“We might be the youngest varsity program in the state and maybe in school history,” said Bruce Orne, varsity girls basketball coach at Boothbay Region High School of the 2022-2023 team.

With five freshmen, four sophomores, a junior and a senior, the Lady Seahawks may lack in experience but not enthusiasm, said Orne, who is entering his second year as varsity girls coach. Due to the lack of players, the junior varsity schedule was canceled.

“They’ve been working hard these past few weeks –6 a.m. Saturday practices, the late night practices during school. The team is eager to be in the gym and that drive isn’t something you can teach,” he said.

The 2022-2023 roster includes: Senior center Kathryn Hibbard; junior guard Meg Sledge; sophomores guard Magen Burge, guard Maddie Orchard, guard Anna Gosselin, forward Ivory Cody; and freshmen guard Sophie White, guard Abby Orchard, guard Bailey Lewis, forward Tatum French and center Kora Mckenney.

“We’re looking to continue to improve week to week; the silver lining of having such a young roster is the amount of floor time all the underclassmen will get this year. They’ll get to experience varsity basketball first hand and that certainly helps season to season.” said Orne.

Assisting Orne as coaches are former BRHS basketball players Jesse Peters and Cagney O’Brien. Sophomore Lily Nein is the team manager.

“We’re excited to get the season underway,” said Orne. “My goal is to build on where we left off this summer. We’ve got a long road ahead of us, and we’re not taking any shortcuts. We hope to see the community continue to come out and support us this season!”

The Lady Seahawks kick off the season at home on Friday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. against the Madison Bulldogs.