The Salt Fork Storm will begin their season on Tuesday against Monticello, navigating a challenging transition after losing three key players from last year’s championship squad. The team, under coach Brian Russell, faces the task of maintaining their winning run with a younger roster and fresh roles to fill.
Coach Russell described the current group as “young” but eager. “They are doing a good job of being a sponge and soaking everything in,” he said. The team’s approach this season hinges on steady improvement through practice, with a focus on learning from mistakes. “Once you make them, you learn from them and try not to do them again,” Russell added.
The Storm captured their fifth Vermilion County title and third regional championship last year despite losing Alexa Jamison, but this season’s challenges are different. Salt Fork must adjust after losing Sailor Pacot and Brycie and Bracie Hird. Senior Morgan Russell, who had a significant role last season, acknowledged the pressure of stepping into new responsibilities. “It is finally our turn. I am going to have to fill some big shoes,” she said. “I may have to be a shooting guard and a post and I have to get out of my comfort zone and be a little more aggressive and be what the team needs.”
Alongside Morgan Russell, senior Taylor Remole and sophomore Laurilei Pierce are the main returning players with meaningful court time. Coach Russell pointed out that Laurilei gained experience late last season and will contribute more this year. “The two that got a lot of playing time was Morgan and Taylor. Laurilei got some experience toward the end of the year, so she’s going to help,” he said.
Practice sessions have been crucial in integrating younger players and preparing the team for the intensity of competition. Morgan Russell noted the team has been pushing the freshmen to adapt to the higher level of play. “We just have to tell them to be comfortable and they are a little anxious because they haven’t played in this level yet,” she said. “In the last few practices, we have been practicing in that high level to get them used to what it is like in a game.”
The Storm’s schedule includes games against Monticello on Tuesday, Villa Grove on Thursday, and Seeger on November 21. Russell emphasised the importance of development throughout the season rather than early results. “We said it is not where you are at the beginning, it is where you are at the end,” he said. “The county tournament is near the end of the season and there is regionals, so those are the things we are focusing on and we want to win every game, but also make sure we are learning.”
Salt Fork’s recent dominance in county play means every opponent aims to topple them. Morgan Russell acknowledged this pressure. “Each team is going to step up this year because we are always the target since we have won conference,” she said. “All of the teams in the conference are coming to beat us, so we can’t relax and we have to think it will be intense every week and think that every game is a hard game.”
The seniors share a determination to continue their success. “The seniors and I agree we don’t want to be the team that stops that county run and regional run, so we are going to keep going to keep that alive,” Morgan Russell said.
Other teams in the area are also preparing for the season with varying prospects. Schlarman Academy has a new coach, Kashif Watson, who will lead a squad anchored by seniors Addison Forsyth, Reagan Troglia, and Layla Briggs. Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin returns most of its 20-win roster, including Giana Brown, Gentry Elson, and Raylynn Hearnley. Armstrong-Potomac looks to improve on last year’s 16-12 record with senior Elle Jameson and juniors Ashlyn Ackerman, Isabel Bullington, and Chesney Franzen.
Hoopeston Area, which lost a core of four seniors last season, returns Kayla Crull, Rilyn Fell, and Mady Klaber. Georgetown-Ridge Farm continues its upward trend with Madi Spesard, Addisen Ellis, and Annistyn Tovey. Oakwood aims to rebound from an 11-20 season with the return of Lainee Smith, Avery Trimmell, and Ashtyn Dailey. Westville hopes to build on a six-win season bolstered by a strong freshman class coming off a county title in junior high.
Salt Fork Storm’s opening games will reveal how well the team has adapted to these changes and whether their youth can maintain the winning momentum they have become known for.
According to Yahoo Sports.
