TDN Prep Basketball 2015 by The DailyNews

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GIRLS Kelso Mark Morris R.A. Long Woodland Castle Rock Kalama Clatskanie Rainier Toledo Toutle Lake Wahkiakum Ilwaco Winlock Naselle Three Rivers Christian

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BOYS Kelso Mark Morris R.A. Long Woodland Castle Rock Kalama Clatskanie Rainier Ilwaco Toutle Lake Toledo Wahkiakum Winlock Naselle Three Rivers Christian 4

30 32 34 36 37 38 40 42 44 45 46 48 49 50 51

COVER STORY

Staying cool, collected on

THE BIG STAGE 2015-’16 PREP BASKETBALL GUIDE Publisher: Rick Parrish Sports Editor: Meg Wochnick, 360-577-2528, mwochnick@tdn.com Photographers: Bill Wagner, Roger Werth, John Markon Reporters: Kevin Dowd, Rick McCorkle, Ross Hight Page Design: J. Chris Mueller

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KELSO GIRLS LASSIES | GSHL 3A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 1,084 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

PG G G F F

Maycie Norman Kaitlyn Haase Melany Roggow Grace Kinch Turner Joy

5-1 5-7 5-2 5-5 5-8

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So.

5-6 5-2 5-8

Sr. So. Fr. 52.4 42.1

IN THE ROTATION

G Thomson-Terrel G Saydie Harris F Ally Norman POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-’15 season

HEAD COACH LACEY DEWEERT, 11TH SEASON Record at school: 142-106 State tournament trips: 2 (0-3)

TROPHY CASE 5 state tournament trips (last: 2013) 1 trophy, 0 state titles Best finish: eighth (2003)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE at FV W 67-33 Prairie L 54-49 at CR L 48-29 FV W 56-24 at Prairie L 62-25 CR W 57-30 Overall: 16-8, eliminated at bi-districts

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 19 Jan. 29 Feb. 3 Feb. 5

(all games at 7 p.m.) at Fort Vancouver Prairie Columbia River Fort Vancouver at Prairie at Columbia River

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13          2011-12 

Grace Kinch

Lassies adapting to new roles, identity One of the more valuable drills performed at the Kelso Lassies’ basketball practices is a 5 on 2: five offensive players to two defensive players. A 3-player advantage should be walk in the park for the offense, right? Not quite. “It’s the hardest thing they’ve ever done,” Coach Lacey DeWeert said. “Then, when we go 5 on 5, we’re more effective scoring. It shows me who is going to be effective scoring.” Just who are going to be the consistent scorers for the Lassies is perhaps the biggest question mark DeWeert and the Lassies have to answer. Gone is the majority of the offensive production from last year’s 52.4 points-per-game scoring average, including four start-

ers; senior Grace Kinch is the lone returnee. But even Kinch is honest about how her role is shifting from setting screens for shooters such as the now-graduated Kady Bruce, the owner of multiple school records for 3-point shooting, to becoming more of an offensive presence down low as a second-year starting post. “They made it look so easy,” Kinch said of last year’s senior class. “... This year, it puts us seniors into a different role. I like this team because it’s different. “It’s a totally different game.” Different in terms of team dynamics. While Kelso’s experience in the frontcourt begins with the 5-foot-5 Kinch, what’s not lacking is the defensive aggressiveness, a staple with Kelso bas-

ketball and its full-court press. Despite losses to R.A. Long and 4A Mountain View in their first two games, the Lassies forced a combined 30.5 turnovers. Now, it’s a matter of turning those turnovers into points. Where will the Lassies’ scoring production come from? Time will tell. “I think we have a lot of kids willing to step into those roles,” Kinch said. “Seniors or not, we’re a really coachable team.” DeWeert echoed a similar statement, after pausing to think of who can handle the consistent scoring capabilities. “We’ve got kids who want to do it,” she said. “They all have that potential.” — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

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MARK MORRIS GIRLS MONARCHS | GSHL 2A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 783 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G G W/P P

Kaylee Johnson Madison Mosier Zsaleh Parvas Brooke Walling Libby Bartleson

5-5 5-6 5-10 6-1 6-0

Jr. So. Jr. Fr. So.

5-9 5-4 5-6 5-10 5-9

Fr. So. So. So. Sr. 67.5 44.2

IN THE ROTATION

G Madison Pond G Kalina Makaiwi G Gabby Bennett P Alexis Troy P Mackenzie Curry POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-’15 season

HEAD COACH SEAN ATKINS, FIRST SEASON

TROPHY CASE 11 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 3 trophies, 2 state titles (2013, ‘15)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE HB W at Wood W at Hock W Ridge W at Wash W at RAL W at HB W Wood W Hock W at Ridge W Wash W RAL W Overall: 25-2, first in state

65-17 63-36 84-55 69-28 62-40 74-40 73-21 51-40 66-33 65-23 68-38 88-59

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m. unless noted)

Dec. 17 Jan. 5 Jan. 13 Jan. 15 Jan. 19 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 28 Feb. 2 Feb. 4 Feb. 8

at Woodland Hockinson at Ridgefield R.A. Long Hudson’s Bay Woodland at Hockinson Ridgefield at Hudson’s Bay at Washougal at R.A. Long

L 42-36 6 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Zsaleh Parvas

From coach to lineup to offense, all is new for MM How do you replace the irreplaceable? The lineup that led the Monarchs to three state championship game appearances, including titles in 2013 and ‘15 and a 92-13 record of the past four seasons, are gone. The rebuilding year is in place. But what first-year coach Sean Atkins, a 2010 MM graduate returning to the game a year removed from finishing his fouryear college playing career at George Fox University, is excited about from the new-look bunch is toughness and potential growth. And he’s already seen a world of

difference from the team’s rugged nonleague slate. “From Game 1 to Game 2 (4A Skyview to 4A Union), I’ve already seen it,” said the 24-year-old, who notched his first-career coaching win Dec. 11 in MM’s 52-48 win over Centralia. “Learning how to compete at this (varsity) level, girls don’t realize it until it’s 26-5 (on the scoreboard) and you’re looking up and 6-4 girls are cutting across your face making shots.” Part of MM’s new identity begins with familiar traits — shooting — but with fresh faces in a more prominent role: returners Kaylee Johnson, Madison Mosier, Zsaleh Parvas, in addition to ninth-grader Brooke Walling. And the progress is coming along, post Mackenzie Curry said. “It’s definitely building up from what we had last year where we had experienced shooters,” said

Curry, the team’s lone senior. “... I think we can actually get to that.” Atkins said the 6-foot-1 Walling has the skillset to play all five positions. Don’t be surprised to see the team’s tallest player bringing the ball up the floor. The MM offensive incorporates a similar style to what Atkins learned during his prep days from boys coach Bill Bakamus. After all, run what you’re comfortable with, Atkins says. “It doesn’t hurt to copy what you know,” he said. And those nonleague games against 4A and 3A schools should bode well in preparation for the thick of the GSHL 2A League play. “Each girl has so much potential, and I can’t wait to see what the season holds,” Curry said. — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

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R.A. LONG GIRLS LUMBERJILLS | GSHL 2A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 764 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league returning starters bold

G G/F W P P

Eastyn Reeves Miya Kirzy Khloe Snair Abagail Smith Tatum Didier

5-3 5-7 5-10 6-1 6-1

Fr. Jr Jr. Jr. Sr.

5-4 5-5

Fr. Fr. 44.4 44.0

IN THE ROTATION

G Peyton Seals G Arianna Maryott POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED

HEAD COACH ERIK BERTRAM, FIRST SEASON

TROPHY CASE 7 state tournament appearances (last: 1994) 1 trophy, 1 state title (1981)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Hock L 43-36 at Wash L 42-21 at HB W 54-22 Ridge W 62-36 at Wood L 51-14 MM L 51-14 at Hock L 52-31 Wash L 52-45 HB W 64-33 at Ridge W 65-36 Wood L 48-31 at MM L 88-59 Overall: 8-12, missed playoffs

15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 15 at Hockinson L 69-29 Jan. 5 Washougal Jan. 8 Hudson’s Bay Jan. 11 at Ridgefield Jan. 13 Woodland Jan. 15 at Mark Morris 6 p.m. Jan. 19 Hockinson Jan. 25 at Washougal Jan. 28 at Hudson’s Bay Feb. 1 Ridgefield Feb. 4 at Woodland Feb. 8 at Mark Morris

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Tatum Didier

New coach, new optimism for Jills No matter the sport, coaching is, after all, coaching. There’s players, officials, rules, and a whistle. Easy, right? Sort of. Erik Bertram might’ve hung up his football coaching whistle (for now, at least) after stepping down as RAL’s head football coach in early December, and when the opportunity arose in the off-season to coach the Lumberjills on the hardwood, Bertram couldn’t say no. “It’s always something I wanted to do,” he said. “I knew all the girls … it’s a good group that works

hard. It’s as good a time as any.” Bertram isn’t a stranger to coaching basketball. Locally, he spent six years coaching middle school basketball, in addition to coaching RAL’s boys varsity JV team in in 2008-’09. But focusing his coaching efforts on one or two aspects in basketball versus four or five in football is a change Bertram embraces. “It’s a pretty nice change of pace,” he said. And so far, so good for the Jills. While 6-foot-1 post Tatum Didier is the team’s only senior from a team that just missed out on a trip to the Southwest 2A District IV tournament under coach Brad White last season, there’s a blend of youth and experience this sea-

son, Bertram said. From a potential four-year starting point guard in Eastyn Reeves, a player Bertram described as a savvy playmaker for a ninth-grader, to a pair of posts 6 feet and taller (Didier and Abagail Smith), it makes for a good on-court mixture, said junior Khloe Snair, a returning starter. “We’re playing really good so far together,” she said. Of the 11 on the varsity roster, five are freshmen. And how quickly are the ninth-graders picking up the varsity level? Fast, both Bertram and Snair said. “It’s a fun group to play with,” Snair said. — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

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WOODLAND GIRLS BEAVERS | GSHL 2A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 472 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

*PG Jessica Flanagan G/F Amber Malik G Grace Adams G/F Kayla Fredericks F Dana Glovick

5-8 5-7 5-6 5-7 5-8

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So.

5-6 5-6 5-5 5-3 5-4

So. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. 48.9 40.3

IN THE ROTATION

G McKenna Flanagan G Audrey Adams G Cierra Daugherty G Katie Kern G Julia Stepper POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED

HEAD COACH Glen Flanagan, 19th season Record at school: 327-110 State tournament trips: 9 (12-15)

TROPHY CASE 13 state tournament trips (last: 2014) 6 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: fifth (2001)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE RESULTS At Ridge W 60-22 vs. MM L 63-33 vs. Wash W 50-38 at HB W 61-9 R.A. Long W 51-14 Hock W 51-35 Ridge W 61-22 at MM L 51-40 at Wash L 45-38 HB W 59-26 at R.A Long W 48-36 at Hock W 53-33 Overall: 13-10, eliminated at districts

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 15 Ridgefield W 43-17 Dec. 17 Mark Morris W 42-36 Jan. 8 at Washougal Jan. 11 Hudson’s Bay Jan. 13 at R.A. Long Jan. 15 at Hockinson 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Ridgefield Jan. 22 at Mark Morris Jan. 28 Washougal Feb. 1 at Hudson’s Bay Feb. 4 at R.A. Long Feb. 8 at Hockinson

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13    2011-12 

Jessica Flanagan

“I’m hoping,” Flanagan said. While the Beavers lack height — 5-foot-8 Dana Glovick is the team’s tallest player after 5-11 center Kay Cochran (Achilles) went down for the year — they make up for it with their up-tempo style. Three of the track and field team’s 4x100 relay pieces The last time the Woodland Bea- account for team speed, which vers had a team that featured the senior Jessica Flanagan said translates to success on the size it has (of lack thereof, in this defensive front. Those members case), it was Coach Glen Flanaare Julia Stepper, Kayla Fredergan’s first season on the bench. icks and Amber Malik. No size, no problem. Run-and“We’re small,” Jessica Flanagan gun, full-court pressure, and his said, “but we’re quick and that’s Beavers fared just fine, thank you where our strength is on defense.” during the 1997-’98 season, earnJessica Flanagan is back to what ing a trip the Class 2A state tourshe calls her natural position — nament at the Tacoma Dome and point guard — as she’s closing in playing that Saturday for a trophy. on 1,000 career points. Before she A sign of things to come, perjets off to Seattle University for her NCAA Division I softball career, the haps with this year’s bunch?

