This is Bryon Hanson’s second and final year at the helm of the South Loup girls basketball team, as he will be leaving the Callaway school district at the end of the school year. He is assisted by Andy Schwarz. Hanson’s inaugural year as head coach was a rather impressive one, going 15-7 on the season, undefeated in conference play, and winning the MNAC conference tournament.

Coach Hanson is excited to be returning many of last year’s players, including five senior letter winners. Bryn Schwarz averaged 10 points per game last year and was MNAC 1st Team All-Conference, as well as honorable mention for All-State. Josie Reiff comes in with a 3-point-per-game average. They are joined by leaders Maggie Birkel, Jazlyn Bechtold, and Delaney Rogers.

Joining the seniors as a returning letter winner is sophomore Aubrie Birkel.

Other players that Coach Hanson believes could be impact members of his squad this year include junior Carleigh Laible, freshman Addi Stump, and sophomore Erin Fitzgerald.

“Our goals are to get better each day and compete in every game. As we improve, our goal is to compete for a conference title,” said Coach Hanson.

The coach reflected on some of the team's strengths which they must capitalize on, as well as any weaknesses they must overcome. “We are asking new players to step up into expanded roles. Our guard play is solid with two returning players who gained significant experience last year,” Hanson said. “We have some players who will be getting significant minutes who have not played a lot of varsity basketball, but they are working hard every day and will continue to improve throughout the season.”