With the hiring of basketball Coach Leland Bearden, the Maidens hope to get back to the playoffs after missing them last year with only two district wins.

“It is the toughest 3A district in the state,” Bearden said. “We will have to be ready to play every night.”

Bearden takes over the Maiden helm fresh from winning his second state title in 1A Smyer. Even with the tough district looming, Bearden is enjoying the transfer from 1A to 3A.

“The number of kids have increased that are in the program,” Bearden said. “I do have less time with some due to volleyball though.”

Junior guard Madison Burtch said she is pleased that the Maidens are working harder in practice.

“Our work ethic has improved this year,” Burtch said. “We have made ourselves work harder, so we will be able to become more successful.”

Coach Bearden also likes his team’s ability to be coached.

“They have a phenomenal work ethic,” Bearden said. “They have responded to the very high expectations laid for them.”

Junior post Baylee Lopez likes the new system.

“Everything has changed from last year,” Lopez said. “It has really improved the way we have performed.”

Bearden said that the Maidens should be able to really compete this season.

“This district is really up in the air,” Bearden said. “It will send four good teams to the playoffs, and we have the ability to be one of them.”

The players also have goals of making it to the playoffs this year.

“Having the potential to go far in the playoffs is exciting,” Burtch said. “Our team has worked so hard for it, and I think we will be able to do it this year.”

Bearden also brought with him assistant Coach Lisa Pool and her daughter 6-foot, two-inch sophomore post Kelea Pool.

“Kelea is a good player,” Bearden said. “With her McKaylee (Weishuhn) and Baylee (Lopez), we have great post play and that will be a huge asset.”

Bearden’s offense calls for a look-to-the-post first inside game. He said that players would feed the post first and take the three only if other options weren’t there.

The Maidens will scrimmage at Frenship tomorrow.