No size? No problem for Beavers, who rely on speed, pressure ‘D’

senior said she is just fine making the transition from wing to running the Beavers’ offense full-time; she’s been no stranger to bringing the ball up the floor over her career, but knows the scoring load could fall more on her shoulders with the lack of true basketball players. The team’s athleticism is there, though; the lineup features twoand three-sport athletes, and while Coach Flanagan said he’s spent more time teaching fundamentals, it could take a longer adjustment time in the win column. But by the time the second half of the GSHL 2A season rolls around, watch out. “We’ll take our lumps early trying to get the rust off, but we should be able to figure it out later on,” Coach Flanagan said. — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

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CASTLE ROCK GIRLS ROCKETS | SOUTHWEST TRICO 1A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 307 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

PG G G F F

Nakayla Ehrhorn Kyndil Kirkendoll Kaylee Cline Emilee Janisch Auna Dolan

5-4 5-6 5-7 5-7 5-9

So. So. So. Sr. So.

5-0 5-5 5-4 5-9

Sr. Sr. So. Jr. 32.8 45.8

IN THE ROTATION

G Aleena Guerrero G Haley Keeling G Rachel Anderson P Carly Lam POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

HEAD COACH SHERRY ALLEN, THIRD SEASON Record at school: 11-26 State tournament trips: 0

TROPHY CASE 10 state tournament trips (last: 2013) 5 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: second (1982, 2013)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE LaC L 69-19 WS L 54-34 Kal L 87-26 SC W 42-38 Ste W 60-42 LaC L 67-33 SC W 36-30 WS L 47-28 Kal L 64-8 Ste W 42-24 Overall: 7-11, eliminated at districts

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Dec 7 Dec 15 Dec 17 Jan 5 Jan 11 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 21 Jan 23 Jan 26 Jan 29 Feb 5

(all games at 7 p.m.) La Center L 74-26 Seton Catholic L 68-32 Kalama King’s Way at Stevenson La Center at White Salmon at Seton Catholic White Salmon at Kalama at King’s Way Christian Stevenson

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Youth will be served in Castle Rock With a half-dozen returning players including three starters, Castle Rock hopes to take a step closer to returning to its glory days from the 2011-’12 and 2012-’13 seasons. “We’re young but we’re willing to learn,” Rockets coach Sherry Allen said. “We’re taking small steps, but we’re getting better with each practice and game.” Allen searched the lineup for a team leader, and found one in Nakayla Ehrhorn. The sophomore guard is the top returning scorer at 8.8 points per game. “Our senior class doesn’t have strong leaders, so we looked for sophomores to step up,” Allen said. “We’ve been putting pressure on her as captain, and she’s shown leadership skills as our most dedicated player.” Sophomore Auna Dolan is the Rockets’ tallest player at 5 foot 9, so they make up for their lack of size with quickness. “We like to run and get out on the break,” Allen said. “We’ve been able to run for one or two quarters, but we haven’t had a complete game.” Freshman Rachel Anderson has run her way into a key role with the Rockets. “She’s quick, speedy and we call her Mighty Mouse,” Allen said. “We hope to develop her into a point guard so we can move Nakayla to a shooter. Haley Keeling and Aleena Guerrero are two other guards who have excellent speed.” Besides converted guard Dolan, CR’s rotation “bigs” are 5-9 junior Carly Lam and 5-7 senior Emilee Janisch. “Everyone should watch Auna,” Allen said. “She has good ball sense, rebounds well and works hard. We usually put her on the other team’s best post player.” Lam gives the Rockets a solid post presence, and Janisch is

Auna Dolan

learning post moves after several years as a point guard. “Sometimes we catch Emilee bringing the ball up the court and we have to tell her to give it to our guards,” Allen said. “She’s aggressive, plays hard and boxes out well in the block.” Another potential post player,

5-10 sophomore Trinity Naugle, is trying to get her feet wet at the varsity level. “Trinity played only JV last season, but every time she gets on the court she’s getting better,” Allen said. “She’s willing to learn, and I’ve enjoyed working with her.” — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News

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KALAMA GIRLS

PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G F F F

McKenna LaRoy Skylar Nelson Emily Mickelson Kaelyn Shipley* Parker Esary*

5-9 5-6 5-8 6-0 6-0

Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr.

5-7 5-8 5-5 5-6. 5-8

So. So. Jr. Jr. So. 58.6 23.1

CHINOOKS | SOUTHWEST TRICO 1A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 208

IN THE ROTATION

G Madison Hull G Macey Sykes G Serena Montanez G Jaden Howard F Natalie Wilson POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

HEAD COACH BRYNAN SHIPLEY, SIXTH SEASON Record at school: 57-55 State tournament trips: 2 (1-3)

TROPHY CASE 5 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 0 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: Won regional game in 2014

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE WS W 64-29 at CR W 87-26 at Stev W 79-17 LC W 56-31 at WS W 54-21 Seton W 70-25 CR W 64-8 at Seton W 48-18 Stev W 58-24 at LC L 64-49 Overall: 20-4, eliminated in regionals

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m. unless listed) Dec. 1 Seton Catholic W 58-11 Dec. 7 at White Salmon W 71-52 Dec. 14 King’s Way Christian W 59-16 Dec. 17 at Castle Rock W 68-32 Jan. 7 Stevenson Jan. 11 at La Center Jan. 14 White Salmon Jan. 18 at Seton Catholic 5:45 p.m. Jan. 22 at King’s Way Christian Jan. 26 Castle Rock Feb. 2 at Stevenson Feb. 5 La Center

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss

2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  

2011-12 



McKenna LaRoy

Dominant duo one less question mark for Chinooks

league,” said LaRoy, the Chinooks’ point guard. “If you think about it, other teams really only have two or three key players. And Parker and Kaelyn are pretty dominant.” That they are. With advanced The Chinooks won their first offensive games and a hunger for game of the season by 47 points. rebounding, Esary and Shipley For a team this talented playing in ensure the Chinooks will control Class 1A, there will be plenty more the paint in just about every game where that came from before the they play. season is done. Their rapport with LaRoy is the Kaelyn Shipley and Parker Esary base upon which much of Kalamake for an unmatched pair of ma’s offense is built. junior forwards, and McKenna “Those three have been playing LaRoy is one of the best third together so long that they don’t options around. Often, that will need to have set plays,” Coach be more than enough to win, and Brynan Shipley said. “And that’s win big. kind of rare with high-school girls But there are still questions in basketball, to be able to just tell Kalama. Namely: How will they them, ‘Go play ball.’ And I feel like I replace the production of Khloe have that option.” Clark, Mackenzi Badger, Haley But along with a decrease Bannister and Jazzmine Rowland, in depth comes a proportional four vital members of last year’s decrease in margin for error. team that tied for the Trico 1A title Kalama found that out the hard before falling to eventual state way in an early-season tilt with W.F. champion King’s in the regional West, the defending runner-up in round? Class 2A. The ‘Nooks led 28-27 at The early answer: They might halftime, but an ankle injury took not need to. LaRoy out of action and foul trou“We talked about it in summer ble limited Esary to the bench for

much of the second half. Shipley spent much of the ensuing 60-51 defeat sharing the court with four players in their first seasons of varsity. They held their own, but experience (or the lack thereof) matters. “I guess it does change the way I think,” Kaelyn Shipley said of the new-look roster. “Especially because I’ve always looked up to those other girls. … Now, I feel like I need to be a better role model for the underclassmen. I feel like I need to take on more authority.” The Chinooks have the talent to compete for a state title. Their sights, though, are currently set slightly lower. Last season, it all began to go wrong with a loss to La Center in the regular-season finale, a defeat that dropped Kalama into a tie for first place in the league and thus into a more difficult bracket at districts. This time, they’d prefer to keep it simple. “I’m shooting for league champs,” Coach Shipley said. “Not co-league champs.” — Kevin Dowd, The Daily News

PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G G W P

Rachel Haas* Mackenzie Mitchell Olivia Warren* Kiersten Sermino Sage Miller

5-4 5-4 5-5 5-5 5-9

Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr.

IN THE ROTATION

G Macy Simmons 5-4 W January Dykes 5-7 P Carmen Lindblom 5-7 POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

Fr. Sr. Jr. 39.7 44.6

HEAD COACH DAWN WARREN, THIRD SEASON Record at school: 12-36 State tournament trips: 0

TROPHY CASE 7 state tournament trips (last: 2011) 0 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: Seventh (2011)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE L 69-27 PA L 41-36 at PA L 37-33 at OE W30-24 OE at Rainier L 61-26 Rainier L 47-35 W 53-45 at River W60-35 CG DLSN L49-34 River W50-48 at PC L 62-23 at DLSN L 55-45 L 63-41 Warr W 61-37 PC at CG W 55-28 at Warr W 55-34 Overall: 9-15, missed playoffs

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 6 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 15 at Portland Adventist L 59-35 Dec. 18 Oregon Episcopal Dec. 19 Rainier Jan. 2 Catlin Gabel, 4 p.m. Jan. 5 Riverdale Jan. 9 at De La Salle North Jan. 12 Portland Christian Jan. 15 at Warrenton Jan. 19 Portland Adventist Jan. 21 at Oregon Episcopal Jan. 23 at Rainier, 4 p.m. Jan. 26 at Catlin Gabel Jan. 29 at Riverdale Feb. 5 De La Salle North Feb. 9 at Portland Christian Feb. 12 Warrenton

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

CLATSKANIE GIRLS TIGERS | LEWIS & CLARK 3A | OSAA ENROLLMENT: 205

Small but mighty, Tigers poised to surprise Speed and solid rebounding are the characteristics of Clatskanie as the Tigers strive to make their first state tournament appearance since 2011. “I’d like to say we can advance but we’re playing in a tough league,” Tigers’ coach Dawn Warren said of the Lewis & Clark 3A League. “We will make the district tournament, but it’s a matter of getting past the first round. Our goal is to advance to state, but our main goal is to make it past the first round of district.” With only one player taller than 5-foot-9, the Tigers will rely on speed to wear down opponents. Their biggest player, 5-11 sophomore Madeline Moravec, will not be available until mid-January after getting mono, Warren said. “We’re going to do a ton of running,” Warren said. “We’re playing solid defense whether it’s manto-man or zone, and our help-side defense is also getting better. We’ll have to be aggressive to survive.” The Tigers’ defense wasn’t totally polished in their nonleague season-opener against Vernonia, which resulted in the Loggers making 19 free throws in a 60-56 victory. “We had foul trouble against Vernonia,” Warren said. “We learned from that and did a lot better the next game. We can see improvement in every practice and game.” Despite their size disadvantage, the Tigers are averaging 40 rebounds a game with their ferocious play under the basket. “The girls under the basket are working hard and creating lots of rebounding opportunities,” Warren said. “They’re playing really physical and getting where they need to be.” One of the surprises this season has been senior January Dykes,

Rachel Haas

who has given the Tigers quality minutes in the paint. “She didn’t play a lot last season but she’s very strong and aggressive,” Warren said. “She’s very coachable, works hard in practice and doesn’t let the ball get away from her when rebounding.” Returning all-league guards Rachel Haas and Olivia Warren

anchor the backcourt as Clatskanie’s leading scorers, but everyone on the roster is considered a scoring threat, Warren said. “We’ve had everyone score in almost all of our games,” Coach Warren said. “We move the ball around well and have great teamwork.” — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News 17

RAINIER GIRLS

PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

PG W W F F

Aspen Norman Julia Taylor Haley Schimmel Jadyn Crape Desirae Hansen*

5-5 So. 5-6 Jr. 5-7 Jr. 5-9 Jr. 5-10 So.

