Port returns nearly the same team

The Port Washington High School girls’ varsity basketball team hit the ground running this season.

With most of the Pirates back from last year, the team looks to improve from last year’s winless record in the North Shore Conference.

Things are off to a good start so far.

“We’ve had an awesome first week of practice,” coach Jakob Wahl said.

With only Madelyn Cook and Joy Holzman lost to graduation, Wahl said the Pirates are quickly getting back into rhythm since they already know the system the coaches are running.

“I noticed early on that that was kind of going to be the case. It’s been helpful,” Wahl said.

“They know where we’re coming from.”

The young players are getting up to speed as well.

“The seniors are being great role models for our younger players,” Wahl said.

“They’re almost acting as other coaches when they’re working together.”

Among those is guard Lizzie Egan, who earned honorable mention in the North Shore Conference last season.

Egan averaged 10.4 points per game while drawing opponents’ top defenders, showing improvement from her sophomore year.

“She’s taken on more of a leadership role being a senior and a three-year player for us. I look forward to her improvement,” Wahl said.

The Pirates aren’t particularly tall — senior forward Kaytin Kassens tops the team at 5 feet, 11 inches — leading Wahl to adjust accordingly.

The Pirates will be looking to move up and down the court quickly.

“We do want to pick up the pace a little bit because of our size,” Wahl said.

Other contributors look to be senior guards Katie Earlandson and Ella Bierman, junior forwards Keelie Schumacher and Morgan Stone, and junior guards Kendra Dowe and Reagan Molin.

The Pirates open their season Friday when they host non-conference foe Lake Country Lutheran. They play at NSC rival Grafton on Tuesday.