By Teddy Rydquist
Leader Staff Writer

Reaching the 15-win mark in each of the last two seasons, the 2019-20 Oxford High School girls’ varsity basketball team has a high bar to live up to.
While the team only has three seniors, head coach Rachel Bryer knows the trio will play a large role in the unit’s success.

“(Guard) Gabby Dinges, (forward) Aleah Dymond and (guard) Sarah Tyrrell are our seniors this year and they’ve worked hard,” Bryer said. “Gabby is a two-sport athlete, Aleah and Sarah are both three-sport athletes.
“They keep themselves busy, but they show a commitment to basketball. They’re real leaders for us.”
The younger sister of senior cross country runner and soccer player Lauren Methner, junior point guard Mackenzie Methner has established herself as a player whom Bryer can count on, as well.
“She (Methner) is one of our better athletes. Great drive, great competitor. Because of her mind for the game on the floor, she can compete with anyone.”
Finishing in third-place in the Oakland Activities Association’s White Division in back-to-back years, the team will reside in the White once again this season.
“We compete really well with the OAA White teams,” Bryer explained. “Throughout the years, we’ve been able to get after it in league play and have beat some OAA Red teams.
“I think that’s something the league does a really good job with; you get some good competition between the two levels.”
A teacher at Oxford Middle School in addition to her coaching duties, this campaign will be Bryer’s fourth at the helm of the program. Serving as assistant coaches, a couple of former collegiate basketball players – Skye Donaldson, a 2015 Oxford High School graduate, and Allison Karpinski – will round out Bryer’s staff.
The Lady Wildcats began their season with a road tilt against the Bloomfield Hills Black Hawks on Dec. 3. The girls’ home-opener will take place on Dec. 6 vs. the Walled Lake Central Vikings at 7 p.m.