COLUMBIANS | LEWIS & CLARK 3A | OSAA ENROLLMENT: 262

IN THE ROTATION

G Monica Guisinger G Savannah Harkleroad F Sarah Probasco F Ashley Bush POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

5-6 5-4 5-7 5-6

Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. 42.7 33.0

HEAD COACH DOUG KNOX, 10TH SEASON Record at school: 194-82 State tournament trips: 8 (13-11)

TROPHY CASE 14 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 5 trophies, 1 state title (2008)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE CG W 65-14 at CG W 54-29 at River W 2-0 River W 63-45 (forf.) at Clats W 47-35 Clats W 61-26 PA L 29-27 at PA L 36-30 OE L 35-33 at OE W 26-23 PC W 41-39 at PC L 36-34 at Warr W 39-22 Warr W 64-17 DLSN W 50-45 at DLSN W 46-32 Overall: 14-11, eliminated at state

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 6 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 15 Catlin Gabel L 61-51 Dec. 18 Riverdale --Dec. 19 at Clatskanie Jan. 5 Portland Adventist --Jan. 8 Oregon Episcopal Jan. 9 at Portland Christian 4 p.m. Jan. 12 Warrenton Jan. 15 at De La Salle North Jan. 19 at Catlin Gabel Jan. 22 at Riverdale Jan. 23 Clatskanie 4 p.m. Jan. 28 at Portland Adventist Feb. 2 at Oregon Episcopal Feb. 5 Portland Christian Feb. 10 at Warrenton Feb. 11 De La Salle North

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss

2014-15  

2013-14  

2012-13  

2011-12  

Aspen Norman

each other out and learn to play together.” One of Knox’s early concerns is a lack of experienced depth which makes it difficult for the Columbians to fastbreak on offense and After graduating six seniors off fullcourt press on defense, he said. last year’s Oregon 3A state play“The biggest benefit we had last off team, Rainier will be looking year was having young kids who for new leaders to get the team to stepped up for us,” he said. “We state for the ninth time in the past had three games in three nights at 10 years. the beginning of the season, and “At the end of last season our the girls were running out of gas in younger kids were playing well the second half.” and got us through our struggles,” In their third game of the seaRainier coach Doug Knox said. son against Regis, the Columbians “They’re the big dogs now and are pressed for most of the first half assuming a new role, but they’re before eventually losing 38-30. still learning. Every year is differ“We led by four at halftime after ent.” holding them to 10 points,” Knox Knox acknowledges the pressaid. “We couldn’t maintain the sure of success is heavier on his pace because we got tired.” veteran players. A couple defensive surprises “I like to see the fearless players have been junior Ashley Bush and who come into the program and senior Monica Guisinger. don’t know what it’s all about,” he “Ashley may be one of our best said. “When they get a year older, defenders with her pressing skills the pressure is different. I tell them and anticipation at the back of the my job is getting them to figure press,” Knox said. “Monica also

Columbians look to youth for leadership

comes off the bench and does a great job handling the ball along with her defense.” The Columbians’ attack starts with hard-nosed sophomore point guard Aspen Norman. Knox called Norman the bulldog of the team. “She’s the quickest player on the team, and we could press a lot more if we had five of her,” he said. All-league post Desirae Hansen is back after averaging nearly 12 points, eight rebounds, five steals and three assists as a freshman. “Desi has good moves and is more of a wing or guard type,” Knox said. “She handles the ball well, has a long arm span, and her size allows her to see over her defenders.” Hansen also has post help from junior Jadyn Crape, who missed most of last season with mono. “It’s been a long process getting her back,” Knox said. “She stepped up and had 10 points in the Regis game, and we need that from her going forward.” — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News

TOLEDO GIRLS

PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league returning starters bold

G G G F F

Ally Bacon Courtney Moore Anna Tauscher Haley Tauscher Josie Bowen

5-5 5-6 5-6 5-9 6-0

So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.

5-8 5-6 5-8

Fr. So. Sr. 42.3 51.1

INDIANS | CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 208

IN THE ROTATION

G Kyleigh Holmes G/F Alyssa Ewers F Emily Barge POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-’15 season

HEAD COACH J.B. EWERS, SIXTH SEASON Record at school: 27-66 State tournament trips: 0

TROPHY CASE 18 state tournament trips (last: 2010) 8 state trophies; 0 state titles Best finish: second (1989)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Mossy W 58-54 at MossyW 56-54 Nap L 61-39 at Nap L 61-31 at TL L 66-52 at TL L 68-15 at MWP L 46-44 MWP L 48-42 Ony L 36-33 at Ony L 39-31 at Win W 54-31 Win W 46-30 Pe Ell L 48-41 at Pe Ell L 46-43 at Wah L 60-33 Wah L 64-38 Adna L 48-46 at Adna 63-35 Overall: 6-17, eliminated at districts

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Dec. 4 Dec. 9 Dec. 11 Dec. 12 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Jan. 6 Jan. 8 Jan. 13 Jan. 14 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 28 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 4

(all games at 7 p.m.) at Mossyrock W 56-36 Napavine L 53-23 Toutle Lake L 55-24 Morton/White Pass L 44-43 at Onalaska L 41-32 Winlock W 44-23 Pe Ell Wahkiakum at Adna Mossyrock at Napavine at Toutle Lake at Morton/White Pass Onalaska at Winlock at Pe Ell at Wahkiakum Adna

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14             2012-13       2011-12 

Emily Barge

Patience key for Indians to be successful in Central 2B

their lumps, too, against leagueleader and undefeated Toutle Lake and one-loss Napavine. Or, as sixth-year coach J.B. Ewers called it, “running into a buzz saw.” With his Indians, who feature multiple players with varsity expeLife in the Central 2B League is rience, including returning starters as tough as it gets. Hailey Tauscher (post) and CourtNo matter the night, no matter the opponent, you better have that ney Moore (guard), in addition Josie Bowen, Emily Barge, Alyssa A-game ready. Ewers and Anna Tauscher, the So far for the Toledo Indians, learning process is still on-going. there have been as many ups as Still, bright spots have shined downs. There’s the early-season through, like halftime leads against wins, such as their season opener Morton/White Pass, which, at the against Mossyrock, a 20-point time, was undefeated, as well as a margin of victory, and their Dec. halftime lead against Onalaska. 18 win in the Battle of the Cowlitz “But we came out and had poor against Winlock. But they’ve taken third quarters,” Ewers said, result-

ing in a pair of losses. “If we don’t turn the ball over, we can be competitive.” After six games, Toledo is in the middle-of-the-pack log-jam, starring up at the Ducks (7-0) as well as Napavine and Wahkiakum, both 6-1. But for the Indians to be competitive, Ewers said it’s a matter of knowing what to do in order to be successful. “We usually have one quarter where we revert back to panicking and turn the ball over,” he said. “We have to overcome that and be patient. We have the kids who can compete and be successful in this league.” — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News 19

PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G G F F

Britzy Hockett 5-7 Kelsey Wason 5-6 Sam Woodley* 5-8 Mikayla Deffenbaugh 5-8 Makala Gardner 6-1

Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

IN THE ROTATION

G Ashlynn Dean G Ryann Bailey G Casey Wentz F Michell Perrigo POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

5-6 5-3 5-0 5-9

Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. 51.4 35.5

HEAD COACH BRIAN HOCKETT, SECOND SEASON Record at school: 35-4 State tournament trips: 1

TROPHY CASE 16 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 9 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: second (2011, ’14)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE at Mossy Toledo Pe Ell Winlock

W 65-39 at Napa L 57-47 W 66-52 Mossy W 67-20 W 55-22 at Toledo W 68-15 W 2-0 at Pe Ell W 64-38 (forf.) at WinlockW 56-16 Ony W 55-32 Napa W 52-35 at Ony W 49-33 W 53-35 at Adna W 61-33 Adna W 50-30 at MWP W 56-39 MWP Wahk W 49-45 at Wahk W 46-36 Overall: 25-4, fourth at state

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (games at 7 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 4 Napavine Dec. 9 Mossyrock Dec. 11 at Toledo Dec. 12 Pe Ell Dec. 16 at Winlock Dec. 18 Onalaska Jan. 6 at Adna Jan. 8 Morton/White Pass Jan. 13 at Wahkiakum Jan. 14 at Napavine Jan. 19 at Mossyrock Jan. 21 Toledo Jan. 23 at Pe Ell Jan. 26 Winlock Jan. 28 at Onalaska Jan. 30 Adna Feb. 2 at Morton/White Pass Feb. 4 Wahkiakum

W 47-40 W 63-25 W 55-24 W 64-9 W53-23 —

5:45 p.m.

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15   2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

TOUTLE LAKE GIRLS DUCKS | CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 163

Ducks hope defensive stopper wreaks havoc on defense, too Opposing point guards, beware. Enter the domain of Toutle Lake junior Britzy Hockett at your own peril. She’s the prototypical perimeter defender, a hyperactive menace with long arms who can run all day. Hockett averaged a staggering 6.1 steals per game last season, far and away the most in the Lower Columbia. That’s one argument in her case to be called the area’s finest on-ball defender. Other attestations abound. From Kalama coach Brynan Shipley: “She’s one of those girls who, if you’re bringing the ball up and she’s on you, you’re worried. You’re like, great, Britzy’s guarding me.” TL coach (and father) Brian Hockett: “Certainly she’s got some physical gifts. … But you talk to her, and she really knows what she’s trying to do. She’s setting people up in a certain way. Teammate Sam Woodley: “I think she just really likes stealing the ball from people. She likes getting up in your face and wreaking havoc.” It’s the final point that strikes a chord with Hockett herself. “Obviously, my favorite part of defense is stealing the ball,” she said. “I definitely like playing defense better than offense. I don’t always like having the ball in my hands, and with defense, I can just kind of get all my energy out.” If the Ducks are to live up to their full potential this winter, however — and few teams in the state have higher ceilings — Hockett will have to grow more comfortable initiating the TL offense. With sister Bailey Hockett now at Lower Columbia College, Britzy will pick up increased ball-handling duties. The rest of the Ducks are doing their best to help her adapt to an

Makala Gardner

increased offensive role. “We always tell her, you’ve got to be shooting,” Woodley said. “She’s just a little timid. She definitely has the capability to score.” She has plenty of help, including do-it-all star Woodley and Kelsey Wason, a guard who’s returning to TL after spending last year in San Diego. That trio forms the team’s backbone in the backcourt. Down low, Mikayla Deffenbaugh will do the dirty work. And powerful post Makala Gardner is back and healthy after a broken right ankle knocked her out for last season’s playoffs.

With Ashlynn Dean coming off the bench and a talented freshman class waiting in the wings, it’s looking like another loaded group from TL. Two years ago, they took second in the state. Last year, it was fourth — a result that stings particularly since Gardner’s injury meant the Ducks were at less than full strength. This year, they hope, will be different. “Our goal is to get first in state,” Britzy said. “Getting Gardner back is definitely going to help us a lot.” — Kevin Dowd, The Daily News

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PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G G G F

Peyton Souvenir* Maddy Mace Savannah Burdick Grace Peacock Sydney Hansen

5-5 5-4 5-5 5-9 5-8

Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr.

5-4 5-9 5-4 5-9

Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr.

IN THE ROTATION

G Tyra Elliott G Macie Elliott G Charlie Ash F Ellie Leitz POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-’15 season

57.7 38.2

HEAD COACH ROB GARRETT, FOURTH SEASON Record at school: 54-23 State tournament trips: 2 (3-2)

TROPHY CASE 13 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 10 trophies, 1 state title (1980)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE at Adna W 50-39 Adna W Pe Ell W 65-34 at Pe Ell W W at Win W 62-21 Win at MossyW 64-16 Mossy W at MWP W 57-45 MWP W Nap W 59-54 at Nap W W at Ony W 65-36 Ony Toledo W 60-33 at Tol W L at TL L 49-45 TL Overall: 25-3, second at state

46-22 62-30 66-18 76-14 66-49 44-43 70-40 64-38 46-36

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m.) Dec. 4 Adna W 44-38 Dec. 9 Pe Ell W 64-17 Dec. 11 Winlock W:56-13 Dec. 12 Mossyrock W 70-38 Dec. 16 Morton/White Pass W 63-40 Dec. 18 at Napavine L 55-41 Jan. 6 at Onalaska Jan. 8 at Toledo Jan. 13 Toutle Lake Jan. 14 at Adna Jan. 19 at Pe Ell Jan. 21 at Winlock Jan. 23 at Mossyrock Jan. 26 at Morton/White Pass Jan. 28 Napavine Jan. 30 Onalaska Feb. 2 Toledo Feb. 4 at Toutle Lake

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss

2014-15   2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

WAHKIAKUM GIRLS MULES | CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 109

