The Brentwood girls basketball team is young and hopeful.
The Spartans aspire to flourish in 2025-26.
“We have a very young team with seven freshmen,” coach Rachel Thomas said. “We expect to be very competitive in our section, leading to another playoff berth.
“We have been concentrating on fundamentals and learning the system. These girls have been working very hard and with a lot of dedication and willingness to push themselves to become better. We see improvements with them individually and as a team every day. We are truly looking forward to a successful, competitive season.”
The Spartans won their final four regular-season games in 2024-25 to end up 6-4 in Section 2-2A and clinch a WPIAL playoff berth.
The Brentwood girls lost to Chartiers-Houston, 51-28, in the first round to finish 8-11 overall. Brentwood also dropped a nonsection decision to the Bucs in its season opener.
Thomas welcomed two returning starters to this year’s team in senior guard Tafsaria Garba Gambari and sophomore forward Emily Schubert.
Two other seniors looking to make an impact are forward Lila Tinker and point guard Emma Thompson, as are Anna Covert, a junior forward, and Delaney Rosing, a junior guard.
Three freshman who will see significant playing time are F/G Ella Dusch, F/G Avery Brendel and point guard Sophia Hilinski.
Rounding out the team are freshman guards Mia Rock, Nyah Williams, Zadira Maxwell and Emma Steinbarger.
“We are so excited to be able to have a JV team this year. We haven’t had a JV team in five years,” Thomas said. “The opportunity for these young ladies to gain valuable game experience in a JV game is very exciting.
“The returning players are very determined and working very hard. Our freshmen complete the team with basketball knowledge and a willingness to learn and a drive to be successful.”
Brentwood was scheduled to play five home games in the month of December.
The Spartans open section play Dec. 19 at home against South Side and Dec. 22 at Fort Cherry.