The Cashmere High School girls basketball team enters the 2025–26 season with fresh leadership and high expectations as Brandon Eygabroad steps in as the new head coach. Eygabroad arrives after a highly successful run at Rainier High School, where he guided the program to five state tournament appearances in six years and captured a Central 2B District Championship last season. Over his tenure, he compiled an impressive 121–46 overall record and earned a reputation for developing disciplined, competitive teams built on defensive toughness.
Replacing the senior talent that graduated last spring will be a significant challenge. The Bulldogs said goodbye to standout players including 1,000-point scorer Ellie Bessonette, 1st-team All-SCAC selection Leah Kunz, and 2nd-team All-SCAC selection Allie McKenna. That senior class led Cashmere to four straight state tournament appearances and collected three state trophies, leaving behind a championship standard that this year’s group hopes to uphold.
The Bulldogs will lean heavily on junior Addie Talley, an All-SCAC Honorable Mention last season after averaging 6.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. A 2nd-team All-Caribou Trail League selection as a freshman, Talley is expected to be the centerpiece of Cashmere’s offense.
On the defensive end, junior Gwen Ledesma returns after a strong sophomore season and starting role. Known for her intensity and on-ball pressure, Ledesma will also be asked to increase her offensive production. Sophomore Kinsley Miller takes over primary point guard duties after gaining valuable varsity experience last season, giving the Bulldogs a steady ball-handler and floor leader.
Senior leadership will come from Ella Kenoyer and Alyssa Soria. Kenoyer brings postseason experience and versatility, while Soria returns to the program after a two-year absence, adding depth, maturity, and a valuable inside presence.
The Bulldogs are also excited about their rising young talent. Sophomores Juliana Boyd and Peyton Irelan, along with promising freshman Addi Lyons, could all see meaningful roles early as Cashmere builds its rotation.
Coach Eygabroad is encouraged by what he has seen so far and believes the team’s identity will be clear from day one:
“It has been a great start to the season with a lot of growth. I’m excited to see us continue to grow and compete throughout the season. It is a great group of hardworking players who are eager to learn the game of basketball. Our identity will be based on our defense and rebounding as we will rely on it throughout the season as we continue to develop our roles and chemistry on offense.”
Cashmere opens its season on Friday, December 12, traveling to Connell for an early SCAC matchup. With a proven coach, a core of returning contributors, and a wave of emerging talent, the Bulldogs will look to continue their tradition of tough, gritty basketball and position themselves for another deep postseason run.
