A new winter, a new season, new energy buzzing around the De Pere girls basketball program.
The Redbirds are heading into the season with a new identity and renewed confidence. De Pere returns this year after going undefeated in conference play last year and 22-4 overall, with new underclassmen ready to step up and win.
“(Our goals are to) hold ourselves accountable for things we did wrong,” head coach Jeremy Boileau said. “It makes a difference to notice those differences to get better. We want to be the hardest-working team, with no drama; we focus on getting along.”
The backcourt is controlled by Abby Tassoul (12.3 points per game), who shot 50 percent from the field last season and was 1st team all-conference. Boileau expects her presence to set the tone.
De Pere is also counting on two juniors, Aubree Fischer (10.7 ppg) and Adeline Dwyer (8.9 ppg), to have a strong impact this year.
Egan Bierowski and Jaden Ciesielczyk are two seniors moving on who were both 1st team all-conference last year. The Redbirds have to figure out who the impact player is this year. Allie Neuenfeldt came off the bench last year as a freshman, averaging 6.2 points per game, but is looking for a bigger role this year.
On both ends of the court, De Pere wants to stick to a game plan – a style that creates offensive flow through pressure and pace.
“I want to be a defensive team,” Boileau said. “It’s a huge part, it creates offense and pressuring the offense, we like to play fast and up and down. But there are times when you have to slow down.”
With every year, no matter who you are, tough opponents, De Pere has already done scouting and film, and preparation. Boileau said that the other top teams in the FRCC this year should be Notre Dame and Bay Port.
Last year’s run included wins over these two teams; the Redbirds know this will not be an easy game. With leadership, new talent, and a defensive mindset, De Pere heads into the season ready to own the conference and make a push for a title.
As of Dec. 5, De Pere is 3-0 with wins over Oshkosh West, Fond du Lac, and Oconomowoc. The Redbirds have upcoming games against Notre Dame tonight (Dec. 5) at 7 p.m. and the defending state champs, Kimberly Papermakers (Dec.9).
