Leading the way for the Lady Broncs is one of the returners this year. Jessie Bunting comes back for her senior year. Submitted photo.
The Kern Valley varsity basketball team will begin a season in which they hang their hopes on the coaches, the returners and the athleticism of all the players.
They are looking for success in making the opportunities work for them instead of against them. Bill Gallis in his 12th year at the helm leads the Lady Broncs. In the past 12 years, Gallis has coached a plethora of Kern Valley teams. He will be assisted by the JV girls coach, Kenny Bushling.
Gallis commented on his time at Kern Valley and his assistant said, “This will be my 12th year coaching this team. It’s hard to believe how fast time has flown by, but each season has brought its own set of memories, challenges, and growth opportunities. I’ve been coaching at Kern Valley High School for 12 years, and in that time, I’ve had the privilege of coaching a range of sports including football, volleyball, baseball, and tennis. This season, Kenny Bushling will be my right-hand man, assisting me with the team and taking on the role of JV team coach. Additionally, I’ll be leaning on Jamie Duran as a consultant for the team, whose insights and experience add valuable perspectives to our strategy.”
This season Kern Valley has 11 players on the team. Of those 11, five are returners for the Lady Broncs. Three seniors, three juniors, one sophomore, and four freshmen make up the Kern Valley squad. Two of the seniors that return are Ava Elliott and Jesie Bunting. Joining them are juniors Jayda Bushling and Elli Jeans. The lone sophomore on the squad, Leenah Troller also returns to the Lady Broncs. Filling out the rest of the squad are Senior McKayla Bachman and junior Scarlett Russell. The four freshmen to complete the Lady Broncs are Jade Montes, Emmalynn Bechtel, Ashley Plante, and Naomi Tapia.
There are specific goals that coach Gallis has in mind for his team. Keeping things competitive and working on improvement throughout the season are on the top of the list. He said, “As a coach, my primary goal for the upcoming basketball season is to foster a competitive yet supportive environment where every player improves both individually and as a cohesive team. This goal encompasses developing fundamental skills, enhancing game intelligence, and promoting a culture of resilience and sportsmanship.”
His plan to get there will take both the players and the coaches building a connection into making the Lady Broncs believe in themselves and move that to the court. Gallis said, “Implement focused training regimens by creating practice plans that emphasize fundamentals, position-specific skills, and situational gameplay to build players’ confidence and versatility. Strengthen team chemistry by encouraging team-building exercises and open communication to develop trust among players. Prioritize player development by identifying each player’s strengths and areas for improvement, providing tailored feedback and specialized training to ensure continuous growth. Strategic game planning using our tools to study opponents and refine game strategies that play to the team’s strengths, ensuring players understand their roles and responsibilities during games. Foster a growth mindset to promote a culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities and every player is motivated to push beyond their limits.”
With a very short non-league season, the Kern Valley team will have to come together quickly in making the goal of the coach become a reality. Two tournaments and one individual game will be the non-league for the Lady Broncs. When asked what he was looking for in the non-league, Gallis responded, “In the non-league portion of the schedule, I would be looking for opportunities that allow the team to grow and prepare effectively for league play. Use non-league games to build trust and improve on-court communication among teammates. This helps players understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. Experiment with different offensive and defensive schemes to see how well the team adapts and what strategies are most effective in various situations. Evaluate both team and individual performances to pinpoint what works well and what needs more focus in practice. Create a balance of challenging matchups and winnable games to boost the team’s morale while still providing a test to sharpen their skills. Prepare the team to face adversity by scheduling strong non-league opponents. This will teach the team how to handle pressure and improve their problem-solving during tight or difficult games. Assess each player’s performance under different conditions to fine-tune rotations and identify who thrives in various roles or game situations. Overall, the non-league games serve as a foundation for growth, giving a preview of what to expect during league competition and building a strong, adaptable team.”
From a realistic point of view, Gallis knows that the HDL will be a tough go. There are teams that have built a winning culture and Kern Valley hopes to become one of those teams. Along with that they must learn how to compete with teams that are trying to do the same. Gallis said, “Rosamond is the reigning Division V champions and are historically strong. They are always a formidable opponent in the league. Bishop is another competitive team, consistently challenging for top positions in the league. Boron, known for their resilience and competitive spirit, often poses a significant challenge and Desert has one of the top players in the area and are very athletic. These teams are expected to be the main competitors for Kern Valley in the upcoming girls’ basketball season.”
With plenty of experience to lean on, Gallis sees the strength of his team playing solid defense and the athleticism of his players. He commented, “The Kern Valley basketball team is poised for a strong 2024-2025 season, building on past successes. The team showcases formidable defensive capabilities, a trait that was evident during their impressive 2023-2024 run where they consistently held opponents to low scores. With a roster that includes five returning players who are well-versed in the team’s dynamics and strategies, Kern Valley benefits from exceptional team chemistry and depth. Athleticism stands out as another defining strength, allowing the team to maintain a fast-paced style of play, excel in transition, and sustain a high level of endurance throughout games.
Looking to areas where the team needs work, Gallis said, “While the Kern Valley girls’ basketball team boasts strong attributes, there are always areas for growth to ensure the team reaches its full potential. While the team can create opportunities, improving field goal and free throw percentages will help capitalize on scoring chances and maintain momentum in tight games. Reducing unforced errors and maintaining control under pressure is essential. Enhancing ball-handling skills and decision-making can help limit turnovers during critical moments.”
Offering his closing thoughts Gallis said, “As I step into my 12th year coaching this team, the sense of pride and commitment is as strong as ever. This season promises to be a journey marked by both the familiar and the fresh. With the support of my dedicated assistant, Kenny Bushling, we’re well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The season brings a blend of experience and athleticism with five returning players who embody resilience, chemistry, and a deep understanding of our game plan. Our goals extend beyond just winning; they encompass nurturing individual growth, fostering a strong team culture, and ensuring that every game is a learning opportunity. In essence, this season is about more than just the game; it’s about fostering leadership, resilience, and a love for competition. With the groundwork set and a committed group ready to elevate their game, I am excited and optimistic about what lies ahead for the Kern Valley girls’ basketball team. The road will be demanding, but together, we are prepared to face every challenge and make the most of every moment.”
With the year of basketball upcoming, the high hopes for success are built into the coaching staff, the players, and their willingness to become the best version of a basketball squad. The time is at hand for them to put this effort in the works. They will battle on their home court the first time when they play Mira Monte on Thursday. The game will start just after the conclusion of the JV game that will take to the court earlier.
