PREP GIRLS HOOPS PREVIEW: Team capsules

WESCO NORTH

1. Stanwood Spartans

Last season: 10-5 in league play, 15-8 overall (eliminated in 4A District 1 tournament)

Returning starters

Paisley Heckman, Sr. F, 6-0

Rachel Swartz, Jr. F/C, 6-3

Renee Lucero, Sr. G, 5-7

Up-and-comer

Jillian Jacobs, So. G/F, 5-9.

Outlook: The Spartans are a team loaded with experience, with seven seniors and a junior who have played together for two years at the varsity level. Coach Dennis Kloke said any combination of his experienced players can be competitive in the Wesco North. One of the team’s challenges, Kloke said, will be each player accepting her role for the sake of what’s best for the team. Kloke said the Spartans will work on improving daily and the future will be determined by their preparation in the present.

2. Lake Stevens Vikings

Last season: 12-3 in league play, 23-4 overall (placed 4th in the Class 4A state tournament)

Returning starters

Katie Goddard, Sr. G, 5-9

Abby Molstre, Sr. F, 5-8

Brooke Pahukoa, Jr. G, 5-9.

Up-and-comers

Brittney Pahukoa, Jr. G, 5-7.

Outlook: The Vikings lost five players from last year’s fourth-place team at state, including two starters. Coach Randall Edens said the Vikings are likely to go through some growing pains, but he’s excited about their young players. With just a few seniors, Edens said the future of the program looks bright. The keys to success, he said, will be to stay hungry and to continue to get better as the Vikings look stay near the top of the Wesco North.

3. Marysville Pilchuck Tomahawks

Last season: 8-7 in league play, 15-9 overall (eliminated in 4A District 1 tournament)

Returning starters

Hannah Watson, Sr., P, 6-1

Emily Enberg, Sr., F, 5-11

Up-and-comers

Jenika Anglim, So. G, 5-11

Amanda Klep, So. G, 5-5

Charlee Pilon, So., G, 6-0

Jessica Boyle, Sr., P, 6-1

Outlook: Not only will Marysville Pilchuck be without its leading scorer from a year ago (first-team All-Wesco guard Dacia Heckendorf), but the Tomahawks also must navigate this season without the player who likely would have taken her mantle: Rebecca Lentz. Lentz tore an anterior cruciate ligament in her knee during the soccer season, which will keep her out for the entire basketball season. MP head coach Julie Martin said that this year’s team has a lot of height and is deep.

4. Arlington Eagles

Last season: 5-10 in league play, 10-10 overall

Returning starters

Megan Abdo, Sr. PG, 5-7

Krista Showalter, Jr. G, 5-7

Lindsay Brown, Jr. F, 6-1

Stephanie Schmuck, Sr. F, 5-11

Katie Ferro, Sr. C, 6-0.

Up-and-comers

Lauren Grogan, Sr. G, 5-7

Jensen Evans, Sr. G, 5-7

Outlook: First-year head coach Joe Marsh said the team has plenty of varsity experience. Seven seniors and nine of the 12 players have varsity experience. Marsh said he expects his team to compete every night and improve significantly from its 10-10 record a year ago. With all their returners, the Eagles could be one of the teams that contends for the Wesco North crown.

5. Monroe Bearcats

Last season: 10-5 in league play, 14-10 overall (lost to Mount Tahoma in 4A state regional)

Returning starters

Alyssa Brazel, Sr. G, 5-7

Kierra Wilkins, Sr. G, 5-10

Ashley Alexander, Jr. F, 5-10.

Up-and-comers

Mary Roppo, Sr. G, 5-4

Breezy Shore, Jr. G, 5-6

Outlook: Coach Brian Paine said the Bearcats understand they are in one of the most competitive leagues in the state, but are looking to stay near the top of the conference. Paine said the Bearcats will play intense and emotional basketball stretching the entire 80 feet of the court. The Bearcats are undersized, he added, but will play with great heart.

6. Snohomish Panthers

Last season: 7-8 in league play, 9-11 overall

Returning starters

Julia Young, Sr. G, 5-7

Kristina Bride, Sr. Post, 5-10

Melissa Dreves, Sr. F, 5-9

Morgan Green, Jr. G, 5-1

Up-and-comers

Meredith Coad, Jr.

Callie Harwood, So.

Ellie Otteson, Fr.

Outlook: Coach Ken Roberts said the Panthers return most of their inside players from last season and size should be a strength for the Panthers this season. Roberts added that the Panthers are not as quick and athletic as some of the squads in the league, so rebounding and taking care of the basketball will be essential to the team’s success. Look for the Panthers to try to turn many of their games into half-court contests.

