Shelbyville High School’s girls basketball program continues to grow from within as Rebecca Hoefler begins her third season as head coach.

With just two seniors lost to graduation from an 8-15 squad, the Golden Bears are primed to push for a .500 record or better – that has not happened since the 2015-2016 season -- as the 2021-2022 season starts tonight at Brown County.

“A couple more than eight (wins), that would be the goal,” said Hoefler, who was 4-20 in her inaugural season at Shelbyville. “We are always trying to improve our record each and every year. It’s a slow progression to where we can continually be above .500 every year.”

With 71% of last year’s scoring back in the lineup and a schedule that starts with four Class A programs in the first six games, Shelbyville can get off to a strong start.

After traveling to Brown County tonight, the Golden Bears host Class A, No. 6 Waldron Nov. 9, Edinburgh Nov. 12 and Class A, No. 16 Southwestern Nov. 19. Shelbyville is at Morristown Nov. 13 and at Greensburg Nov. 16.

The Hoosier Heritage Conference portion of the schedule starts on Nov. 27 against Pendleton Heights.

“This conference is one of the toughest conferences and you never know who is going to be where,” said Hoefler, who mentioned Mt. Vernon, Pendleton Heights and Yorktown as preseason favorites to win the HHC. “I would like to be in the middle of our conference on the higher side of it.”

Shelbyville was 2-5 against HHC teams last season.

Leading scorer Kylee Edwards (17.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.9 spg) returns for her junior season. The softball standout recently announced her college commitment to Mississippi State University.

“The great thing about Kylee Edwards is she is a true competitor,” said Hoefler. “She won’t let anyone hold her down. Her mindset and being a tough athlete will help her through all these face guards and box-and-ones that will be on her.

“We are putting some things in place in our offense and our defense that will help her shine as well. We know everyone will be gunning for her when we come into their place.”

No other Golden Bear averaged double-digit points last season but look for senior Madison Phares (7.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg) to push to that point this season.

The only other senior in the program, Madison Bassett (4.9 ppg, 2.2 apg), also will have more offensive responsibilities this season with the departure of Jaidyn Tackett (9.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg), who opted not to play her senior season.

Sophomore Ava Wilson (5.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Fresh off a 14-goal soccer season for the Golden Bears, already has a year of varsity basketball experience to her credit which should benefit her this season.

“I’m expecting a really good season out of her,” said Hoefler.

Junior Abby Brenner (1.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg) also has an expanded role this season.

“She has taken her offseason very serious,” said Hoefler.

Sophomores Cheyenne Eads, who had a dynamic freshman softball season as a pitcher, and Ava Mummert and Ellie Simpson, both soccer players, bring athleticism to the roster in the backcourt.

“I have one of the most athletic teams that I have ever coached,” said Hoefler. “My preseason is very different from everyone else’s preseason because I don’t get my girls until the very first day of basketball because they are in volleyball and they are in soccer.”

Shelbyville’s December schedule features three conference opponents and a battle with what is expected to be one of the top teams in the state on Dec. 18 at Class 4A, No. 5 Franklin, a potential sectional opponent.

The Golden Bears will travel to Valparaiso again for the Viking Holiday Tournament that includes the host Vikings, Knox and South Central (Union Mills).

The 2021 portion of the schedule concludes Dec. 28 with a home game against another potential sectional opponent in Franklin Central.

The final home game of the regular season is Jan. 22 against Delta. The Golden Bears close out the regular season Jan. 27 at Hauser.

Franklin Central is the sectional host site this season.

“I tell the girls all the time we have high expectations this season,” said Hoefler. “What’s nice is the team is all on the same page this year. Our practices are super aggressive and very intense. Everyone has the mindset to win this year. You can see it in practice every day. I’m excited to see it in games and show people how hard these girls have been working.”