By David Fleet
Editor
Brandon Twp.— On Dec. 5 the Brandon Blackhawk Girls Varsity Basketball team opened the 2023-24 season with a 71-57 home win over the Kearsley Hornets.
BHS Sr. #14 Riley Abney led the team in scoring with 36 points and 5 steals.  BHS Fr. #1 Ella Rizzo had a strong first game with 14 points.  BHS Jr. #21 Jaden Williamson had 8 points and relentless defense.
“As a team the Blackhawks played solid defensively and pulled out the victory,” said Blackhawk Head Coach Chris Rivers, in his first game at the helm.
“We want to build a bond with the community and for our team to put a product on the floor that the community can be proud of,” he said.  “Our quote is 120% and no less. Our core values are faith, family and excellence.  Our team vision is to promote faith, family values, excellence and life lessons that’s bigger than the Xs and Os on the court.  Our calling this season is “come together.”
Rivers’ coaching career started in the Brandon Community eight years ago in the Brandon Parks and Recreation jets league, coaching for three years girls and boys fourth-sixth grade teams.
He served as Assistant Brandon Middle School Boys Basketball coach, Brandon Boys Freshman Head Basketball Coach for the 2021-2022 season and then JV Brandon Boys Head Coach. He replaced Jason Sheldon as the Girls Varsity Head Coach for the 2023-24 season.