A new voice could be heard echoing throughout Washington’s High School gymnasium this week. Monday marked the beginning of girls’ basketball practice across the state, and for a second straight season the Washington team finds themselves embarking on a new season with a different head coach.

Last season saw the Demons’ suffer their first losing campaign in nearly a decade, finishing with a 6-16 record under then head coach Jay Zieglowsky. Zieglowsky resigned from his teaching and coaching positions at Washington Community Schools at the end of last school year, leaving southeast Iowa to be closer to his new wife in Michigan.

The program now belongs to Jordan Bentley, who brought six seasons of coaching experience from Turkey Valley and West Marshall with him to Washington this fall. Bentley says coaching basketball is more than just wins and losses to him. “The biggest thing is I have some much fun doing this and that’s why I do it.” Bentley said, “Yes, the wins are awesome, but my friends and family will tell you, its not so much the winning I love. It’s the ah-ha moments, the moments they start grabbing onto a concept. We might play really well and still not win a game, but if I am seeing progress I am going to keep having fun with it.”

Bently’s upbeat approach is beginning to rub off on the team, especially the squad’s five seniors. The quintet was asked by Bentley to come up with a list of team rules after Thursday’s practice. Brynna DeLong says one of the main rules for the team this season has to due with attitude. “One of the main rules was be positive, no negativity.” DeLong said, “We want to turn every negative into a positive.”

Addie Pacha, who enters camp as the team’s tallest and arguably most vocal player from last season, says the positive practice environment is something she is excited about. “This is something we are trying to improve upon from last season.” Pacha said, “Everybody seems to have a good work ethic as well. Everyone is willing to work and (the seniors) really appreciate that.”

The regular season for the Washington girls basketball team begins Monday, November 23 when the Demons host the Eddyville-Blakesburg Rockets.