Baker girls mix new, old

“We’re going to have a core group of eight players on the varsity and work in a couple of junior varsity players each game,” Smith said.

Returning from last year’s Greater Oregon League champion team are seniors Mackenzie Warner, Haley Adams, Whitney Phillips and Aly Ogan. Another senior, Callie Baxter, rejoins the team after sitting out the last two seasons.

“To have Callie back after a couple of years off brings a lot of energy to our program,” Smith said.

Another new face, 6-foot-1 junior Tiffany Burk will help in the post. Burk transferred from La Grande.

“Tiffany will come along quickly,” Smith said. “She will be a nice addition. Right now you can tell she’s been out of basketball for a couple years though. But she’s learning quickly.

“In my opinion we have one of the best posts in the GOL in Whitney Phillips,” the Baker coach said.

“She and Aly have been working well together. Our seniors are ready to go.”

Smith said the loss of Tara Talbott to graduation was big.

“You can’t replace Tara alone,” he said. “We’ll try to do so by committee.”

Warner and Adams return in the backcourt.

“That’s a plus,” Smith said. “Both are playing with a lot of confidence.”

The other players listed on the varsity are juniors Alyssa Ward and Mackenzie Srack and sophomores Ashley Trees, Abby Baxter, Marley Robb and Emily Smith.

“Our preseason schedule is as tough as we’ve had,” Smith said. “We’ll take our lumps at times, but we’ll learn from that.

“We’ll have to be patient. Last year we started 1-5 then won 14 in a row.”