Poland, OH – As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, anticipation swells around the Poland High School Girls Basketball team. Led by veteran head coach Nick Blanch, the Lady Bulldogs are gearing up for another exciting season, filled with promise and competitive excitement.

Speaking with Anthony Hartwig of YSN, Coach Blanch reflects on the lessons learned from last year’s heart-wrenching loss to Pie Valley. “You coach long enough, you’ll see you’ll be on the good side of that and sometimes doesn’t go your way,” Blanch stated, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the sport. Building on these experiences, the Lady Bulldogs are poised to tackle this season’s challenges head-on. They boast a roster ripe with talent, starting with three instrumental seniors – Sophia Generalovich, Kate Harrell, and Lucy Harrell, and a strong core of juniors including Leanna Bocheri and Lauren Coss. Notably, Sophia Generalovich is transitioning fresh off a leadership role in the successful soccer season, and Coach Blanch is optimistic about the skills and mindset she brings to the basketball court.

This year’s schedule promises fierce competition. The NE8 conference remains robust with the inclusion of new head coaches in Struthers and Lakeview, along with seasoned adversaries like Gerard and Struthers. Blanch diplomatically underplayed last year’s league win, insisting, “I really don’t feel we were the best team in the league last year. We just had some chips fall our way.” The non-conference games will also pose significant tests. The Lady Bulldogs start strong with Cheney, featuring standout player Alyssa Brown, followed closely by intense matchups against Champion, Canfield, and other formidable teams like Springfield and Colombiana. According to Blanch, these games are tactically chosen to prepare the team for the rigors of tournament play, aligning more closely with the kinds of opponents they’ll encounter.

With a coaching staff brimming with experience and enthusiasm, including JV coach John Dubeck and assistant Al Maesai, alongside former players Brooke Rowe and Bella Guidance, the program is well-equipped to foster and develop its athletes. Mark your calendars; the Lady Bulldogs launch their season on November 25th against Cheney, with a home game shortly after on December 2nd against Champion. Enthusiastic fans and community members can expect an exhilarating season opener at Poland High School Gymnasium. Coach Blanch remains characteristically humble yet hopeful, “In order to have success, you need to have a lot of people working hard in and around your program to be successful.” As the Poland community rallies behind their team, there’s no doubt the Lady Bulldogs are ready for another memorable season on the court.

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