With the hiring of Kristina Prins to fill the girl’s head coaching vacancy, the basketball program has entered a new era here at FHC. Prins was a four year starter at FHC and looks to use her experience to lead the young lady Rangers to another successful season.

“With this being my first year, I’m looking to bring a new energy,” Prins said. “Being as I went to FHC, I have a love and a passion for our athletics program that others can’t quite understand. I’m trying to teach the girls about more than just basketball.”

The Rangers are a very young team this year with only two seniors: Maddy Smith and Paula Shields. The team also has juniors Emma Yoder, a two-year varsity player, and Madi Winter, a three-year varsity player. These players will need to step up in the absence of the seniors that departed last year:  Jessica Fuller, Rhea Thornton, and Maddie and Mackenzie Yob.  

Paula is ready to have a great senior season.

“This is my third year playing at the varsity level,” Paula said. “Having worked under many different coaching styles with all types of teammates, I know what traits motivate.  I’m excited to have the chance to be a good role model and encourage those around me. I really miss last year’s seniors, but we’re choosing to focus on what we’ve gained this year.  We have great new coaches and with our positive team chemistry, the possibilities are endless.”

The talented senior class last year led FHC to the State Quarterfinals, despite only having a 10-11 record under the guidance of head coach Kelvin Grady.  Prins is trying to not only make another deep run into the postseason, but also instill a winning tradition into the program.

“My expectations are for the girls to get better every single day and for them to see our program as a family,” Prins said. “Beginning from the freshmen ladies all the way to our seniors. I think the culture of what girls basketball is about has been lacking and missing for a few years. We’re trying to build excitement and passion around it again. As long as we’re getting better, working hard, winning games, and the girls are having fun, I would say this year is a success.”

The Rangers started the season with an impressive 54-27 victory over Grandville. Prins said that the key to this victory was the play of her two underclassmen, Claire Baguley and Selina Franovic.

“Selina Franovic and Claire Baguley are key sophomores,” Prins said. “Selina is strong ,and once we get some key skills down she will be one to watch. She will definitely be a role player this year, and I’m excited to have Selina for the next two years. Claire, on the other hand, will be a big key to our success this season. She has led us in both of our games so far this year with 14 points in each game. She is a fierce competitor, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of this season goes for her.”