At the Reed City gymnasium, the Baldwin, Evart and Reed City girls' basketball teams converged for a series of summer scrimmages that served as an early test of preparation for the upcoming 2026‑27 season. The sessions allowed coaches to experiment with lineups and gave players a chance to adjust to new offensive and defensive concepts before the official campaign begins.
Reed City head coach Brian Koopman used the gatherings to emphasize ball handling and footwork, while he was away on summer travel he entrusted assistant coaches to run the drills, ensuring continuity in player development. The assistants kept the tempo high and provided individualized feedback, which Koopman praised as a productive way to maintain momentum.
Evart’s newly appointed coach Shaun Gray, who recently guided the school’s softball squad to the state semifinals, returned to the hardwood to initiate basketball activities, bringing a fresh perspective and energy to the program. Gray’s transition from softball to basketball illustrates the multi‑sport versatility common among local coaches.
Baldwin, under first‑year head coach Ashley Torres‑Penman, saw a strong turnout, with nearly a dozen players reporting to the first scrimmage, signaling enthusiasm for the coach’s vision. The turnout was notable given the team’s recent roster changes and the community’s interest in rebuilding under new leadership.
The collective experience on the court has been viewed as a valuable opportunity for each team to fine‑tune strategies, build chemistry and assess talent before the official season begins. Players such as Becca Johnson, Morgan Hammond, Alexis Boyd, Brailynn Dermyer, Quyncee Gray, Ally Duncan and Sabrena Cutler were spotted participating, underscoring the depth of talent across the three programs.
Summer Sessions Emphasize Skill Building
Beyond individual team goals, the scrimmages fostered a sense of regional collaboration, as coaches exchanged ideas and players formed new connections. This collaborative atmosphere is expected to carry over into the regular season, potentially raising the overall competitiveness of the area’s girls basketball landscape.