Mules embracing underdog role Rob Garrett is a believer in in the rebuilding modes, but that doesn’t describe his Wahkiakum Mules. It’s far from it. From other perspectives, however, not so much. “That’s how teams preserve us,” the fourth-year coach said. “We enjoy that, and we also enjoy changing their mind by the end of the game.” Yes, Garrett, who led the Mules to last year’s 2B state title game before falling to Okanogan, 59-52, at Spokane Arena, had to rebuild his starting lineup this season after losing four starters to graduation, including leading scorer and all-state pick Baylee Olsen, now a freshman guard at Saint Martin’s University. But that’s precisely why, on paper, the Central 2B League might consider Wahkiakum in that phase of restructuring. Not so fast, though. What has surprised Garrett about his team? Not much, he matter-of-factly stated. They’ve met his expectations, and it starts with their level of coachability. “During a timeout or any type of practice,” Garrett said, “I feel like when I’m talking, I have all the girls’ eyes on me — nobody is not paying attention.” And that’s reflected in early-season wins. In five of the Mules’ first six games, the margin of victory averaged 34.4 points. Leading the way is junior Peyton Souvenir, a returning second-team all-C2BL honoree as a sophomore, who has picked up more of the scoring load. She’s had multiple 20-plus-point efforts, in addition to leading the team in assists and steals. But what’s impressed Garrett about his point guard is her decision making, shown in the team’s 63-40 win over previously unbeaten Morton/ White Pass on Dec. 16 (25 points, seven assists, five rebounds). “She’s definitely a kid who’s

Peyton Souvenir

going to work harder than anybody else,” Garrett said. “... She’s super unselfish.” Still, there’s players to take the scoring pressure off Souvenir should teams focus on the all-league guard. Players such as Savannah Burdick, Macie Elliott and Maddy Mace have made big

strides, Garrett said. And that’s why, without hesitation, Garrett said he feels the Mules have what it takes for a repeat trip to Spokane in March. “I expect big things, and I like the fact that we’re the underdogs,” he said. — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

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ILWACO GIRLS FISHERMEN | PACIFIC 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 211 PROJECTED STARTERS *’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold G Eliza Bannister 5-8 G Hannah Ellsworth* 5-6 F Emily McMillan 5-7 F Makenzie Kaech* 5-9 C Madeline Jacobson 6-0

So. Sr. Sr. So. So.

IN THE ROTATION

F Elle Kulm F Abigail Bentley G Bre Kondos F Reece Pierson Points scored Points allowed 2014-15 season

5-9 5-10 5-5 6-0

Jr. Sr. Sr. So. 59.2 34.2

HEAD COACH NED BITTNER, 12TH SEASON Record at school: 159-101 State tournament trips: 3 (1-4)

TROPHY CASE 16 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 4 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: third (1995)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE at Leschi W 67-18 TB W 75-57 NB W 77-39 Rainier W 56-10 at Ocosta W 73-21 NWC W 75-38 SB W 61-23 at LCA W 46-43 at WV W 52-51 Raymond W 61-48 Overall: 23-4, eliminated in regionals

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 11 Chief Leschi W 75-31 Jan. 8 at Tacoma Baptist Jan. 12 North Beach Jan. 14 at Rainier Jan. 19 Ocosta Jan. 23 at Northwest Christian 5:45 p.m. Jan. 28 at South Bend Jan. 29 Life Christian Feb. 2 Willapa Valley Feb. 4 at Raymond

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  

2012-13  

2011-12 

Madeline Jacobson

nister and 6-foot center Madeline Jacobson. Ilwaco brings three more players 5-9 or taller off the bench. And then there’s 5-9 sophomore Makenzie Kaech, who, if early-seaThe Fishermen went undefeated son box scores are an indicator, in league play as first-year Pacific may post some of the area’s most 2B League members last season, jaw-dropping numbers over the and they just might do it again. next two months. She averaged But Coach Ned Bittner knows 15.6 points and 10.8 rebounds as the degree of difficulty will a freshman and followed it up in increase on the second go-around this year’s opener with a 29-point, in the state’s most southwesterly 12-rebound, eight-steal tour de conference. force against North Beach. “Everyone’s gonna come out “No sophomore slump for her,” swinging,” he said. “We’re not Bittner said. “I think there’s so the unknown team coming out of much potential with Makenzie. She nowhere this year. Everyone’s got just loves basketball.” an idea of what we’re gonna do.” With a season’s experience What Ilwaco is going to do is play under her belt, expect to start seesome of the finest defense in the ing Kaech on the perimeter more Lower Columbia. But the Fisherfrequently. She’s the team’s clear men are more than just a bunch centerpiece, and still just a few of lockdown defenders. This year, months into her sophomore year. they’ll also tower over much of “I think I’ve gotten smarter. their Class 2B opposition. I’m not as immature as I was last Guards Jasmine Coffin and year,” Kaech said. “Just being able Valerie Lindstrom graduated, to experience a season and play replaced in the starting five by more games this summer helped 5-foot-8 point guard Eliza Banus all mature as a team.”

Unknown team? Not the loaded Fishermen

Another key will be Bannister, tasked with replacing Lindstrom’s steady stewardship. Early returns indicate she will do just fine. “Eliza has been awesome,” guard Hannah Ellsworth said. “She really filled that role well for us.” The Fishermen flew through the 2014-’15 regular-season, finishing 19-1 with a gaudy point differential. At districts, though, they struggled against Central 2B competition, losing twice to set up a difficult regional against Wahkiakum. With Kaech battling a 102-degree fever, the Mules rolled. This year, Bittner beefed up the team’s nonleague schedule, adding difficult games against Seaside (Ore.), Kalama and those pesky Mules. After a 60-44 loss to Seaside, the record won’t be perfect, but Ilwaco may be better prepared for the postseason rigors. “It’s kind of a bummer losing (to Seaside),” Ellsworth said the day after the defeat. “But honestly, we’re super excited for the rest of the season.” — Kevin Dowd, The Daily News

WINLOCK GIRLS

PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

PG G F F P

Rianna Whitehead*5-9 Sophie Velasco 5-3 Mika Hammond 5-8 Maggie Howsden 5-8 Katrina Rodriguez 5-10

Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr.

CARDINALS | CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 148

IN THE ROTATION

G Jazmin Ramirez 5-4 G Chaleena Squibb 5-6 F Makayla Albritton 5-8 POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

Sr. Fr. Fr. 22.9 46.3

HEAD COACH SCOTT ASHMORE, EIGHTH SEASON Record at school: 37-103 State tournament trips: 0

TROPHY CASE 2 state tournament trips (last: 2004) 1 trophy, 0 state titles Best finish: sixth, 2004

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE at Pe Ell at M/WP Wahk at Ony at TL

L L L L L

37-32 Pe Ell L 31-21 45-20 MWP L 51-28 62-21 at Wahk L 66-18 55-38 Ony L 27-13 2-0 TL L 56-16 (forf.) at Toledo L 46-30 Toledo L 54-31 at Mossy L 39-33 Mossy L 37-27 Adna L 55-7 at Adna L 55-27 at Napa L 52-26 Napa L 64-14 Overall: 2-18, missed playoffs

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m.) Dec. 4 at Pe Ell W 50-35 Dec. 11 at Wahk L 56-13 Dec. 12 Ony L 27-22 Dec. 16 TL L 53-23 Dec. 18 at Toledo — Jan. 6 at Mossy Jan. 8 Adna Jan. 11 M/WP Jan. 13 at Napa Jan. 14 Pe Ell Jan. 19 at M/WP Jan. 21 Wahk Jan. 23 at Ony — Jan. 26 at TL Jan. 28 Toledo Jan. 30 Mossy Feb. 2 at Adna Feb. 4 Napa

THE TREND League wins past four seasons 2014-15

 Win  Loss



2013-14  2012-13 

2011-12  

Rianna Whitehead

Cardinals aim to climb C2BL standings

tory over Pe Ell. Winlock returns all five of its starters, but that’s where the experience ends. “We have solid guards, but we lack experience,” Winlock coach Scott Ashmore said. “As the season goes on, we hope to develop One season ago, Winlock had our younger players so we can zero seniors and little varsity expe- compete for a district playoff spot.” rience, finishing with two nonThe Cards’ offense starts with league victories and a winless Cen- junior point guard Rianna Whitetral 2B League campaign. head, who earned honorable menUndaunted, the Cardinals tion all-league accolades after proved their mettle in the secaveraging 12 points, five rebounds ond game of the 2015-’16 season and five assists last season. when they snapped their 20-game Sophomore forward Maggie league losing skid with a 50-35 vic- Howsden and junior frontcourt

player Mika Hammond have been solid contributors early. Senior Sophie Velasco is Whitehead’s backcourt running mate, while 5-foot-10 junior Katrina Rodriguez and 5-8 freshman Makayla Albritton have both started in the frontcourt beside Hammond. Off the bench, wings Jazmin Ramirez and Chaleena Squibb have provided solid minutes. “I expect our team to compete and work hard,” Ashmore said. “We want to be competitive in every game, and get better every week.” — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News 25

NASELLE GIRLS COMETS | COASTAL 1B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 73 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G G G P

Ellie Chapman Tayler Ford Kyryan Jacot Taylor Gudmundsen Kendra Leeland

5-3 5-7 5-8 5-4 5-8

Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr.

IN THE ROTATION

G Taylor Eaton P Morgan Ridgeway P Amelia TuTu’u POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-’15 season

5-7 5-11 5-8

Sr. Jr. Jr. 42.6 44.7

HEAD COACH ROSE NISBET, FIRST SEASON

TROPHY CASE 9 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 3 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: second (1979)

‘14-’15 1B SCHEDULE LQ W 51-43 at MMK L 70-29 Oak W 62-30 WV W 69-11 at LQ W 50-47 MMK L 60-27 TRC W 60-24 at WV W 54-13 at Oak W 44-25 Tah W 51-47 WSD W 59-22 Overall: 12-12, eliminated at regionals

‘15-16 1B SCHEDULE (all games at 5:45 p.m. unless noted) Jan. 5 at North River Jan. 12 at Taholah Jan. 15 Oakville Jan. 19 at Lake Quinault Jan. 21 at Wishkah Valley Jan. 22 North River 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Mary M. Knight 7 p.m. Jan. 30 Taholah 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Oakville 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at Lake Quinault 7 p.m. Feb. 8 Wishkah Valley 7 p.m.

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15 (Independent) 2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Experienced Comets learning new ways from first-year coach Rose Nisbet is Naselle’s third coach in three years, and while her knowledge of a 1B varsity program is still growing, she knows the players personally as a former coach at the middle school level. The adjustment period has taken time, but it’s been relatively smooth process. “These kids have been through a lot,” said Nisbet, who replaced Robin Andrea after a 12-12 season a year ago as a 1B independent. What Nisbet has stressed from the get-go is finding the team’s identity through what she described as TLC — Tough Lady Comets. Right now, that’s an up-tempo transition offense, in addition to strong communication and defense. “You have to be hungry for the ball at all times,” she said, “and I think they’re getting used to it, pushing it up (the floor) more and more.” She calls junior point guard Ellie Chapman the Comets’ go-to player on a squad that’s seeking a return trip to state after getting knocked out in the regional round by Sunnyside Christian, 84-24. Her leadership qualities help make her stand out, Nisbet said. “She sets the tempo and the emotion on the court right now,” Nisbet said. “She’s kind of the one we look to, but I’m still getting a feel for some of them,” she said. Kendra Leeland is the captain, and an up-and-comer to watch is freshman Taylor Gudmundsen, who played junior varsity as an eighth grader. — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

You have to be hungry for the ball at all “ times and I think they’re getting used to it, pushing it up (the floor) more and more.”

