WAUWAUTOSA, Wis. — Bryant & Stratton College's women's basketball team finished 13-15 last season and the Bobcats will be eyeing to build off of last season under new leadership in Avy Young.

“I think our expectations are to keep growing as a team, adjusting to just all the new beginnings that we have,” Coach Young said. “They've been working really hard. So we just [have to] find ways to sustain [success] and get through the season.”

Throughout the season she will have plenty of experience to look to on the floor. Set to return this season is sophomore guard Erinne Giles, Addison “Ray Ray” Ray and Mia Ott. Ott is set to return in the middle of November due to an ACL injury she suffered just eight games into her freshman season.

Ott averaged 10.4 points, 2.9 assists and 3.3 rebounds before her injury. Giles averaged 11.1 points, 2 assists and 2.7 rebounds and Ray averaged 6.1 points, 2 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. 

“They have all been gelling together and really rallying the other girls to work hard,” Young said. “We always preach energy and effort, and they have literally been leading by example, and I praise them often [for the work they put in].”

Alongside the returners, the Bobcats also highlight some freshmen including, Addison Maas. She is the sister of former Bobcat and NJCAA All-American, Teya Mass. 

“I was just having a conversation about her and I said, she's going to be nice,” Young said. “She is a brick wall. She's solid. She can run, she's not afraid to get in and get her hands dirty, and she can score... [She] just kind of reminds me of myself, [as] that undersized forward. She doesn't complain and she works hard."

Bryant & Stratton College (WI) women’s basketball, like many other teams in Region 4, will have its work cut out for it. Plenty of teams like Lincoln Land, who finished fifth at the national tournament last season and Rock Valley who enters the season at No. 12 according to the NJCAA DII preseason poll will have their eyes set on the top spot. However, Young is ready to lead the Bobcats and they'll be ready to compete all season long.

“We're small, but don’t sleep on us because they've been working really hard. Just continue to uplift and support us because we're going to put on the show every game," Coach Young said.