WESCO SOUTH

1. Jackson Timberwolves

Last season: 8-6 in league play, 13-10 overall (eliminated in 4A District 1 tournament)

Returning starters

Kristin Stoffel, Sr. F/Post, 5-11

Kelli Kingma, So. G, 5-8

Sierra Anderson, So. G, 5-6

Up-and-comer

Jessica Rawlins, So. G, 5-6

Outlook: Coach Jeannie Boyer said the Wesco 4A is one of the strongest conferences in the state, but that the T-wolves hope to compete for the league championship and a spot in the state tournament. Boyer said Stoffel, Kingma and Anderson will lead the way. Kingma is out 2-4 weeks with a sprained ACL.

2. Edmonds-Woodway Warriors

Last season: 14-0 in league play, 24-6 overall (qualified for 4A state tournament, but did not place)

Returning starter

Madeline Kasper, Sr. PG, 5-5

Up-and-comer

Seyi Olajoyegbe, Jr. C, 6-1

Outlook: Coach Duane Hodges said the Warriors are a young team that will keep things fairly simple at the beginning of the season hoping to build throughout. Hodges said the Warriors should be quick on the defensive side of the ball but will have to figure out a way to score. A few tough early-season non-league games should help the Warriors figure out where they stand. Hodges said if the team is going to be good it might not be until January, but that is when it counts.

3. Kamiak Knights

Last season: 3-11 in league play, 4-18 overall (eliminated in 4A District 1 tournament)

Returning starters

Kate Blackwell, Sr. G, 5-11

Erika Larson, Sr. G 5-9

Selena Taylor, So. Post, 5-10

Laurenna Plourd, Sr. Post, 6-3.

Up-and-comers

Erina Downing, Sr. G, 5-4

Nora Aboulhosn, So. G, 5-5

Margaret Slack, So. Wing, 5-8.

Outlook: First-year head coach Wes Williams said he can’t predict what kind of season the Knights will have, but did say the team has some pieces in place to make good things happen. Williams said the Knights will utilize an attacking offense and an in-your-face defense. The team will be led by captains Kate Blackwell and Erika Larson.

4. Cascade Bruins

Last season: 2-12 in league, 3-19 overall (eliminated in 4A district 1 tournament)

Returning starters

Haley Goff, Sr. PG, 5-5

Kiana Hood, Sr. F, 5-11.

Up-and-comers

Renee VonPressentin, Sr. F.

Outlook: Coach Ed Bowers said he feels that the Bruins can control their own destiny. He says the team has players committed to playing Cascade’s style of basketball and are willing to put in the time to get better individually and as a team. Bowers said he can see the team making significant strides and both end of the floor to raise their level of play this season.

5. Mariner Marauders

Last season: 1-13 in league play, 4-16 overall

Returning starters

Sondra Mainord, Sr. G, 5-7

Kelsey Laush, Sr. G, 5-6

Jayde McFerrin, Sr. Post, 5-8

Brittney Lea, Jr. Post, 5-9

Danielle Openiano, Jr. F, 5-9.

Up-and-comers

Adama Marenah, Sr. G, 5-6

Awa Marenah, Sr. G, 5-6

Ema Dzeko, Jr. G, 5-7.

Outlook: Coach Corey Gibb said this is the deepest and most experienced team he has had in his five seasons at Mariner. Gibb said his squad is a hard-working, team-oriented bunch that expects to play at a higher tempo and apply more defensive pressure this season. The team’s goal is to improve on last year’s record and make the playoffs. If the Marauders stay healthy, they might surprise a few teams, Gibb said.

WESCO 3A

Listed in order of predicted finish by Wesco 3A coaches

1. Glacier Peak Grizzlies

Last season: 8-6 in league play, 15-10 overall (qualified for 3A state tournament, did not place)

Returning starters

Katie Hawkins, Sr. PG, 5-10

Torrey Hill, Sr. G/Wing, 5-5

Taylor Rasmussen, Sr. G/Wing, 5-3.

Up-and-comer

Nikki Fausey, So. Post, 6-3.

Outlook: The Grizzlies will be without their Nos. 2 and No. 3 scorers from last year, but coach Brian Hill said the team is still experienced and should have a balanced attack. Hill said the team has great depth and can play many different styles of basketball. That will be needed as Hill said the Wesco 3A is one of the toughest 3A leagues in the state.

2. Shorecrest Scots

Last season: 12-2 in league play, 15-9 overall (eliminated in state regional)

Returning starters

Bri Lasconia, Sr. G, 5-9

India Matheson, Sr. Post, 6-1

Janie Uppinghouse, Sr. F, 5-9

Mickey Greenburg, Sr. F, 5-10.

Up-and-comer

Onyie Chibuogwu, So. F, 5-9.

