Barlow girls basketball will lose a stellar senior class, but that doesn’t mean the good times are over for Bruins

“This next group has spent a long time playing together. … I’m excited to see what they will do when the spotlight is on them.”

By Dave Ball | Photos by Naji Saker 

Barlow girls basketball coach Nick Hudson knew his team was making an impact on its East County community when he started seeing his middle-school students wearing blue and gold Barlow T-shirts to class. 

“I remember when I was a little guy and going to camps and coming to games with my dad. These girls have created that same culture,” Hudson said. “I get to see firsthand how much of role models these girls have been.” 

This year’s senior class made back-to-back trips to the 6A semifinals, highlighted by last year’s runner-up finish. The Bruins went a combined 48-11 (81.4%) over the past two seasons.

Barlow highlighted this season’s playoff run with an intense second-round win over PIL champion Benson and a victory against Three Rivers champion Tualatin in the quarterfinals.

A slow start in the semifinals put a dead end to this season with a loss to South Medford.

“The end of our season didn’t go the way we wanted, but we still have a lot to be proud of,” Hudson said.

Point guard Kennedie Shuler earned all-tournament honors, and Annie Koenig was named to the second team. 

“It’s really special. Nothing is ever guaranteed, but we went into practice every day and we worked hard,” Koenig said. “All of our parents and teachers have been a great support. They keep reminding us how special a group this has been.”

This season, the Bruins relied heavily on their starting five, which consisted of all seniors. Junior guard Kylie Ihrig and sophomore post player Maiya Hardy were often the first players to come off the bench.

“It will be a different look, for sure, but this next group has spent a long time playing together,” Hudson said. “Going up against those five seniors in practice every day, their growth has been awesome. I’m excited to see what they will do when the spotlight is on them.” 

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