GRAND ISLAND, Neb — The Grand Island Senior High (GISH) Girls Basketball Team is set to reintroduce a Junior Varsity (JV) schedule for the upcoming season, marking a significant step in the program’s growth. Chris Ladwig, GISH Activities Director, expressed enthusiasm about the development, stating, “Our student-athletes and coaches have been working really hard to continue to grow our program.”
Ladwig highlighted the importance of the JV schedule as a sign of progress. “Numbers are encouraging due to the work of our student-athletes and coaches. Having a JV schedule this year is showing our progression. I am excited to continue to watch this group grow in the right direction and build for the future,” he said.
The decision to reinstate the JV schedule comes after a strategic pause last season, which focused on developing younger players at the Reserves and Freshman levels. This approach was taken to ensure the best developmental experience for the student-athletes, prioritizing their experience and safety.
Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, shared his excitement about the program’s growth. “I was able to attend a number of the Freshman and Reserve games our girls played last year. The progress they were making was very evident and encouraging,” Fisher said. He added that while the team is not yet ready for a full Class A varsity schedule, the JV schedule will provide a competitive platform for the athletes.
Head Coach Montie Fyfe is preparing to make the upcoming season impactful for the players, coaching staff, and the school. Ladwig emphasized the program’s commitment, saying, “We continue to be committed to the program, our players, our coaches, and to growing girls basketball in Grand Island.”
The GISH Activities Office is actively working to finalize the JV schedule, aiming to foster continued growth and success for the Islanders Girls Basketball program.