Mark Mays has high expectations for the Bethel girls’ basketball team, as they prepare to open the season against Piqua this weekend. Mays is starting his second year at the helm of the Bees, and after what he has seen in the early part of the pre-season, he feels this could be a better year and a chance at the top half of the Cross County Conference.

“We wound up our scrimmages with some serious competition, and the girls are playing serious defense,” Mays said. “The girls’ aggressiveness and desire to get stops on the court are there.”

“We played Piqua well in the Troy league, and we have some winnable games that we have to get this season. If we ca do that, it will help build the buy-in to the program that we are trying to establish.”

Also early in the season, they have two tough league games against Newton and Tri-Village which will go a long way to determine the success in the conference.

“The girls have developed the toughness that you need to have through a game and they don’t let mistakes bother them now,” Mays said. “They have really played hard in the first week of practice, and you can’t coach hard, it’s a desire to get better.”

“Our skill level is also better, and we can focus on some other things.”

Bethel will have two seniors on the roster, including 5-5 Courtney Schmidt and 5-7 Tia Koewler.

“Courtney is a strong defensive player and a good passer for us,” Mays said. “She can also rebound and is working on her game. Tia is intense and strong and also plays defense. She is the piece of the puzzle we really needed to come out this year.”

Five juniors also reside on the roster, with some good experience back for the Bees.

Becky Schweiterman is back, and the 5-10 had a breakout game last year in the tournament against Miami Valley, and is expected to be a leader for the Bees according to Mays.

Also Kayla Grable will be counted on her quickness.

“She is probably the most improved player we have,” Mays said. “She will be our defensive stopper.”

Emily and Morgan Crase also look to contribute, as Emily is a 5-5 shooter and Morgan is also 5-5 with good ball handling skills, and is a general on the floor according to the coach.

Sarah Swisher is also a strong athlete, as the junior is recovering from an injury from volleyball season.

Also on the roster are sophomores Alaina Hawthorn, Sevola Idrisoa, Delaney Hardert and freshman Kristin Bowman.

“Last year, we wanted to get in the upper half of the league and didn’t get there,” Mays said. “This year, I think we will get there. You have to compete with the likes of Tri-Village, Newton, Covington and Miami East. We have to take it one game at a time and get better.”