Huntley Project's Girls Basketball Program Faces Uncertain Future

The Huntley Project School District is facing a shakeup in its girls basketball program, with the unexpected departure of head coach Mandy Morales. The district's superintendent has confirmed that Morales' contract was not renewed, citing a missed contract renewal timeline. However, the situation remains complex, with Morales claiming a lack of institutional support and uncertainty surrounding her potential return to the team.

Navigating the Challenges of Coaching Transitions

Unexpected Contract Non-Renewal

The Huntley Project School District has announced that Mandy Morales, the head coach of the girls basketball team, is not expected to return for the upcoming season. According to Superintendent Mark Wandle, the decision was made due to a missed contract renewal timeline, which affected several staff members. Wandle stated that the district is in the process of rehiring some of these individuals, but the girls basketball coaching position will be opened up for new applicants.

Morales, who has been the head coach for the past three seasons, expressed her disappointment with the situation. She claims that she was not informed of the September 9th contract deadline and that the parting of ways was not mutual. Morales is currently going through the process of reapplying for the job, but she is doubtful about her chances of being rehired, citing a perceived lack of institutional support.

The Huntley Project girls basketball team has enjoyed significant success under Morales' leadership, winning the Southern B divisional championship this past season and placing third at the state tournament. They also won the Southern B crown in 2023 and finished fourth at the state tournament that year. With six seniors, including prolific guard Paige Lofing, who recently committed to Gonzaga, the team is expected to be a contender again in the 2024-25 season.

Morales' Coaching Legacy and Player Impact

Mandy Morales has a rich history with the Huntley Project basketball program. Prior to becoming the head coach, she was a standout player herself, beginning her high school career at Huntley Project before transferring to Billings West, where she helped the Golden Bears win two Class AA girls basketball championships. Morales was named Montana's Gatorade player of the year in 2004.

After her successful high school career, Morales went on to play college basketball at Arizona State and the University of Montana, where she was twice named the Big Sky Conference player of the year. She scored 1,959 points and dished out 587 assists during her time with the Lady Griz.

Morales' connection to the Huntley Project players runs deep, as she has been with the current team since they were in sixth grade. She expressed her sadness at the prospect of not being able to finish out her tenure with the players, stating, "It just hurts my heart for these kids. I hope they win it all. They've done everything possible to get that close. This was — this is the year for them. I believe they're going to win it all."

The Road Ahead for Huntley Project's Girls Basketball Program

The Huntley Project School District has posted job openings for both the high school head girls basketball and junior high girls basketball coaching positions, signaling a significant transition for the program. The district has stated that the administrative recommendation is to open up the girls basketball contract, leaving the door open for new leadership.

The situation has created uncertainty and concern among the Huntley Project community, particularly for the players who have thrived under Morales' guidance. The team's high expectations for the 2024-25 season, with a talented roster led by Paige Lofing, add to the complexity of the situation.

As the district navigates the coaching change, it will be crucial for them to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the momentum built by the team under Morales' leadership. The decision-makers will need to carefully consider the needs of the players, the program's long-term success, and the potential impact on the community as they move forward in the search for a new head coach.