The Meadowdale girls basketball team should again be a contender for the Western Conference South Division title and yet another state tournament appearance.
The Mavericks return six varsity players from last year’s squad, which finished sixth at the Class 3A state tournament. Senior-to-bes Julia Fjortoft and Gabi Beyer will share the point guard duties next season.
“That’s a pretty good place to start,” coach Troy Parker said. “We switch off. Basically it’s what is the best match-up for us.”
Fjortoft and Beyer are both excellent off the dribble.
“We’re trying to get them better at the perimeter piece,” Parker said. “Both of them are really gifted offensive players.”
At times, both Fjortoft and Beyer have been virtually unstoppable on the offensive end this summer.
“Both of them are poised to have great senior seasons,” Parker said.
Also returning for the Mavericks are Dana Horn, Bianca Landa, Michaela O’Neill and Margreet Barhoum.
As is the case for most teams involved in the annual Shoreline Recreation Department’s summer league, the Mavericks’ lineup changed from game to game. Meadowdale nevertheless finished the six-game regular season undefeated. The Mavericks did not participate in the postseason tournament due to a conflict with Meadowdale’s youth basketball camp.
“One of the good things about summer is you get to take a look at different combinations,” Parker said. “We got an awful out of that – taking a look at people in different spots.”
The Mavericks head into next season as possibly one of the shortest teams in the league. Landa is the tallest at 5-foot-10.
Meadowdale’s athleticism will help the team overcome its height issues.
“We have some pretty good athletes,” Parker said. “They jump well. They move in space well. We’re blessed to have some of those kids around. Even though we’re relatively short, we hit the offensive boards real hard.”
Horn, Mallory Roberts and Hailey Engstrom are three individuals Parker is counting on to fill the post position next season.
There are other areas where the Mavericks’ talent level runs deeper.
“One of the nice things about this program is we’re really deep at the perimeter position,” Parker said.
The Mavericks also have experience in pressure situations. Most of the players saw some action at last season’s state tournament. Both O’Neill and Landa saw extensive time at the Tacoma Dome.
“They are not going to be overwhelmed by the moment,” Parker said.
Parker also saw solid play from Katie Rickel, Lindsey Hatch and expects Peyton Shrum to be a contributor next winter.
In addition to the Shoreline summer league, Meadowdale played in a number of tournaments. Parker has a pretty good idea of how the league is shaping up.
“This Wesco South is as loaded as it has ever been,” Parker said. “I think we’re going to be pretty good, but a lot of other teams are going to be good too.”
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