The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
After taking over the program mid-semester last year, Head Coach Hank Waddles is locked in for his first full season in charge of the Wilson girls’ basketball program.
After former Head Coach Erin Carey resigned in Jan. due to mistreatment from parents, Waddles, a longtime Stanford Middle School legend, took over with the intention of only finishing out the season. However, his plans soon changed.
“I knew that this was something I wanted to do. I wanted to stay with this group of girls,” Waddles said. “It’s been a lot, but it’s been a lot of fun. I’m excited about this team.”
Waddles said he would not have been able to be here without the help of his coaching staff, including insight from Carey. Carey has been in touch with Waddles helping him with this new position, and he is joined by Lisa Ulmer and Reta Sula.
Ulmer coached the Jordan girls’ basketball program to an undefeated league championship 30 years ago. Sula was the leader of that team and went on to set records at Long Beach State.
“All coaches rely on their assistants, but mine are phenomenal, and they’ve both got deep Moore League roots,” Waddles said. “Everything we do this season will be because of them. They’re amazing.”
Wilson’s team this year is led by returning All-Moore League Second Team guard and senior Paige Williams.
“The thing about Paige is, she never stops working on her game,” Waddles said. “She’s one of these kids that every program needs.”
Williams will be joined by fellow seniors Mackenzie Zebro and Jordyn Davis. Zebro will be a strong forward for the Bruins this year.
“She just provides so much leadership for us and just with her maturity and her enthusiasm and her work ethic,” Waddles said.
Davis will be anchoring the defensive side of things for the Bruins. Waddles said her athleticism and drive make Davis a pretty special player defensively.
“When she’s on and giving 100% effort, there’s not going to be too many players in [the] Moore League that match her defensively,” Waddles said.
The abrupt coaching shift was difficult for these seniors last year. While they are still adjusting to the change, they are also trying to step up for the rest of their team.
“Just trying to focus on the positive aspect, just it being my last year, getting to play alongside my friends, basically, and try and guide the freshmen along as a senior,” Williams said.
There are three freshmen representing the Bruins this year in Emily Alvarez-Smith, Juliette Bryman and Sarai Shepherd.
“We’ve got a combination of senior leadership and some youth coming into the program, which is really pretty exciting,” Waddles said.
The Bruins have their eyes set on a successful Moore League season with a playoff run to send their seniors out. But after finishing fifth last year, the team knows it is all about taking each day as it comes.
“Playing game by game, just trying to win every game that’s ahead of us,” Williams said.
Wilson will begin Moore League play in December when they host Compton.
“Our goal is to stay together, play together, win together,” Waddles said.
