The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The West Field Longhorns are wasting no time making history. In just their second year as a program, the Longhorns are moving up from the 4A classification into the competitive 5A ranks—a bold step for a team still carving out its identity.

Last season, the Longhorns finished 7-18 overall and 2-8 in region play, but their inaugural campaign was far from ordinary. Fans witnessed milestone moments, from the school’s first-ever victory—a road win over Bonneville in just the second game of the season—to a thrilling playoff triumph at Tooele. Head Coach Rick Stoeckl’s squad proved early that they could rise to the occasion.

Kylee Mueller

Returning leaders

That foundation is anchored by returning contributors who logged significant roles and minutes last season, bringing both skill and experience to a growing roster:

• Rylee Andreasen (PG, Sr.) – A quick, cerebral guard with excellent court vision, Andreasen is the floor general who understands Stoeckl’s philosophy and keeps the offense flowing.
• Kylee Mueller (F, Sr.) – The team’s leading rebounder last season at 5.6 boards per game, Mueller provides toughness inside and is ready to expand her scoring role.
• Meghan Peterson (G, Jr.) – A versatile guard who gained valuable minutes last season and adds depth to the perimeter.
• Kennedee Solomon (F, Sr.) – A steady presence who played in all 25 games last year, bringing leadership and composure in big moments.

This season, Andreasen, Mueller, Peterson, and Solomon are stepping into the program’s leadership roles, setting the tone for a roster that blends veteran experience with emerging talent. Their ability to guide younger teammates while competing against bigger 5A opponents will be critical in shaping West Field’s identity.

Depth in the paint

The Longhorns also boast emerging talent ready to make their mark:

• Kail Ercanbrack (F, Jr.) – A physical forward who thrives inside the paint, Ercanbrack plays with toughness and isn’t afraid to battle for position and rebounds.
• Tailey Buckway (F, Sr.) – A veteran who adds maturity and stability to the rotation.
• Kayohna Holmes (F/C So.) – A promising sophomore whose athleticism could provide a spark off the bench.

New rivalries, new energy

The Longhorns’ move into 5A reshapes not only their competition but also the energy surrounding each game. With region opponents now closer, travel times are shorter, and the atmosphere feels more familiar. That shift adds a new layer of intensity to the season, especially as the closest rivalries form against Fremont and Roy.

For the Longhorns program, those matchups are more than just games; they’re opportunities to establish tradition and identity for a program still in its infancy. The Longhorns’ leaders will set the tone in these contests, guiding younger teammates through the pressure of rivalry atmospheres and ensuring West Field competes with poise.

With the gym expected to be packed for the Fremont and Roy showdowns, the Longhorns will lean on their leadership core to channel the energy into disciplined play. For a team that thrived on “firsts” last season, these rivalries mark the next step in building a legacy, turning proximity into passion and competition into tradition.

Looking ahead

The Longhorns know the road won’t be easy. But with Andreasen orchestrating the offense, Mueller and Ercanbrack battling inside, Peterson adding depth, and Solomon providing senior leadership, West Field has the pieces to surprise opponents and continue writing its story of “firsts.”

The move to 5A ensures that every victory will carry added weight, especially in the region battles against nearby rivals Fremont and Roy. Those matchups will test the Longhorns’ resolve and give their leaders the chance to define how this young program responds to pressure. For a school still building tradition, the rivalries close to home may prove just as important as the wins themselves.

This season is about proving they belong—showing that WestField can compete, grow, and thrive in the 5A ranks. And with the energy of new rivalries fueling the journey, the Longhorns’ second chapter promises to be even more compelling than the first.

Cover photo courtesy of Freddie Photos www.fbl.photoreflect.com