Outlook: Coach Dori Monson said the team is looking forward to a fun, competitive season. The core group of seniors has played together since elementary school and has led the Scots to top-16 finishes in the state each of the past two years. Monson said there are no easy games in Wesco 3A and the Scots will be up against great coaching and players every game.

3. Lynnwood Royals

Last season: 12-2 in league play, 20-5 overall (lost to Auburn Mountainview in state regional)

Returning starters

Casey Evans, Sr. G, 5-5

Jasmin Edwards, So. G, 5-5

Meghan Cross, Sr. F, 5-11

Arsenia Ivanov, Jr. G, 5-8.

Up-and-comer

Grace Douglas, So. G, 5-5.

Outlook: The Royals don’t have a lot of height, but they should be a quick team. Coach Everett Edwards said the Royals have good shooters and when the team shares the ball, it will be tough to defend. The Royals will miss Mokun Fajemisin (out with a knee injury) but should still be competitive in the Wesco 3A.

4. Meadowdale Mavericks

Last season: 9-4 in league play, 12-9 overall (eliminated in 3A District 1 tournament)

Returning starters

Margreet Barhoum, Sr. G, 5-6

Katie Rickel, Sr. G, 5-5

Up-and-comers

Julianne Kossian, Jr. G, 5-7

Ndey Sonko, So. Post, 6-0

Mackenzie Bretz, So. Post, 5-9

Outlook: Coach Troy Parker said his team is experienced, with nine varsity players back from a season ago. Parker said the Mavericks’ success will be dictated by the team’s ability to rebound the ball consistently.

5. Everett Seagulls

Last season: 8-6 in league play, 13-9 overall (eliminated in 3A District 1 tournament)

Returning starters

Jody Barhanovich, Sr. G, 5-6

Sidney Rielly, So. G, 5-10

Kiki Harper, Jr. G, 5-8

Aliya Davis, Jr. G, 5-4.

Up-and-comers

Rosie Sittauer, Jr. Post, 5-11.

Outlook: Coach John Low said the Seagulls are still growing as a team, but if everyone accepts their roles and contributes on a consistent basis, the team can be successful and challenge the teams at the top of the league. Low looks for Rielly and Harper to once again lead his team’s offensive attack, but said success depends on how well the team plays defense.

6. Shorewood Thunderbirds

Last season: 3-10 in league play, 7-17 overall (eliminated in 3A District 1 tournament)

Returning starters

Masha Shtikel, Jr. G, 5-9

Jennifer Franklin, Sr. G, 5-7

Up-and-comer

Lauren Thompson, Jr. G, 5-6

Outlook: Despite losing three of her starters from a season ago, coach Nina Lowe said the T-birds hope to improve on their results from a season ago. She said the team expects to compete with and challenge the top teams in the league with a number of returning players who saw significant action last season.

7. Mountake Terrace Hawks

Last season: 2-12 in league play, 4-16 overall

Returning starters

Taylor Smith, Jr. Wing, 5-9

Maddy Kristjanson, So. Wing, 5-8

Up-and-comer

Monea Kerr, Sr. Post, 5-10

Outlook: Coach Dave Brophy said the Hawks will build their strategy knowing they trail every team in the league in terms of experience. The Hawks will rely on their conditioning to stay competitive in games while looking to develop the skill of their younger players for the future.

8. Oak Harbor Wildcats

Last season: 1-13 in league play, 2-17 overall

Returning starters

Dominique Jackson, Sr. P

Ciera Wiser, Jr. P

Tatiana Cumming, Sr. W

Up-and-comer

Erika Flores, Sr. G

Outlook: Coach Trisha Clayville said the Wildcats gained experience last season at many positions and will look to those battle-tested players to lead the team this season.

9. Marysville Getchell Chargers

Last season: First year with a varsity program.

Outlook: Head coach Shannon Grandbois said the Chargers will go into their first season with a varsity program focusing on the defensive end of the court. MG will also look to establish the program by putting out a nonstop effort and competing against every team that they play this season.

CASCADE CONFERENCES

Listed in order of predicted finish by Cascade Conference coaches

1. King’s Knights

Last season: 13-1 in league play, 21-7 overall (qualified for Class 1A state tournament, did not place)

Returning starters

Joclyn Kirton, Sr. Post, 5-11

Karlie Storkson, Sr. G, 5-11

Ashley Adams, Sr. Post, 5-11

Ellie Rasmussen, Jr. G, 5-6.

Up-and-comer

Anna Obert, Sr. Post, 5-11

Outlook: The Knights return a solid core from last year’s team that made the state quarterfinals. Coach Dan Taylor said the Knights have added size and speed. Taylor expects the 1A tri-district tournament to be even stronger than it was last season and said the Knights are hoping to make a return trip to the 1A state championships to be held in Yakima.