Coach Rose Nisbet

Tayler Ford

THREE RIVERS CHRISTIAN GIRLS EAGLES | COLUMBIA VALLEY 1B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 68 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G/F G G F F

Jesse Caddel 5-7 Charity Tevis* 5-6 Selena Carns* 5-6 Hannah Cathcart 5-8 Olivia Cathcart 5-8

Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

IN THE ROTATION

G Kenna Forney G Kelsey Johnson POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED

5-6 5-6

Jr. Jr. 27.8 41.1

HEAD COACH J.D. OTT, FIRST SEASON

TROPHY CASE 0 state tournament trips

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE vs. WSD at Columbia Adv. at PJP at WSD vs. Columbia Adv. vs. PJP

W L W L L W

44-33 26-14 41-28 N/A 24-11 48-27

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 5:30 p.m.) Jan. 7 Washington School for the Deaf Jan. 12 at Columbia Adventist Jan. 14 Columbia Christian Jan. 21 at Washington School for the Deaf Jan. 23 at Pope John Paul II Jan. 25 Columbia Adventist Feb. 4 Pope John Paul II

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss

2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Cupboard stocked for Eagles and their new coach With a roster full of returning upperclassmen, four of them with all-league credentials, you might think Three Rivers Christian would be knocking the rust off and settling back into their hoops routine. In reality, that rust probably fell off unnoticed a while back as the Eagles raced to assimilate the system of new head coach J.D. Ott, who formerly coached at R.A. Long. “We’re learning the system in a shorter time than most teams have if they have a returning coach, so our learning curve’s a little bit bigger than everybody else’s,” Ott said. TRC’s season opener against Naselle put that learning curve — and the Eagles’ desire — on display. Naselle led 28-8 at halftime, and after a challenge from Ott, TRC outscored Naselle, 27-25, in the second half. “The first half, we were a little timid, a little nervous ... kind of hesitant at times,” Ott said. “We really challenged them to have the desire to want to win, and ... it was really kind of two different games.” Previous coach Lucas Myers left the cupboard well-stocked. Ott has an all-Columbia Valley senior in Jesse Caddel, who did not play as a junior, and junior guards Charity Tevis and Selena Carns as second-team selections. “They’ve all played at the varsity level,” Ott said of his starters. “They’re paying attention they’re asking questions.” The Eagles can call on two more seniors as well: newcomer Anna Claunch and Kara Kadey, who’s coming back to the game after a year off. “Kadey is doing a good job of learning how to play around the basket,” Ott said. “Sometimes she’ll make some moves that I think surprise her. ‘Wow, I just did

Jesse Caddel

that!’” The combination of depth and maturity should give the Eagles every chance to excel — but as the Naselle game shows, that possibility will only become reality with a sizable helping of enthusiam and drive. So far, the new coach is pleased with what he’s seen. The style he’s teaching is aggressive on defense, but opportunistic on offense, avoiding the temptation to force shots. The players have

been eager to learn, encouraging one another, helping one another adjust to the new terminology, he said. “In terms of their skills, they’re pretty good,” Ott said. “There are a few things that we’re working on to get better at, but they’ve played basketball. They understand the game. That desire, to want to learn and want to play and want to get better, is there. And that’s key.” — Ross Hight, The Daily News 27

STAYING COOL, COLLECTED ON

THE BIG STAGE

Photo by Roger Werth, The Daily News

From left: Toutle Lake's Sam Woodley, Mark Morris' Will Burghardt and Kalama's Parker Esary, swarmed by a portion of Mark Morris' student fanbase, each handle various pressures thrown at them on game nights.

Pressure situations are guaranteed, and it brings the best out in players, too

‌W

ith 16.9 seconds left and her Toutle Lake Ducks trailing by a point in their final game at last March’s Class 2B state tournament in Spokane, guard Sam Woodley grabbed a rebound and was fouled. She walked to the free throw line with the chance to give TL the lead. “I was shaking. My hands were all sweaty. Gosh, that was stressful,” recalls Woodley, now a senior. “It was so much pressure. Typically, I don’t get nervous for things like that, but I knew our season was riding on it.” Once the referee bounced her the ball, Woodley dribbled three times, spun it once and took a deep breath. Tie game. Three more dribbles, another spin, another deep breath. Another swish. After Mabton missed a shot on the ensuing possession, Woodley was fouled again. She sank both for good measure to finish a perfect 4-for-4 at the line in the closing seconds, giving the Ducks a 48-45 victory and the fourth-place trophy. Pressure is a mysterious thing. It confounds some basketball players, leading to air balls and hot-potato passes and leads slipping quickly away. For others, it’s a tonic. On the biggest of stages, they shine the brightest. But pressure also comes in different forms. There’s the pressure of shooting free throws in the final seconds at the state tournament. Then there’s the pressure of knowing that every time you touch the ball, a double- or triple-team will surely follow. That’s what Kalama junior Parker Esary faces every game as a double-double machine on the Chinook front line. No matter how many bodies you send at her, though, Esary is unstoppable. “I don’t think she really minds. She takes it as a challenge and loves it, actually,” Kalama coach Brynan Shipley said. “She’s like, ‘Fine, throw two or three girls at me, and I’ll show you what I can still do.’” Finally, there’s the pressure a player can exert on others. That’s the variety that most concerns Mark Morris junior Will Burghardt, a point guard with cat-like quickness who can destroy defenses on the drive, with his jump shot or at the free throw line, where he just might be the area’s most automatic two points. “He certainly has amazing body control. The fact that he plays the game at multiple speeds makes him special,” MM coach Bill Bakamus said. “Will understands that there are gonna

Kevin Dowd | The Daily News‌ be good things and bad things that happen throughout a game, and mentally, you can’t check out. … He’s so mentally in tune with what’s going on, he doesn’t get frustrated.” Woodley, Esary and Burghardt will all play leading roles in the basketball story to unfold this winter in the Lower Columbia. And part of what makes all three such standouts is their ability to handle that thing that makes your heart beat fast and the temperature rise and time seem to slow to a crawl — you know, pressure.



Woodley didn’t need to be reminded of the precise circumstances of last year’s trip to state. It was a three-day stretch in the middle of the state she hasn’t been able to get off her mind ever since. “Every time I have free time, I’m always watching film,” she said. “I’ve gone back to the La Conner and Mabton games so many times. It just makes me mad.” Mad because the Ducks lost 34-33 to La Conner in the state semifinals on a night they missed 43 shots from the field and several more from the free throw line. That’s where Woodley’s mind dwells. But 24 hours later, TL bounced back in style against Mabton. The majority of that team returns this year, but no piece is more important than Woodley. She posted a line of 17.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 4.1 steals per game last season and was named the Central 2B League’s MVP. There are plenty of good players in the 2B classification, but TL’s senior just might be the best. “I’m not trading her for anybody,” Ducks coach Brian Hockett said. Woodley can score inside or outside, can pass and defend. She’s the clear centerpiece of the TL offense, with the high-stress tasks of scoring, distributing and everything else, and yet her game never cracks “I have complete confidence in her,” teammate Britzy Hockett said. “When she’s open, I just always think she’s gonna drill a 3-pointer or do something good. “When we need her, she’s always there.”



Esary spent her summer playing for the Vancouver-based Columbia Cascades, a top-flight select team that traveled to Chicago, San Diego and other far-flung locales. For a 6-footer from a small town, it was her first real experience against opponents she couldn’t overpower. “That just made me better in itself, playing against those girls,” Esary said. “Like, 6 foot

4, really big girls who I obviously don’t see in 1A. And nothing else can really prepare you.” The junior came away with a couple scars from the summer — seriously — but it’s Kalama’s opponents in the Southwest Trico 1A that may pay a bigger price. She says her ball handling and post moves have made serious strides. After averaging 14.4 points and 13.7 rebounds per game last season, a much-improved Esary could be a scary proposition. “There aren’t too many people who can match her size and strength, for one thing. That creates problems,” said Shipley, Esary’s coach. “She’s pretty versatile — she also has a nice outside shot. She doesn’t get to face the basket too much, but we’re gonna try to do that a little more this year.” With Kalama graduating four seniors from last year’s co-league champs, Esary figures to be swarmed by more defenders than ever this season. If anything, though, her already lofty numbers might keep climbing. “I don’t know if there’s a post in the area that’s better than Parker,” Shipley said. “Offensively, defensively, she just does great things for us. “If I had to pick one post, she’s the one.”



In addition to serving as the creator for last year’s Monarchs, Burghardt was also their youngest player, but he seldom showed it. In a skill honed in his other roles as MM’s quarterback in football and center fielder in baseball, Burghardt has a knack for leadership beyond his years. “I don’t really have to teach him much about that department,” MM coach Bill Bakamus said. “In some of the bigger games we had at the end of last year — the Lynden game — he certainly didn’t play as if he was a tenth grader.” Oh yes, the Lynden game. In a state regional matchup between two of the state’s top-five teams inside the bandbox gymnasium at Mount Vernon High School, Burghardt had one of his finest outings, scoring an efficient 16 points, dishing four assists and remaining in complete control of the MM offense. He was the best player on the floor. The Monarchs won 65-62 to advance to the final eight at the Yakima Valley SunDome. Instead of pressure, the lefty felt only joy. “That was by far the most fun game I’ve played in my whole life,” Burghardt said. “The atmosphere was unbelievable, being in that small gym in Mount Vernon and having it be so crazy.”

Pressure / 53 A29 29

‌KELSO BOYS HILANDERS | GSHL 3A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 1,084 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

PG W W W P

Emmitt Kinch Jared Bowlby Riley Noah Shaw Anderson Nick Moore

5-9 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-3

So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr.

IN THE ROTATION

W Peyton Noah 5-11 G Anders Gamble 5-9 G Christian Huntington 5-9 G Zeke Emerson 5-9 POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

So. So. Jr. Sr. 57.6 52.9

HEAD COACH JOE KINCH, 17TH SEASON Record at school: 182-190 State tournament trips: 0

TROPHY CASE 7 state tournament trips (last: 1993) 3 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: fifth (1940, ’50)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE at Fort Vancouver L 64-55 Prairie W 63-57 at Columbia River W 58-53 Fort Vancouver W 49-47 at Prairie W 56-47 Columbia River L 48-35 Overall: 15-8, lost in bi-districts

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m.) Jan. 13 Fort Vancouver Jan. 15 Prairie Jan. 20 Columbia River Jan. 28 at Fort Vancouver Feb. 2 at Prairie Feb. 4 at Columbia River

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Peyton Noah

Scotties in the hands of varsity newcomers

“Kids play a lot of basketball in this day and age, and they played probably 50 games during the summer,” Kinch said. “We don’t have a ton of court time together, but I think down the road we’ll be a pretty good team if we continue to work at it.” After graduating nine of 10 varMastering the basic skills — sity players, there’s plenty of new shooting, passing, dribbling — faces on the Hilanders’ roster. have come easy for the young Kelso also graduated 45 of its 57.6 points per game last season, Hilanders due to their extensive with only senior Jared Bowlby (5.8 off-season court time. Learning points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists) the plays has been tougher. “We’ve had some learning returning to the hardwood. “Jared returning is an important curves,” Kinch said. “There were piece,” Kelso coach Joe Kinch said. times during the summer when we played really well, and other times “It’s a good question as to who when we didn’t. There will be times steps up and replaces all those guys, but we have some kids eager this season when we’ll be left scratching our heads, both good to do it.” and bad. The Hilanders’ other senior, “Hopefully, we’ll find a happy guard Zeke Emerson, played on medium. It’s a long season, and it’s the junior varsity team at Mark Morris last season. Four of the cur- about improving on a daily basis.” With only three players standing rent Kelso varsity were JV staples 6-foot-3 or taller, Kelso is hoping last season, one of them toiled to make up for its lack of size with with the C squad, and two others are freshmen. solid team play at both ends of the

floor. “We don’t have a shot blocker or a big guy we can throw the ball into and score,” Kinch said. “We have to play together, and we have to be good on and off the ball.” Rebounding against the taller players in the Greater St. Helens 3A League will also be a challenge. “Rebounding will be more important than it was last year when we had some good rebounders,” Kinch said. “Collectively we have to be really good there, and we have to work together at both ends to understand the need to rebound.” Despite having a bevy of varsity newcomers, Kinch has been impressed with the coachability of his players. “I am blessed with a program filled with players who are coachable, work hard and understand the importance of teamwork,” he added. “All of those qualities make coaching enjoyable.” — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News

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‌MARK MORRIS BOYS MONARCHS | GSHL 2A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 783 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G G F F

Will Burghardt* Nick Rinck Joe Tapani Zach Bradford Tyler Berger

5-10 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-4

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So.

