After only winning two games a season ago, the Suttons Bay girls basketball team will be looking to rebound during the 2025-26 season.
The Norse will be an underclassmen- led team with many sophomores and juniors expected to step up, led by new head coach Jordan Anderson.
“We have athletes. They need to be refined. We got to work on their fundamentals a lot,” Anderson said.
Suttons Bay hopes to improve on a two-win team and is looking for small victories to sustain consistent growth throughout the season.
The Norse will want to play fast and in space, while focusing on tough and versatile defense that can do different things.
“(I’m looking for) the willingness to compete. In the past, we’d get down and just completely give up. Whereas now, we want to be in a position where, even if they get down, we’re still fired up because you never get back into a game if you are not,” Anderson said.
Anderson continues the family coaching legacy after Ron Anderson, a longtime Suttons Bay boys basketball coach who led the Norsemen to multiple district championships and beyond.
“It means the world to me. Basketball is huge in my family; my entire life revolves around this. To have him here to mentor me, I couldn’t have asked for more. (Ron) has a lot of success on the boys side,” Anderson said.
The Norse only wins last season were over Boyne Falls in February and Mesick in December.
The Norse tip-off the season December 8 against Traverse City Home School (7 p.m.) before traveling to Glen Lake December 11 (7 p.m.) and hosting Traverse City Christian December 16 (5:30 p.m.)
Aubrey Carson is the lone Norse senior who will be lacing up the sneakers.
“It’s definitely a full circle moment for me because when I started, I was in third grade. It’s weird to grow up with a lot of these people and seeing us as seniors. It’s been hard, but I’m definitely excited for this season,” Carson said. “We have to show up, trying our best, making sure we’re feeling ourselves.. We are making sure we’re staying on top of our stuff.”
Suttons Bay junior Keke Williams is excited to improve upon last season with another year of playing with many of the same faces.
“We have to work hard and have dedication. It’s about our mindset, keeping the positivity is a huge thing for our success this season,” Williams said.
Suttons Bay girls basketball is a cooperative with Northport Public Schools.
Aliyah Mendez, a Northport sophomore, looks forward to practice every day with the girls from Suttons Bay.
“My team has worked hard. We deserve what the season is going to give us,” Mendez said. “Since we don’t get to see each other every day, it’s something to look forward to, getting to see your friends after school.”
