GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) - The Bengals girls basketball players enter the season with a growing sense of identity—one shaped by effort, toughness, and an unshakable commitment to each other. After posting the program’s most wins in over a decade in Coach Emily Gussert’s first varsity season and the most in more than 20 years in her second, the Bengals now look to take the next step. This year’s theme, “with purpose, with heart,” captures exactly where the team is headed.
Coach Gussert: A Foundation Built on Standards and Trust
Now in her fifth year with the program and third year as varsity coach, Coach Gussert has established a culture anchored in clear expectations. “There are key things we keep repeating: effort, toughness—including mental toughness—coachability, being a good teammate, and dedication,” she said, reflecting on how far the program has come. She added that her biggest lesson as a coach has been learning “to meet the kids where they’re at and then pull them along,” a shift that has helped her build the trust needed to elevate the program each year.
A former student manager for the Michigan State University women’s basketball team, Gussert has always loved being around the game. Her journey to Ottawa Hills began when she volunteered to help, only to later be asked to take over the JV program. With a family full of public school educators, she immediately felt drawn to GRPS and the students she would coach. “I want them to have a love for the game and each other,” she said. “I want the two hours they’re here in the gym to be the best two hours of their day.”
Though last year’s five seniors left significant shoes to fill, this year’s roster has approached that challenge with energy. “The kids this year have to show up more,” Gussert explained, “but they’re practicing in a way that pushes each other to better.”
Defensively, the Bengals are committed, and that identity won’t change. “Defense is what earns you minutes here,” she said. “That’ll be the biggest focus for the season.”
A Gift from the Past: The Class of 1990 Gives Back
Support for the program reached new heights this offseason thanks to the incredible generosity of the Class of 1990. When the Bengals’ assistant coach mentioned the team’s fundraiser to alumna Tasha Blackmon, President and CEO of Cherry Health, she shared it with classmates at their reunion. Within just two hours, the Class of 1990 raised $4,000. Combined with the $6,000 the team collected themselves, the Bengals were able to provide every player across all levels with a pair of A’One shoes—A’ja Wilson’s new Nike signature shoe.
For the players, the A’Ones are more than just equipment; they’re a symbol of what is possible when women’s basketball is valued and supported. The alumni’s generosity strengthened that message, creating a renewed sense of pride in Ottawa Hills basketball and forging a meaningful bridge between past and present. For Coach Gussert, the moment underscored how deeply the Bengals community stands behind its players and the future of the program.
The Senior Leaders: A Tight-Knit Core
With such a strong foundation of support behind them, this year’s seniors are ready to lead both on and off the court. India Hollis, Miranda Miheve, Amyah Smith-Flowers, Samiya Kerney, Khamiya Johnson, and Corena Willink have spent years growing together, and their bond shows in how they play.
For Hollis, the season is about testing the limits of what the group can accomplish. She says she’s excited to “see how far we can progress into the season,” highlighting the trust the seniors have built over years of shared experience. Miheve echoes that focus on unity, noting, “I’m excited to get closer with my teammates and see how we can grow together from last year.”
On the court, that trust translates into composure and consistency. Smith-Flowers points to the team’s ability to handle pressure, explaining that they “stay calm, stay focused, and play together.” Kerney agrees, emphasizing how much team cohesion impacts their collective play: “We feed off of each other’s energy. The seniors lift each other up, and if we’re in a good mood, it makes everyone on the team play that way.”
Each senior is also focused on her personal development. Johnson has concentrated on “toughness, being strong on the court, and being strong going up,” aiming to give herself an advantage and contribute more effectively on the offensive end. For Willink, she has worked on persistence and effort, recognizing that her actions ripple through the group: “My teammates count on that. If one person isn’t trying hard, it affects everyone.”
Above all, what sets this group apart is the sense of family they’ve cultivated. Johnson describes it simply: “We all get along, we make each other comfortable, we cheer each other on, we give each other ideas, and we work on things together.” Willink agrees that their close bond runs deep. “We’ve become a family. These are all my sisters I’m playing with.”
Growth Through Preparation and Purpose
The Bengals’ development didn’t begin with the first whistle of the season. They spent the summer at team camps, conditioning together, and meeting at parks to build chemistry. That preparation is not just physical; it’s intentional. At the beginning of each season, the team sets goals together, something Hollis says helps guide them as the months unfold. Similarly, Miheve emphasized the team-first mindset behind it all, saying they focus heavily on “how we can grow together” rather than on individual accomplishments.
With improved shooting, a stronger transition game, and a deeper camaraderie, the Bengals enter the season as a fast, defensive-minded, and increasingly confident team. Their growth is also inspired by recent alumni who have moved on to play college basketball, reminding current players of what’s possible.
A Season Ahead with Purpose, with Heart
As the Bengals prepare to take another step forward, the program’s culture speaks louder than any stat line. Through community support, senior leadership, and a coach who prioritizes connection as much as competition, Ottawa Hills is building something lasting.
“Once we have a foundation of trust, we can push them harder,” Coach Gussert said. “It’s been amazing what some of the kids have been able to do since that’s been built.” Now, the Bengals are ready for what comes next.
Important Season Dates
- First Game: December 12
- Game at Van Andel Arena v. Union: December 23
- Youth Night: February 10
- MHSAA Districts: March 2-6
