Deep, talented Grizzly girls roll to win

KIRKLAND — If the Glacier Peak girls basketball team had a weakness in the 2012-13 season, it was inconsistent production from the offense.

In Friday’s 63-43 victory over Roosevelt in the Rebel Challenge at Juanita High School, it appeared the Grizzlies have figured out how to turn a weakness into a strength.

Glacier Peak had three players score in double figures — they didn’t have a single player average in double figures a season ago — led by senior Taylor Baird, who finished with 19.

“We can put up some points,” Glacier Peak head coach Brian Hill said. “We’ve got a lot of weapons.”

The two biggest weapons in both height and on-court production are Baird and fellow senior post Nicole Fausey. Fausey added 12 points to go along with Baird’s 19 and together they opened up opportunities for the other players to score.

“My posts are playing fantastic,” Hill said. “They draw a lot of attention it kind of really opens up the field for everyone else (to score). Sadie (Mensing) has been doing fantastic for us because those posts get so much attention. She just finds herself in the right spot at the right time.”

Mensing was the Grizzlies third player in double figures, finishing with 10.

The Grizzlies chose their shots wisely and methodically continued to build a bigger lead. By halftime Glacier Peak was up 32-19.

“Because I know so much defense is going to collapse on our I posts, I try to tell them, ‘Be patient, don’t force it. Rotate the ball around a little bit and make the defense have to come out,’” Hill said.

Not only are the Grizzlies balanced, but they are deep. All 10 players who dressed played and no matter who was on the court the team never seemed to miss a beat. Starting point guard Sarah Smith missed the game due to injury, but sophomore Natalie Rasmussen insured the Grizzlies wouldn’t suffer a drop off. She finished with three points, but accounted for several more by finding open teammates for easy baskets.

“She’s a very controlled and very smart player who doesn’t turn the ball over,” Hill said. “If you don’t turn the ball over it gives you more opportunities to score.

Rasmussen isn’t the only underclassman contributing to the team’s success. Freshmen Samantha Fatkin and Paisley Johnson are also seeing significant minutes and producing.

“Sam and Paisley are already playing high-level varsity basketball,” Hill said. “I think on most teams they would already be starting. We’re just a really deep team. We go 11 deep and all 11 are able to play.”

Johnson finished with seven points, including a 3, while Fatkin didn’t score.

Defensively, the Grizzlies used the nonleague game to work on a full-court press they had yet to run in their previous six games this season. The pressure created several turnovers, but also resulted in a few more easy baskets for Roosevelt than Hill would have liked to have seen.

“We know our bread and butter is to kind of make people beat us from the outside, to contest all shots and get lots of rebounding,” Hill said. “We also know there is going to be a time where we’re going to have to change it up. We’re going to have to try and get some buckets without giving up buckets. Today we wanted to see what we could do.”

Aaron Lommers covers prep sports for The Herald. Follow him on twitter @aaronlommers and contact him at alommers@heraldnet.com.

At Juanita H.S.

Roosevelt1091212—43

Glacier Peak15171516—63

Roosevelt—Izzy Mason 8, Serena Toney 6, Hannah Swanson 12, Lucy Morrill 0, Julia Mirick 4, Brenna Christensen 4, Jo Jo Huletz 9, Kaya Dumas 0. Glacier Peak—Taylor Baird 19, Sadie Mensing 10, Natalie Rasmussen 3, Kaela Collins 0, Victoria Goudreau 4, Sawyer Manning 0, Kianna Garner 8, Samantha Fatkin 0, Paisley Johnson 7, Nicole Fausey 12. 3-point goals—Toney 2, Huletz 1, Rasmussen 1, Johnson 1. Records—Roosevelt 1-7 overall. Glacier Peak 7-0.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.