IN THE ROTATION

G Masen Baker 5-9 Jr. G Troy Morrow 5-11 Sr. F Connor Stange 6-3 Jr. F Garrett Berger 6-3 So. POINTS SCORED 65.4 POINTS ALLOWED 48.3 2014-15 season

HEAD COACH BILL BAKAMUS, 24TH SEASON Record at school: 434-150 State tournament trips: 17 (27-27)

TROPHY CASE 36 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 16 trophies, 3 state titles (1978, ’85, ’87)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE at Hudsons Bay W 57-37 vs Woodland W 62-52 vs Hockinson W 66-43 at Ridgefield W 86-51 vs Washougal W 61-42 vs R.A. Long W 64-48 vs Hudsons Bay W 90-51 at Woodland W 61-55 at Hockinson W 67-34 vs Ridgefield W 81-32 at Washougal W 67-48 at R.A. Long W 57-49 Overall: 22-4, eliminated at state

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Dec. 11 Dec. 17 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 13 Jan. 15 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 5 Feb. 9

(all games at 7 p.m.) Hudson’s Bay W 62-52 Woodland L 59-46 at Hockinson Ridgefield at Washougal at R.A. Long at Hudson’s Bay at Woodland Hockinson at Ridgefield Washougal R.A. Long

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

‘Calming presence in the backcourt’ anchors MM After graduating six of their top nine players, it appears the Monarchs are headed into a rebuilding season which may end their run of 15 consecutive Greater St. Helens 2A League titles. The Monarchs will lack the sizeable frontcourt they had last season with Geordi Morrow (6-7), Grant Gibb (6-5) Evan Troy (6-4) and Justin Rohl (6-4), who all graduated. “We need some guys inside with bulk,” MM coach Bill Bakamus said. “Conner Stange (6-3) comes off a year where he played six games before he was injured. He’s a big, strong kid, and hopefully he can give us quality minutes inside on the boards with Joe Hamlik. They’re bookends inside, but they’re not 6-6 or 6-7 bookends.” The backcourt tandem of allleaguers Will Burghardt (firstteam) and Nick Rinck (honorable mention) are back to anchor the Monarchs at both ends of the floor. Burghardt averaged 10.2 points, 4.9 assists and 2.3 steals, and Rinck averaged 5.6 points and 3.8 assists. “I was worried about our backcourt last year,” Bakamus said. “We had good frontline players, but I wondered how Will and Nick were going to step up. Will took over after the first game and it seemed like he was a senior. They both give us a calming presence in the backcourt.” MM’s smaller lineup will specialize in speed and defensive positioning. “This year we’ll be smaller with more moving, cutting and flashing,” Bakamus said. “Hopefully, we’ll become a pesky defensive team which rebounds. We can overcome our size with good defensive

Nick Rinck

schemes if we’re all on the same page.” Two of the Monarchs’ larger players are imports. Sophomore twins Garrett and Tyler Berger transferred in from Timberline High in Boise, Idaho, and stand 6-3 and 6-4, respectively. “They have nice offensive games, but it’s a matter of teaching them the grittiness, technique and intangibles needed to heighten their games. They can both shoot the ball, have a love for the game and have put endless hours into improvement.” A bevy of JV players, including guards Zach Bradford, Troy Morrow, Masen Baker and forward Zach Bradford are expected to keep the Monarchs on course. Bradford

led the MM JV team at 12.5 points per game. “Zach Bradford, a 5-11 post player, is a company man who will give every ounce of energy,” Bakamus said. “Joe Tapani is fast, competitive and can shoot the ball, and Masen Baker was the MVP of our C and JV teams. In any other program, he’d be an all-conference guard.” Bakamus is also looking for a leader from his mostly inexperienced varsity lineup. “We have a lot of big shoes to fill from stats and percentages, but we have kids up to the task,” Monarchs’ coach Bill Bakamus said. “It’s the Million Dollar Question as to who steps up.” — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News

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‌R.A. LONG BOYS LUMBERJACKS | GSHL 2A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 764 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G Conner Wallace 6-0 So. G Coby Rothwell 6-1 Jr. G Marcus Maryott 6-0 Jr. F Hunter Jones* 6-1 Sr. C Christopher Ofstun 6-0 So IN THE ROTATION

G Mason Nickerson F Andrew Walling C Keoni Mawae POINTS SCORED 48.1 POINTS ALLOWED 49.6

6-0 6-2 6-4

Jr. So. Jr.

HEAD COACHES RALLY WALLACE, 10TH SEASON JERAY KEY, FIRST SEASON Record at school: 74-107 (Wallace) State tournament trips: 1 (1-2)

TROPHY CASE 18 state tournament trips (last: 2008) 7 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: third (1939)

’14-’15 LEAGUE RESULTS vs. at vs. at vs. at vs. at at vs. at vs.

Washougal Hockinson Hudson’s Bay Ridgefield Woodland MM Hockinson Washougal Hudson’s Bay Ridgefield Woodland MM

L 44-42 L 46-44 W 50-43 L 51-49 W 40-36 L 64-48 W 52-43 L 50-36 W 50-32 W 55-49 L 54-36 L 57-49

’15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 14 Hockinson W 61-55 (OT) Jan. 5 at Washougal Jan. 7 Hudson’s Bay Jan. 11 Ridgefield Jan. 13 at Woodland Jan. 15 at Mark Morris 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Hockinson 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Washougal Jan. 29 Hudson’s Bay Feb. 2 at Ridgefield Feb. 5 Woodland Feb. 9 Mark Morris

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13 

2011-12 

Christopher Ofstun (left) and Andrew Walling

a change Jones as well as co-head coach Rally Wallace says has been for the better. The team’s newest addition is Jeray Key, a 2008 Mark Morris graduate who played collegiately at LCC and Lewis-Clark Hunter Jones has heard the State. He joins Wallace on the same tune on repeat too many bench as co-head coach for Waltimes. lace’s 10th season in the program. First, it was R.A. Long’s 2014 And already, Wallace and Key football season. Then came last have developed strong chemistry year’s basketball campaign. Injuworking together for the common ries and illnesses to would-be allleague standouts put a damper on goal, Wallace said. What Walthe what-could-have-been season lace said Key, a defensive-minded player high school and college in both sports. days who previously was RAL’s ‘C’ Then, it happened on the gridteam coach, brings to the table is iron once more this fall. Enough is enough, he says. The toughness and discipline. “We didn’t have that last year,” Lumberjacks are due for a break in Wallace said. “He’s holding their order to take the next step in sucfeet to the fire. They (the players) cess, and that break is now, the are flat-out working their tails off senior said. and they’re doing it with a smile.” “The wait is over,” said Jones, Jones and his teammates have a second-team all-GSHL 2A pertaken to the change. former last season. “It’s been “It’s almost like a consequence,” building up.” What’s been brewing inside the Jones said. “If we don’t hustle, Lumberdome at daily practices is we’re running more. If we hustle,

Jacks feel tides turning in their favor

we’re still getting as much running in, but it’s just more fun than running straight up and down the court.” But the pieces are in place, Jones and Wallace agreed, for that next step from a team that finished 9-11 last season with three of its league losses coming by two points apiece. It’s a blend of everything from size and strength with 6-foot-9 sophomore Christopher Ofstun and 6-4 big man Keoni Mawae, to quality ball-handlers and quick-release shooters in Marcus Maryott, Coby Rothwell and Conner Wallace. In the Jacks’ 61-55 overtime win against Hockinson in both teams’ Greater St. Helens 2A League opener, Maryott took control in the fourth quarter and overtime for a game-high 21 points. A good start to that next step. “It’s going to happen,” Jones said. — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

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SERVING YOUR LOWER COLUMBIA PREP SPORTS NEEDS 35

‌WOODLAND BOYS BEAVERS | GSHL 2A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 472 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G P P C

Hayden Huddleston 6-0 Wyatt Harsh 6-0 Tanner Sixberry 6-4 McKay Flanagan 6-0 Bryce Mulder 6-11

Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr.

IN THE ROTATION

G Tyler Flanagan 5-11 Fr. P Christian Mendez 6-4 sr. POINTS SCORED 53.2 POINTS ALLOWED 43.3 2014-’15 season

HEAD COACH JASON BUFFUM, THIRD SEASON Record at school: 34-17 State tournament trips: 1 (0-1)

TROPHY CASE 18 state tournament trips (last: 2014) 6 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: second (1984)

‘14-15 LEAGUE RESULTS vs. Washougal L 44-42 at Hockinson L 46-44 vs. Hudson’s Bay W 50-43 at Ridgefield L 51-49 vs. Woodland W 40-36 at MM L 64-48 vs. Hockinson W 52-43 at Washougal L 50-36 at Hudson’s Bay W 50-32 vs. Ridgefield W 55-49 at Woodland L 54-36 vs. MM L 57-49 Overall: 18-7, eliminated in districts

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Dec. 14 Dec. 17 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 13 Jan. 15 Jan .19 Jan. 21 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 9

(all games at 7 p.m.) at Ridgefield W 57-56 at Mark Morris W 59-46 Washougal at Hudson’s Bay R.A. Long Hockinson Ridgefield at Mark Morris at Washougal Hudson’s Bay at R.A. Long at Hockinson

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13        2011-12 

Post play, oldschool ways pave Beaver’s path Naturally, a frequent topic of conversation in Bryce Mulder’s world is his 6-foot-11 frame. But it’s how often he’s asked the infamous height question from fellow Woodland High School students that has him taken aback. “Almost every day, which is surprising,” the junior said. But if there’s one aspect that isn’t surprising about third-year coach Jason Buffum and the Beavers’ system, is that he uses his personnell well. And that’s production from the posts. The interior continues to be the Beavers’ strength, led by Mulder, the team’s lone returning starters, plus 6-4 Tanner Sixberry. Add senior guard Hayden Huddleston to the mix and the trio are the team’s returners with varsity minutes from last season. The Mulder-Sixberry mix down low, though, makes for a solid tandem. Their coexistence allows both to play to each other’s strengths; Mulder more on defense although he says his offensive game is “a work in progress” with Sixberry known more for his offensive game. “He’s very good offensively,” Mulder said of Sixberry. “We’ve played together a lot since fifth grade, and he’s definitely been the more offensive player.” Added Buffum: “They play really well together.” The half-court style might be referred to as old-school, but Buffum takes a page out of his former college coach, LCC’s Jim Roffler, wand working to get the best out of each possession. Value, Buffum says, is key. “It’s the philosophy we have, and it’s worked so far,” Buffum said. “Hopefully, it continues to work.” What’s kept Woodland suc-

Bryce Mulder

cessful, in part, is its defense. The Beavers held opponents to 43.3 points per game last season, and came within six points of advancing to the regional round, losing 55-50 to Centralia in a loser-out Southwest 2A District IV game. Buffum knows the growing pains and speed bumps will be

evident early with a lineup that’s gaining varsity experience, but that growth and maturity is growing rapidly. And so is the old-school philosophy leading the way. “If we can get to 50 (points),” Buffum said, “we have a chance to win.” — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

‌CASTLE ROCK BOYS ROCKETS | SOUTHWEST TRICO 1A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 307 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

PG G F F F

Brock Johnson* Dakota Golden Taite Kleine Kyle Koopman Nick Proudfit

5-11 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-3

Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

IN THE ROTATION

G Bryce Desarmo G Parker Patching F Conner Edwards POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

6-2 So. 5-10 So. 6-2 Fr. 54.3 50.7

HEAD COACH KEVIN JOHNSON, 13TH SEASON Record at school: 171-108 State tournament trips: 4 (2-7) TROPHY CASE 34 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 11 trophies, 2 state titles (1932, ’69)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE at LC L 73-56 WS W 55-39 Kalama W 41-38 SC W 65-46 KW L 63-56 at Ste W 74-49 LC L 82-66 at SC W 59-50 at WS L 56-52 at Kalama W 46-39 at KW L 76-56 Ste W 72-55 Overall: 17-10, eliminated at state

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 8 La Center W 64-62 Dec. 15 Seton Catholic W 59-52 Dec. 22 at Kalama ---Jan. 5 at King’s Way Jan. 12 Stevenson Jan. 14 at La Center Jan. 19 White Salmon Jan. 21 Seton Catholic at LCC, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 Kalama Jan. 28 King’s Way Feb. 2 at White Salmon Feb. 4 at Stevenson