2. Archbishop Murphy Wildcats

Last season: 13-1 in league play, 19-5 overall (lost to White River in 2A state regional)

Returning starters

Beth Carlson, Jr. P, 6-2

Anna Maher, Jr. F, 5-9

MarieMichael Carroll, Jr. G, 5-6

Up-and-comer

Peyton Spencer, Sr. G, 5-8

Outlook: Although this year’s Archbishop Murphy team does not have a lot of varsity experience — seven of the 10 players on last year’s team were seniors, four of them starters — it still expects to be competitive in the league. First-year head coach Mark Bircher said the team is “composed of very hard-working athletes that are excited about the game and looking forward to competing on the court this year.”

3. Cedarcrest Red Wolves

Last season: 7-7 in league play, 10-10 overall (lost to Sehome in 2A District 1 play-in game)

Returning starters

Kendall Kramer, Jr. P, 5-9

Susan Kenney, So. G, 5-6

Outlook: After a solid season in which they just missed making the district playoffs, the Red Wolves will lean on all-league returnees Kramer and Kenney.

4. Granite Falls Tigers

Last season: 8-6 in league play, 10-12 overall (eliminated in 2A District 1 tournament)

Returning starters

Peyton Spencer, Sr. G, 5-8

Jamie Alexander, Sr. G, 5-9

Rhiannon Alexander, Jr. G, 5-8

Breanna White, Sr. G, 5-4.

Up-and-comers

None (most varsity players returning)

Outlook: Coach Mark Neuman said with most of last year’s team returning, he is looking for the Tigers to be more consistent. Neuman said Archbishop Murphy and King’s have been the dominant teams in the conference, but he’s hoping Granite Falls and other schools can close the gap this season.

5. South Whidbey Falcons

Last season: 1-13 in league play, 1-17 overall

Returning starters

Lacy Williams, Sr.

Britt Wood, Sr.

Jessica Manka, Sr.

Mackenzie Peterson, Sr.

Ellie Greene, Jr.

Hayley Newman, Jr.

Up-and-comer

Maddie Boyd, So.

Outlook: With the bulk of last year’s varsity returning, coach Andrew Davis said he expects the Falcons to be much improved and competitive with the rest of the Cascade Conference in 2011-12.

6. Sultan Turks

Last season: 4-10 in league play, 5-15 overall

Returning starters

Dani Markwood, Sr. Post, 5-10

Jessica Wiediger, Sr. PG, 5-4

Courtney Morris, So. Wing, 5-8

Randi Tuggle, So. G, 5-1.

Up-and-comer

Jessica Hopkins, So. G, 5-5.

Outlook: The Turks were young last season, but should be more experienced in 2011-12. Coach Bill Woolley said a key will be how much help the surrounding cast can give Dani Markwood on the offensive end. Woolley said the youth of last year’s team resulted in a lot of turnovers, which the team needs to greatly reduce this season.

7. Lakewood Cougars

Last season: 8-6 in league play, 9-13 overall

Returning starters

Kaylee Diggs, Sr. Post, 5-10

Caitlyn Darrah, Sr. G, 5-6

Ashley Orr, Sr. G, 5-6.

Up-and-comer

Skylar Cannon, So G/F, 5-5.

Outlook: Coach Chris Walster said he expects the Cougars to move forward from their fourth-place finish in the Cascade Conference. The Cougars should be quicker, more experienced and put pressure on opponents. Kaylee Diggs is the anchor for Lakewood in the paint. Ashley Orr and Caitlyn Darrah will give the team a strong outside threat. Walster said finding a point guard to lead the team will be a determining factor in the Turks’ success.

8. Coupeville Wolves

Last season: 2-13 in league play, 3-18 overall

Returning starters

Cassidi Rosenkrance, Sr. G, 5-5

Katie Smith, Sr. G, 5-7

Bessie Walstad, Jr. Post, 5-9

Jai-Lysa Hoskins, Jr. Post, 5-8

Taya Boonstra, Sr. G, 5-5

Up-and-comer

Hailey Hammer, Fr. Post, 5-8

Outlook: Coach Jackie Bykonen said the Wolves will be more experienced and more competitive this season. Bykonen said the Wolves are strong on the defensive end and offensively can get out and run the floor. Guard play should be a strength.

SMALL SCHOOL CAPSULES

Darrington Loggers

Last season: 12-0 in league play, 24-4 overall (Placed 5th in the Class 2B state tournament)

Returning starters: Jessica Brooks, Sr. Post, 6-2.

Up-and-comers: Amanda Gentry, Sr. G/F, 5-9.

Outlook: The Loggers graduated several members of a team that placed fifth at the state tournament a year ago. This season the Loggers will mix their few returning seniors with underclassmen as they look to continue their success.

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