It’s a new year, with a new team and a new coach.
But nostalgic could be what best describes the outlook on the Hastings College women’s basketball team heading into 2012.
Former Bronco great Carrie Hofstetter is set to begin her first season at the helm, and she’s bringing a style of play reminiscent of her playing days under then-head coach Tony Hobson.
The NAIA preseason No. 18 Broncos are going to play fast, in-your-face defense. They are going to try and create their offense off forcing turnovers and keeping opponents from getting on scoring runs. Every game. Same thing.
Hofstetter hopes it will hearken fans back to those national championship seasons in 2002, 2003 and 2006.
“It’s me being biased, but there were a lot of nights where we stayed in games and won games because we could get stops and go on 10- or 12-point runs, and all of sudden we were up 15 points and the opponent couldn’t find their way back,” Hofstetter said. “It’s definitely our philosophy. We believe that if we can hold some teams because we’re better defensively and create some turnovers and some easy offensive opportunities, that we can stay in games.”
Hofstetter said the players have bought in to what type of game they want to play, but first it’s taking some time to install it. The team is in their sixth week of practice now, and will have to start working the kinks out as it’s in for a tough opening weekend. The Broncos open play Friday at the Concordia Classic in Seward, where they will face an improved William Penn team Friday at 6 p.m. before taking on McPherson on Saturday.
To read more, see Wednesday's Hastings Tribune or the Tribune e-edition.>>>
