by James Tate

Head Coach: JT Soter

2025-2026 record: Overall (16-9) Region (10-2)

Clearfield enters the 2026–27 season coming off a strong 16–9 campaign and a 10–2 finish in Region 5, good for second place. With a talented senior class now graduated, the Falcons enter a new era defined by fresh faces, new strengths, and an opportunity to build their own identity within a program known for toughness, discipline, and defense.

Head coach JT Soter embraces the transition.

“We are inexperienced at the varsity level,” Coach Soter said. “We are a completely different team with different strengths than previous teams. We need to focus on what we do well as a team and do that.”

Despite the roster turnover, the Falcons aren’t starting from scratch. Many of this year’s contributors have spent years in a system that demands effort, accountability, and competitive consistency. Soter sees this season as a chance for his athletes to step into leadership roles and carry forward the culture last year’s seniors helped establish.

“We have great athletes who are learning the game and working hard,” Coach Soter said. “If they do what we ask, we will have continued success. The opportunity these girls have this year is to lead the program and continue the great culture our graduates created.”

Calista Christensen

Defensive identity

Clearfield’s defensive identity will remain defined by length and versatility, especially with juniors Brooklyn Plant and Lexi Jensen anchoring the interior. Both players bring more than size, they are stretch forwards who can pull defenses out of the paint with their ability to knock down outside shots. Their perimeter range and interior strength give Clearfield a unique advantage, letting the Falcons space the floor offensively while still maintaining a physical presence inside.

Soter expects the perimeter defense to be fueled by junior Calista Christensen, senior Taya Christensen, and sophomore Maelie Mills, three players he describes as energetic and relentless. Their ability to pressure the ball and disrupt opposing guards will be essential as the Falcons build their foundation on defense.

“I still feel like defense needs to be the #1 priority this year,” Coach Soter said. “I see Calista Christensen, Taya Christensen, and Maelie Mills being the scrappy defenders, while juniors Brooklyn Plant and Lexi Jensen will anchor the defense.”

Offensive focus

To stay among Region 5’s top teams, Clearfield knows its offense must match its defensive intensity. Soter emphasizes ball movement, decision-making, and unselfishness, qualities that will be crucial as new varsity contributors settle into larger roles.

“We need to play offense as a team,” Coach Soter said. “Make the right passes, cut turnovers, and take the right shots. We have to be unselfish.”

Clearfield’s length and athleticism give them multiple scoring options, but discipline will be key: value possessions, attack smart angles, and generate high‑percentage looks. On the other end, physicality and rebounding remain non‑negotiable.

“Defensively, we need to improve physicality, control the boards, and stay in front,” Coach Soter said. “We have length at every position, so we need to use it to our advantage.”

Lexi Jensen

Depth and season outlook

Beyond the core group, the Falcons will rely on juniors Jovi Bennington, Jordin Madsen, and Camdyn Hoxsie, along with senior Kate Droge, to provide depth and athleticism throughout the season. Each brings energy, competitiveness, and the ability to contribute in multiple roles as the team grows into its new identity.

Clearfield will be young, but not inexperienced in what the program demands. These athletes understand the standard set over the years, and they are determined to uphold it. The names may be new, but the expectations remain the same: compete, defend, and play with the toughness that defines Falcons basketball.

photos courtesy of James Tate