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13            2011-12 

Brock Johnson

All-State pick Johnson to lead Rockets

“He has a high basketball IQ.” But replacing the output of Klingberg and Ty Johnson, who combined to average more than 30 points per game, won’t be easy. They’ll do it collectively, Coach The Rockets may have gradJohnson said. uated more than half of their “We’re not going to get a guy to offense with the departure of Ty plug in to replace Ty’s experience,” Johnson and Mason Klingberg, he said. but one of the area’s most prolific The Rockets’ supporting cast scorers is back for his senior year. includes two other starters — forCastle Rock’s offense starts wards Taite Kleine and Kyle Koopwith Brock Johnson, who earned man. Kleine averaged 5.1 points, first-team all-state and first-team and Koopman pulled 3.5 rebounds all-Trico 1A accolades after averag- per game as juniors. ing 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and “We have several guys back 3.4 assists last season. from a pretty good team who are “He’s as good as any other stepping into larger roles,” Coach player you’ll find around here at Johnson said. “Our four seniors the high school level in any classi- (Johnson, Koopman, Kleine, Nick fication,” CR coach Kevin Johnson Proudfit) have been around awhile, said of his son. “He’s an experiand we’re sprinkling in some enced player who does a lot of younger guys.” stuff whether it’s scoring or keepBesides the offensive explosiveing us organized. ness of Brock Johnson, the other

three senior Rockets bring unique skills to the court. “Taite can really defend and is a versatile defender who can guard either bigs or on the perimeter,” Coach Johnson said. “Nick is a solid rebounder, and Kyle is a utility guy who does it all. He’s a smart kid with a high floor IQ who does all of the intangibles and makes us a solid team.” Coach Johnson isn’t afraid to give his younger players, including sophomores Bryce Desarmo, Parker Patching and freshman Conner Edwards, playing time. “He can shoot the heck out of it and has good anticipation skills,” Johnson said of Desarmo. “Conner is a talented kid with a nice stroke, and Parker is becoming a solid player. All of the kids are great to work with, and they haven’t reached their ceiling yet.” — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News 37

‌KALAMA BOYS CHINOOKS | SOUTHWEST TRICO 1A | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 208 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G G F F

Spencer Stone Isaac Truesdell Blake Stemkoski Austin Dines Hunter Esary*

6-0 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-3

Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

6-1 6-0 6-2 6-4

Sr. Jr. Sr. So. 50.0 55.4

IN THE ROTATION

G Jonas VanSkike G/F Cameron Walker F Casey Sweet F Daniel Gerega POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

HEAD COACH JODY STEMKOSKI, 13TH SEASON Record at school: 160-125 State tournament trips: 6 (1-8)

TROPHY CASE 25 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 13 trophies, 2 state titles (1949, ’50)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE at WS W 44-39 at CR L 41-38 KWC W 55-52 Stev L 85-82 Seton W 55-43 WS W 62-56 at LC L 65-52 at KWC L 54-45 CR L 46-39 at Seton W 61-49 at Stev W 60-49 LC L 65-46 Overall: 11-13, eliminated at regionals

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m.) Dec. 8 White Salmon W 60-29 Dec. 11 Seton Catholic W 77-49 Dec.15 at King’s Way Christian L 62-55 Dec. 22 Castle Rock Jan. 8 at Stevenson Jan. 12 La Center Jan. 15 at White Salmon Jan. 18 at Seton Catholic Jan. 21 King’s Way Christian Jan. 25 at Castle Rock Feb. 1 Stevenson Feb. 4 at La Center

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Blake Stemkoski

Chinooks ready to take gridiron success onto hardwood This fall, Kalama’s football program was rejuvenated after a brief downturn the season before. An experienced senior class led by Hunter Esary and Isaac Truesdell guided the Chinooks first to a Trico 1A title, then into the state playoffs. This winter, the Chinooks’ boys basketball team would like to pull the exact same trick. The teams’ profiles are strikingly similar: The ‘Nooks went 5-5 in football during the 2014-’15 school year and 11-13 in basketball. One difference: On the hardwood, they actually made it to state, falling to Vashon Island in the regional round after a strong showing at districts. This football season, Kalama made a massive leap, finishing the regular season 8-1 before losing a 47-42 thriller to Mount Baker in the

state round of 16. Two days later, they were out on the basketball court — not a lot of time for the bodies to recover. “A break would have been nice,” Truesdell said. “But that’s what you get for being good.” Six members of the football team are also on the roster for hoops. Can they embark on a similar leap to the top of the Trico standings? “I think we have that ability,” Kalama coach Jody Stemkoski said. “But if it happens, those guys are gonna need to step up and do what they need to do. Nobody’s just gonna walk over and let you have it.” That much was revealed during the first week of the new season, when Kalama dropped a pair of non-league nail-biters to 2A Woodland and 2B Toledo. Experience doesn’t necessarily equal wins. In fact, Kalama’s unusual varsity depth may have even been a factor in those two defeats: With so many talented players in so many different positions, Stemkoski said the rotation is still working itself out.

“We have a lot of kids who at different times can score the ball, can play decent defense, and can rebound,” the 13th-year coach said. “We have a lot of combinations.” Esary will be the key man in the middle, but other forwards Austin Dines and Daniel Gerega should also make large contributions. Spencer Stone is the nominal point guard, but Truesdell and Blake Stemkoski both figure to have the ball in their hands for long stretches. There’s talent all over the floor, just like there was talent all over the field for the Chinooks this football season. The key will be combining those talented parts into one cohesive unit. “The biggest hurdle is just getting everyone to know what their role is and to do it each and every night,” Coach Stemkoski said. “I think we’re one of the deepest teams in our league, but that doesn’t mean anything unless you’re willing to buy in.” — Kevin Dowd, The Daily News

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PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league returning starters bold

W W W F F

Cooper Starkel* Alex McCallister Wyatt McKay Andrew Norgren Dustin Sewald

6-0 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-3

Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So.

6-1 5-11 5-10 6-0

Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. 61.9 54.4

IN THE ROTATION

F Job Karber F Michael Nichols W Dustin Luquette W Dawson Howard POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

HEAD COACH LUCIUS JONES, THIRD SEASON Record at school: 30-21 State tournament trips: 1 (0-1)

TROPHY CASE 10 state tournament trips (last: 2009) 3 trophies, 1 state title (1945)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE L 94-72 at PA W 78-64 PA W 64-51 at OE W 53-38 OE at Rainier W 52-39 Rainier W 53-36 L 71-54 at Riv W 63-61 CG W 61-54 DLSN L 52-43 Riv at PC W 67-36 at DLSN L 78-57 W 75-56 Warr W 63-28 PC CG W 70-52 at Warr W 39-32 Overall: 15-8, eliminated at state

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 15 at Portland Adventist L 89-66 Dec. 18 Oregon Episcopal W 60-59 Dec. 19 Rainier L 55-45 Jan. 2 Catlin Gabel 5:30 p.m. Jan. 5 Riverdale Jan. 9 at De La Salle North Jan. 12 Portland Christian Jan. 15 at Warrenton Jan. 19 Portland Adventist Jan. 21 at Oregon Episcopal Jan. 23 at Rainier 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Catlin Gabel Jan. 29 at Riverdale Feb. 5 De La Salle North Feb. 9 at Portland Christian Feb. 12 Warrenton

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

‌CLATSKANIE BOYS TIGERS | LEWIS & CLARK 3A | OSAA ENROLLMENT: 205

Tigers to rely on thick bench for success With three returning starters and a number of seasoned role players back in the fold, Clatskanie is poised to take the next step and advance into the bracket portion of the Oregon Class 3A state playoffs. “This group is really working hard to positively support each other,” Tigers’ coach Lucius Jones said. “We’ve done a few things in practice to encourage that, and the team is picking up the idea.” It’s all a matter of trust. “The guys need to understand that it isn’t just one guy,” Jones said. “They seem to have each others backs, and come to each practice and game with an attitude.” After graduating two starters and their top five bench players, Jones wondered who would step up and assume a leadership role with the new-look Tigers. Cooper Starkel averaged 14.7 points and 3.2 assists last season as a second-team all-league pick, and Wyatt McKay averaged 8.4 rebounds to earn league honorable mention kudos. “Andrew (Norgren) and Wyatt are our team captains, and Cooper is an excellent floor leader,” Jones said. “We have a couple other seniors who really aren’t that vocal, but they are leaders by example. The older players created an atmosphere which is really open to the younger players so they can be comfortable.” With no player smaller than 5-foot-9 nor taller than 6-3, the Tigers will utilize speed and strength to overpower their league foes. “No one really stands out as far as size, but we do have a lot of physical guys,” Jones said. “With the personnel we have and their skills and abilities, we’re going to be fairly versatile. They have a good understanding of when we need to slow things down, and

Andrew Norgren

when we need to get out and run.” Jones doesn’t have qualms about dipping into his bench. An example of this was the Tigers’ 55-53 nonleague victory over Knappa in their second game of the year. Thirty-five fouls were called, which forced Jones to dig deep into his bench. “Our reserves can get the job done in place of our starters,” he said.

A pair of newcomers — senior Michael Nichols and junior Phoenix Johnson — have impressed Jones in early season games and practices. “Michael has stepped up and done a good job for us up front,” he said. “Phoenix is learning to fit in and contribute. Both of them will be valuable for us during the season.” — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News

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‌RAINIER BOYS

PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league returning starters bold

PG G G F F

Casey Tripp Caymon Rea Alec Earls Dawson Carr Patrick Hansen

5-6 5-10 5-11 6-2 6-4

Sr. So. Jr. So. Jr.

COLUMBIANS | LEWIS & CLARK 3A | OSAA ENROLLMENT: 262

IN THE ROTATION

G Joey Tripp G Tanner Hall F Aaron Avery POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

5-7 Fr. 5-9 Sr. 5-10 Sr. 38.8 52.0

HEAD COACH CARY GRAY, FIRST SEASON

TROPHY CASE 16 state tournament trips (last: 2012) 4 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: second (1971, ’74)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE CG L 52-29 at Riv W 38-35 Clats L 52-39 at PA L 73-46 at OE W 44-41 PC W 49-41 At Warr W 35-30 DLSN W 45-42 at CG W 51-46 Riv L 47-43 at Clats L 53-36 PA L 69-50 OE L 47-35 at PC W 44-38 Warr W 42-39 at DLSN L 71-30 Overall: 7-14, missed playoffs

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 15 Catlin Gabel L 59-53 Dec. 18 Riverdale W 53-42 Dec. 19 at Clatskanie W 55-45 Jan. 5 Portland Adventist Jan. 8 Oregon Episcopal Jan. 9 at Portland Christian 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 Warrenton Jan. 15 at De La Salle North Jan. 19 at Catlin Gabel Jan. 22 at Riverdale Jan. 23 Clatskanie 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Portland Adventist Feb. 2 at Oregon Episcopal Feb. 5 Portland Christian Feb. 9 at Warrenton Feb. 11 De La Salle North

THE TREND League wins past four seasons 2014-15 – 8 wins (8 losses)  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Alec Earls

exchange student Patrick Hansen, and 6-2 sophomore newcomer Dawson Carr. “Dawson didn’t play last year,” Gray said. “He’s a very creative player who rebounds and gets a Cary Gray is used to winning. lot of points off junk. Patrick gives He’s led the Rainier softball team us another big body in the midto three consecutive Oregon 3A dle, and he’s also really aggressive state title game appearances, down low.” including a 5-1 win over Vale in the Gray noted the Columbians’ 2014 state championship game. three-guard offense has greatly He is hoping some of that success benefitted from strong post play. will rub off on the Columbians’ “The guards we had last year boys basketball team. didn’t have the luxury of playing Gray takes over for Joe Neill, with good bigs,” he said. “They’re who compiled a 103-78 record in definitely enjoying the benefits of it seven seasons. this season.” “We have a few guys back which The three-guard attack allows is really going to help,” Gray said. the Columbians to run a high“We have good shooters, good octane offense. slashers and some pretty good “We’re doing a lot of running and post players who open things from working out in the weight room, the inside out.” and have focused on speed and The Columbians’ post size agility drills,” Gray said. “We want comes from 6-foot-4 junior foreign to stay on top and out run our

Columbians have plenty of size, shooters

opponents. We’re really excited with what we have, and we’re hoping the work ethic will pay off.” Gray has been impressed with the backcourt play of Alec Earls, Caymon Rea, Joey Tripp and Tanner Hall. “Alec has definitely improved his game, and Tanner plays great defense and shoots the lights out,” he said. “Caymon is a really good player, and Joey has been a surprise. We weren’t sure how he would handle playing varsity as a freshman, but he’s doing great and we’ve got him playing one quarter of JV and four quarters of varsity.” Rainier will also employ pesky man-to-man defense. “We’ve taken the approach to man-up for the entire game,” Gray said. “From what I’ve seen so far we’re excited.” — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News

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‌ILWACO BOYS FISHERMEN | PACIFIC 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 211 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

PG G G G F

Alex Kaino Marcos Mendoza Ethan Bannister Reese Tynkila Zac Tapio

5-7 5-9 6-1 6-0 6-2

Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr.

