Lake Stevens junior keeps Vikings’ pipeline to Boise State going

Lake Stevens High school junior Raigan Reed has made a verbal commitment to play for the Boise State University women’s basketball team.

Reed and Vikings coach Randy Edens both said the Broncos’ program is the perfect fit for the standout combo guard for a number of reasons — one being the connection with Lake Stevens alumni Brooke and Brittany Pahukoa, who continued their basketball careers at Boise State, made two NCAA Tournament appearances and now work in the Broncos’ athletic department.

“I know that Raigan has reached out to both Brooke and Brittany and certainly asked about their experiences, and they both have been very forthcoming in terms of just talking about Boise as a school and as a city and what to expect athletically,” Edens said. “That’s just invaluable having that connection with somebody that went to the same high school and someone that lived in the same community. So that’s certainly gonna help (the transition to college).

“I also think she’s looking forward to trying to continue on the legacy that they left behind.”

Having that connection with the Pahukoas made Reed’s visit to the school in September of 2017 a little easier.

“It was really nice because we could obviously connect because we all love (Coach) Edens so much. He’s supported us for our whole careers,” Reed said. “After I committed, Brooke texted me and said, ‘It’s nice to see another guard from Lake Stevens leave a legacy and go to Boise.’ So they’ve been really supportive of me, and I really look up to them. It’s nice to have them in my life.”

But familiarity with her fellow Lake Stevens-hoops kin wasn’t the only deciding factor in Reed’s choice.

“The coaches are so genuine,” said Reed, who also had offers from Washington State and Montana State. “I love the environment there and how it’s so family based. I loved the town, and the way they coach fits my style (of play) perfectly.”

Reed, an athletic, 5-foot-7 guard, has the ability to stretch the floor with her 3-point shooting and the quickness to slash to the basket and score off the dribble.

“(The coaches) made it clear it doesn’t matter what grade you’re in. If you’re performing out there, then you’re gonna play,” Reed said. “So I know if I keep working hard, I can play right away.”

As a sophomore, Reed averaged 15.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. But improving those numbers aren’t as important to her as becoming a better leader and making the players around her better in her final two seasons.

“Since we have such a young team, it’s my opportunity to leave my mark on this team and help them get better,” Reed said.

Reed, who said she models her game after former Glacier Peak star and current Brigham Young University guard Paisley Johnson, said she has her parents, Lacie and Kevin Reed, and Edens to thank for her development on the court and the opportunities she’s receiving.

Edens said he had Reed on his radar when she was in the fifth grade rising through Lake Stevens’ youth basketball program, and he knew she had potential to be a special talent then.

“We’re tremendously excited for her, as we are all of our players that get to commit. It’s a pretty special moment to have players come through your program and get that opportunity,” Edens said. “… To see her come up and grow through our program at the younger levels and certainly now that she’s older, it’s just a pretty special moment and day certainly for her.

“She’s really grown into being a multi-faceted guard. I think this year for us we’re gonna try and move her off the ball a little bit more. She played point (guard) for us and she can play (shooting guard). Her ability to stretch the floor with her perimeter shooting obviously really opens up her ability to drive, which is probably the strength of her game. She just has this knack of getting to the free-throw line. She becomes a really tough guard because you can’t take just one thing away and think that’s gonna work.”