Six returners lead Fernley girls basketball team

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

In each of the last two seasons, the Fernley High School girls basketball team has swept through league play undefeated, but suffered heartbreak in the state championship game.

As they embark on this season’s journey, it will be six returners leading the Vaqueros, who also have big shoes to fill from the loss of five seniors from last year’s team.

The Vaqueros open the season this weekend with four games in two days in the Basic Tip Off Tournament in Henderson. They will play Arbor View Friday at 5 p.m. and SLAM Academy at 8 p.m. Saturday they take on an opponent to be determined at 9:30 a.m., then they finish the trip against Durango at 12:30 p.m.

The Vaqueros return three seniors and three juniors from last year’s team who have all played key roles as the Vaqueros have gone undefeated in league play the past two seasons, with a 59-6 overall record and two state championship game appearances.

Seniors Jaelece Wasson, Hunter Lyle and Kensey Kreller, and juniors Taylor Tollestrup, Laura Rosales and Irene Brown head the group, which will be breaking in several newcomers.

“This year’s team has a chance to carry on the winning atmosphere, but it won’t be handed to us,” coach Ralph Dunn said. “We will have to work hard and earn every game.”

Dunn said practices have been up and down the court in the first week, as the Vaqueros implement what has worked for them in the past.

“We will be fun to watch, just like the past years I’ve coached, and I’m looking for a great season,” Dunn said.

After coming back from Henderson, the Vaqueros will play four games again next week at the Spanish Springs Winter Tip Off.