the rust, but we have enough returning off of last year’s team to hope for a quicker start than in the previous years.  We return with six girls who started a game for us at some point last year and have added several players who add both quality and depth to the varsity team this year. Also with the 12 girls on the roster, we will be able to resume competitive JV and C games.  The progression of a couple of our younger girls who are new to basketball has impressed everyone with the program and we’re excited to watch them compete.

 “With our length and athleticism, we’re hoping to play more aggressively on defense and push to take advantage of opportunities that may present themselves in transition. However, while size helps, you can’t run if you don’t rebound. The girls seem locked in on minimizing possessions for the other team. If we box out, treat every loose ball as ours and space the floor on offense, I expect great things. 

 “The Upton and Shoshoni tournaments always offer great opportunities to evaluate ourselves against schools from outside our area. This year, six of our seven opponents at our December tournaments will be teams we won’t see again until at least the regional tournament.  I’m excited to see our progress from last year, but even more so to see what type of springboard a great December start might be for the remainder of the season.”