Shelby Varsity Girls Basketball stopped by CatchMark for a team media day, and it had that perfect mix you hope for in early-season hoops — laughs between teammates, competitive edge in every pose, and the kind of confidence you can feel when a group truly believes in what it can become.
With nearly the entire roster returning, Shelby is stepping into the season with continuity, chemistry, and a clear set of goals: win the conference, win districts, and keep growing together.
Big goals, bigger growth
When asked about expectations for the upcoming season, the message was simple and direct:
“Our goals for this season are to win the conference and districts and to see growth as a team.”
That’s the standard — and Shelby isn’t shy about it.
A veteran group ready to lead
Experience won’t be an issue for Shelby this winter.
“We have everyone returning this year,” and that’s a big deal for a team with high goals.
A few names to keep an eye on:
- Kylie Brown brings a major presence, especially on leadership and defense.
- Ava Lamberg is another key defensive piece.
- Lydia Soelberg is expected back shortly after the holiday break, adding another strong option into the mix.
- Jayna Burmeister is the one opposing teams will circle first — the player many will try to game-plan around — but Shelby has plenty of scoring support returning.
And that’s where this group could become tough to handle: Shelby isn’t relying on one option.
Alongside Burmeister, Shelby brings back multiple offensive weapons, including Michelle Peterson, Annabelle Stark, Jordan Wolting, and Emma Stovall.
Everyone matters — and everyone knows it
One of the most important storylines for Shelby this season might be the way this team fits together.
With only one senior, a small roster, and eight returning players, roles will be critical — and Shelby believes that buy-in is already happening.
“The chemistry will be one of the toughest that I have coached,” the team shared, pointing to a group that understands how much each player matters.
“We have the potential to be one of the best teams around if they all continue to buy into the team… knowing their role and accepting that role.”
That’s not just coach-speak — that’s the blueprint for teams that make noise in February and March.
Circle the matchups
If you’re building your must-watch list, Shelby already has one opponent circled:
- Shelby vs. Hart should be a strong matchup this season.
Shelby Girls Basketball Leaders (early season)
Points
- Jayna Burmeister (2 games): 45 points — 22.5 ppg
- Michelle Peterson (2 games): 15 points — 7.5 ppg
Rebounds
- Jayna Burmeister (2 games): 28 rebounds — 14 rpg
- Annabelle Stark (2 games): 17 rebounds — 8.5 rpg
Assists
- Michelle Peterson (2 games): 4 assists — 2 apg
If Shelby’s early numbers are any indication, this team has multiple ways to impact a game — scoring, rebounding, and defending — and the pieces to turn “potential” into something real.
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