Thanks to the weather, and a somewhat light schedule between the end of 2017 and the start of 2018, when Bridgeport’s girls basketball team next takes to the floor for a contest it will have been nine days between contests. Although pleased with how his team has played in the first third of the season, BHS Coach Dennis Hutson admits he’s a bit concerned.

 

“Any time you’re off this long, you tend to be bored at practice playing the same people and doing a lot of the same things. Things end up getting stale,” said Hutson. “The only way to break that is to play.”

 

The Indians were hoping to play earlier this week at Preston, but January games in that county are always questionable and weather scratched it. It’s been set for a makeup on Jan. 20 at 2:30 p.m.

 

“I’m still pretty pleased with how we’ve looked in the early going. The only game where I really was less than pleased was at Lincoln,” Hutson said. “That’s one we had the possibility to win and laid an egg. Other than that, I can’t complain about the kids’ performances as a whole. There are a lot of positives.”

 

At the top of the list is what Hutson described as his team’s “unselfish play.” He pointed to a lack of individuals worrying about stats over wins and that there’s cohesion because of it.

 

“They play well together and like one another and because of that everyone is looking to pass and looking to take the best shot possible,” said Hutson. “When you have an unselfish team it certainly makes it easier to coach.”

 

That unselfish play was on full display in Bridgeport’s last outing against Robert C. Byrd back on Dec. 27. The Indians took a 60-32 win in a game that featured 21 field goals by the Tribe. More impressive was that BHS assisted on 17 of those baskets.

 

“I don’t know if that’s the highest number I’ve ever had or the highest percentage, but it’s a good ratio,” said Hutson. “I’ll take that every single game.”

 

Emily Riggs and Rory Marple led the way offensively with 17 and 12 points, respectively. Kaitlin Smith and Paige Humble both scored eight points, while Madie Wilson added seven for the Tribe. BHS won the game also playing without two of its starters.

 

“We had a lot of kids step up. We need that to happen every game whether we’re at full strength or not,” said Hutson.

 

The Indians will have plenty of chances to see that happen. The Indians still have 14 regular season games remaining as the second week of January is set to begin.

 

“You get a little concerned having that many games, particularly with the weather. The tournament starts the last week of February so you hope you don’t have cancelations because of it,” said Hutson. “If we do get them all in, and that’s what we want, we’re going to face a brutal stretch of games. We’ll see where we’re at.”

 

Right now, the Indians are one of the top Class AA teams in the state according to the first MetroNews Power Rankings. The standings have them at No. 9 in ‘AA’ and No. 21 in a ranking of all 123 schools in the state. Click HERE for the complete rankings.

 

The Indians will host Grafton Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and visit North Marion Thursday at the same time. Next Saturday, Bridgeport will host Nicholas County at 1 p.m.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Madie Wilson applying defense, while Emily Riggs takes it to the basket in the bottom photo. Photos by Joey Signorelli of www.benqueenphotography.com.