Last season, Montague coach Jess DeBruin took the helm of the Wildcats very late in the offseason. Combined with a young roster, it was a lot for the Wildcats to battle through, and they struggled to an 8-15 record.
With a full offseason under DeBruin and a much more experienced roster, the Wildcats are setting their goals high this year; a top-two West Michigan Conference Lakes finish.
“With the leadership and the group we have, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be (up there),” DeBruin said.
The ‘Cats bring back several talented, experienced seniors, led by the inside-outside punch of Amanda Cederquist and Adilynn Peterson. Fellow seniors Addison Pranger, who brings the ability to get to the basket and harass opponents defensively, and Braylyn Bultema, who offers size and midrange jump shooting, further shore up the Montague lineup. Cederquist and Bultema will see a lot of the ball as the ‘Cats try to get shots from close to the hoop.
DeBruin noted that the Wildcat players have been battling together for years and have a strong team chemistry that could be the difference in some close games.
“Last season they let some games slip away that we know we should’ve had,” DeBruin said. “We know what to expect on the floor. These girls have played together since they were young, and not just in basketball. The team chemistry on the floor is pretty good. and that will lead us to some pretty good games.”
There’s also a deep hunger among the Montague players to end their careers on a high note, DeBruin added.
“They know what to expect, and they want it, and I think that will be key to some wins,” DeBruin said.
Should Montague live up to its internal expectations and battle for the conference title, it’s likely Fremont and Ludington will again be major obstacles. Outside the league, the ‘Cats are taking on a bevy of nearby opponents, though they’ve also added a game against Allendale this year. Spring Lake is a district powerhouse and advanced to the regional final last season, so the Lakers should again pose a stern threat in the postseason.
