SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) – A young Heritage girls’ basketball team is back and looks stronger than ever.
The Hawks returned all their players from last season, and with a year of chemistry between this group, they’re ready to make a run.
JOSIE ODE: HERITAGE SOPHOMORE POINT GUARD: “Our group is just different. We have a different bond than other teams,” said Josie Ode, Heritage sophomore. “Obviously, we had no seniors last year, so this year, having seniors, we know we’re going to lose some after this year, so it’s different. I feel like our intensity is a lot higher now that, after this season, we’re going to have a few losses. We’re cherishing every moment because we know it isn’t going to last forever.”
The only thing new for Heritage this season is the coaching staff, as former Freeland star and St. Charles boys basketball coach Taryn Krauseneck took over the team, and the players have been impressed with what she and the staff have brought to the program.
ALESIA ODE: HERITAGE SENIOR SMALL FORWARD: “She’s been through every level and league, so she knows what she’s doing, and just listening to her and hearing her words of advice, it’s been really great, and we’ve been really adapting to how she does things, and it’s been amazing,” said Alesia Ode, Heritage senior. “I’m really proud of this team and thing we overcame a lot of things. She is really leading us to great stuff right now.”
It’s been a strong start for Heritage, as they are 7-2 to begin the season, but their schedule is a gauntlet this year, featuring several top teams across Division one and two, while also competing in the Saginaw Valley League.
With these tough games, the Hawks hope to use them as experience to help them go on a run this postseason.
TARYN KRAUSENECK: HERITAGE HEAD GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH: “It puts us in tough situations, especially against the tough teams,” said Krauseneck. “We have an overtime loss and a double overtime win, so it’s preparing me as a coach to make good decisions, making sure I hold my timeouts or I’m holding my timeouts, and when they’re not able to hear me, they know to make good decisions that they need to make, especially with the time on the clock. As long as we’re playing our best in February and March, I think we’re good to go.”
Copyright 2026 WNEM. All rights reserved.