IN THE ROTATION

G James Schenk 5-9 Sr. F Gino Larazo 5-10 Sr. F Michael Aguayo 6-1 Sr. POINTS SCORED 51.9 POINTS ALLOWED 59.2 2014-’15 season

HEAD COACH TIM HARRELL, SECOND SEASON Record at school: 7-15 State tournament trips: 0

TROPHY CASE 22 state tournament trips (last: 2011) 9 trophies, 1 state title (1959)

‘14-15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Tac. Bap. W 62-56 at NB L 70-47 Rain L 46-39 Ocosta L 70-66 Ray L 57-48 NWC W 54-49 at SB W 64-56 LC L 67-36 WV W 60-48 Ray L 67-48 Overall: 7-15, eliminated at districts

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m. unless noted) Jan. 7 at Raymond Jan. 8 at Tacoma Baptist Jan. 12 North Beach 5:45 p.m. Jan. 14 at Rainier 5:45 p.m. Jan. 21 at Ocosta Jan. 23 at NW Christian Jan. 26 South Bend Jan. 29 Life Christian 5:45 p.m. Feb. 3 at Willapa Valley Feb. 5 Raymond

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14 

2012-13  2011-12 

Zac Tapio

and also complements a talented core of returning players, including Marcos Mendoza, Zac Tapio and Ethan Bannister. Bannister earned honorable mention all-Pacific 2B player last season when the FishAfter the Fishermen started the ermen went 4-6 in league play and season 3-0 following a 29-point advanced to the Southwest 2B win over coastal-rival Naselle, secDIstrict IV tournament. ond-year coach Tim Harrell had a Now, it’s about continuing hard time trying to recall the last the upward trend starting with a time an Ilwaco boys program had higher finish in the league standequalled his team’s start to a seaings. Players want to host a firstson. round district game, which means “And I’m an Ilwaco native,” he achieving a top-four finish in the said. Two years removed from a win- Pacific 2B. Is Ilwaco on the verge of turning less campaign in Class 1A, Ilwaco’s the corner? You bet, Harrell says. move down to the 2B ranks has “The next step for us is continumade for a welcome transition. ing to understand the importance The trend continues with a ninth-grade nucleus of Alex Kaino of playing every possession every and Reese Tynkila, a tandem Har- night,” he said. Early on, Harrell has used as rell described as having strong work ethics and the potential to be many as four different starting linefour-year starters. ups, molding his rotation around The duo rarely leaves the court, the opposing team’s personnel.

Fishermen looking to build, turn the corner

Expect that trend to continue. But regardless, what he doesn’t expect is a letdown from production when he turns to his bench. Ilwaco goes eight players deep and all eight play significant minutes. Tapio, a 6-foot-2 junior forward, is the team’s tallest player with a point guard’s skillset. He shouldered more of the ball-carrying duties last season out of necessity, but now, he’ll roam more of the interior because of a need for rebounding, Harrell said. And it’s paid off early with multiple double-double games early on. Harrell noted that Tapio’s ball-handling duties last season as a sophomore was one of the reason’s for Ilwaco’s spike in wins, and now, he looks to do the same in the paint for the Fish this season. “Zac ran with it (last year) and did an awesome job,” Harrell said. — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

‌TOUTLE LAKE BOYS

PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G G F F

Nate Hoff Radley Risner Cam Swanson Jacob Buck Nate Porter

5-11 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-2

So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr.

DUCKS | CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 163

IN THE ROTATION

G Logan Grabenhorst 6-0 F Dylan Iverson 6-2 F Chris Smith 5-11 F Michael Adams 6-4 POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. 43.1 51.7

HEAD COACH ERIC SWANSON, 25TH SEASON Record at school: 422-173 State tournament trips: 15 (28-23)

TROPHY CASE 26 state tournament trips (last: 2012) 15 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: second (1995, ‘98, ‘00, ‘08)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Mossy L 46-44 atNapavine L 62-24 at Toledo L 55-43 at Mossy L 51-34 Pe Ell W 66-53 Toledo L 49-33 at Win. W 70-34 at Pe Ell L 57-37 Onalaska L 54-41 Winlock W 62-45 Napavine L 53-36 at Ony W 44-39 at Adna L 62-28 Adna L 59-50 MWP L 67-26 at MWP L 66-34 at Wah W 45-32 Wah W 52-35 Overall: 7-15, eliminated at districts

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m. unless noted) Dec. 8 at Mossyrock L 54-49 Dec. 10 Toledo L 50-43 Dec. 12 Pe Ell W 69-32 Dec. 15 Winlock W 78-32 Dec. 18 Onalaska W 47-34 Dec. 22 at Napavine 2:30p.m. Jan. 5 Adna Jan. 7 at Morton/White Pass Jan. 12 Wahkiakum Jan. 15 Napavine Jan. 20 Mossyrock Jan. 22 at Toledo Jan. 23 at Pe Ell Jan. 27 at Winlock Jan. 29 at Onalaska Jan. 30 at Adna Feb. 3 Morton/White Pass Feb. 5 at Wahkiakum

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Radley Risner

Chemistry, depth, plus new style greet Ducks

tated by player size. While TL lacks the 6-foot-6 and 6-5 players, Swanson points to “a nice range of 6-2 kids.” “We’re strong at the perimeter spots, and we hope it will compenAfter years of featuring a high-octane, run-and-gun offense, sate for our lack of size,” he said. T’L’s rotation features two the Toutle Lake Ducks are changing with the times and adjusting to seniors, three juniors and sophomores and two freshmen. Depth the opposing defense. and team chemistry are two of the “Usually we’ve been one style, team’s strengths, Swanson said. but I don’t think this team is one “We put in a lot of time during style,” Ducks’ coach Eric Swanson the summer and spent time in the said. “We have some kids who can weight room. We’re hoping it will play inside, we have some who can pay off,” he added. really shoot it from the outside, Senior guard Radley Risner, and and we can pusth the ball. We’re an forward Nate Porter are expected interesting blend, and our plan will to step up as leaders to shepherd be dictated by who the opponent is their youthful teammates through and how the game is going.” the season. Risner averaged 9.8 The offensive plan is also dicpoints per game last season.

Radley is a four-year varsity player, and we’re wanting him to step up and take that role on,” Swanson said. “Nate also played quite a bit last season, and we want him to assume a leadership role.” At the other end of the experience spectrum are freshmen Logan Grabenhorst and Michael Adams. “Logan and Michael will play some this season,” Swanson said. “Nate Hoff, Cam Swanson and Cameron Jorgenson played as freshmen last season and are all back as sophomores. We have a good mix of incoming guys with numerous returners.” Hoff averaged 4.1 assists as a freshman. — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News 45

TOLEDO BOYS

PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league returning starters bold

G G G G/F F

Reece Wallace Gabe Fuentes Connor Vermilyea Joe Wallace Junior Arroyo

5-7 6-0 5-11 6-2 6-5

So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So.

INDIANS | CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 208

IN THE ROTATION

G Jared Pohll 5-6 Sr. G Fano Arceo-Hansen 6-0 Fr. G Carmen Robles 6-1 Jr. POINTS SCORED 57.3 POINTS ALLOWED 43.7 2014-’15 season

HEAD COACH GRADY FALLON, SECOND SEASON Record at school: 17-9 State tournament trips 1 (0-1)

TROPHY CASE 29 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 13 trophies, 1 state title (2013)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE TL W 55-43 Mossy W 60-43 at MWP L 72-50 at Nap W 68-41 Ony W 58-36 at TL W 49-33 at Win W 51-10 MWP L 52-47 at Mossy W 52-45 at Ony W 48-40 Pe Ell W 71-30 Win W 73-30 Wah W 69-34 at Pe Ell W 79-38 Nap W 56-52 at Wah W 59-55 at Adna L 57-47 Adna W 60-43 Overall: 18-7, eliminated at regionals.

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Dec. 3 Dec. 10 Dec. 12 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 29 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 5

(all games at 7 p.m.) Mossyrock W 62-50 at Toutle Lake W 50-43 Morton/White Pass L 69-43 Onalaska W 32-21 at Winlock W 60-45 Pe Ell at Wahkiakum at Napavine Adna at Mossyrock Napavine Toutle Lake at Morton/White Pass at Onalaska Winlock at Pe Ell Wahkiakum at Adna

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15    2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Gabe Fuentes

Tradition-rich Indians ready to make another run A certain swagger exists when players join Toledo’s boys basketball program. They know the winning tradition all too well, starting with the program’s first state title two years ago. Then, there’s at least 18 wins a season dating back to the 2011’12 campaign. Success breeds success. “Kids want to be part of something that’s good,” second-year Indians coach Grady Fallon said, “because of past success.” So that’s why Fallon couldn’t be happier with the start the Indians have had, despite zero

returning starters on a team full of underclassmen that’s seeking redemption from a loss last season in the regional round of the state tournament. Five-foot-11 guard Connor Vermilyea and 5-6 guard Jared Pohll are the team’s only seniors. Chalk it up to that tradition, though. “They feel entitled to carry the torch,” Fallon said. Now in his second season after the previous 10 as an assistant, Fallon hadn’t changed much in the way of former longtime coach Scott Merzoian’s regime. Toledo is still a hard-nose defense-first club. Expect nothing less, as the offense continues to grow and mature. Reece Wallace’s 11 points per game and nine per game off the bench from Pohll leads an

eight-player rotation that’s balanced in scoring. Fallon said four other players, including junior Joe Wallace, average between six and eight points per game. A big spark has been ninthgrader Fano Arceo-Hansen, in addition to big games from 6-5 forward Junior Arroyo, whose 15 rebounds in Toledo’s 50-43 win at Toutle Lake “saved our butts” by dominating the glass, Fallon said. And as one fan pointed out to Fallon postgame after his team’s 69-43 loss to 2B powerhouse Morton/White Pass, the Indians play hard. And that’s all Fallon can ask for. Chalk that up to tradition, too. “That makes you feel good,” Fallon said. — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

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PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G W W F

Joey Moore James Anderson Hank Ferguson Ryan Quigley Zach Brown*

5-7 5-8 5-10 6-2 6-2

Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So.

IN THE ROTATION

G Luke Brown G Casey Wilson F Cody Terpsma POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

5-9 Fr. 5-6 So. 6-0 So. 45.4 61.7

HEAD COACH TODD SOUVENIR, SECOND SEASON Record at school: 3-16 State tournament trips: 0

TROPHY CASE 13 state tournament trips (last: 2013) 11 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: second (1979, 2004, ’07)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE at Adna L 86-58 Adna L 53-30 Pe Ell L 71-53 at Pe Ell L 63-40 at Win. W 65-48 at Win. W 71-35 Mossy L 79-69 at Mossy L 52-41 at MWP L 83-34 MWP L 83-43 Napa L 66-48 at Napa L 77-52 at Ony L 66-21 Ony L 38-30 at Toledo L 59-55 at Toledo L 69-34 at TL L 52-35 TL L 45-32 Overall: 3-16 overall, missed playoffs

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Dec. 3 Dec. 8 Dec. 10 Dec. 12 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 29 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 5

(all games at 7 p.m.) at Adna Pe Ell at Winlock Mossyrock at MWP Napapine at Onalaska Toledo at Toutle Lake Adna at Pe Ell Winlock at Mossyrock MWP at Napavine Onalaska at Toledo Toutle Lake

THE TREND League wins past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15                  2013-14  2012-13             2011-12 

‌WAHKIAKUM BOYS MULES | CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 109

Mules rebuild with bevy of underclassmen With three returning starters, most observers would believe Wahkiakum could potentially be among the Central 2B League elite. But the Mules feature three upperclassmen on their 15-player roster, which includes 10 freshmen and sophomores, and two foreign exchange students. “We’re rebuilding for sure,” Mules’ coach Todd Souvenir said. “They’ve all played together as youth and have experience with each other, but not a lot of experience playing at the varsity level.” The Mules have solid foot speed, but lack depth to rotate in reserves for winded starters. “We definitely have speed and we’ll have to get up and down the floor because of our lack of size,” Souvenir said. “We will struggle with teams bigger than we are.” Souvenir is looking for someone to step up and replace graduated all-league guard Brandon Budd, who averaged 18.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals last season. Among the returning players, league honorable mention pick Zach Brown averaged nearly 10 points and 7.4 rebounds, Joey Moore averaged 8.0 points, and Hank Ferguson and Ryan Quigley combined to grab more than seven rebounds per game. “Joey’s a senior and is our team captain, and Zach is a sophomore who is one of our leaders,” Souvenir said. “Not having a lot of upperclassmen makes it challenging.” Ferguson has earned kudos from Souvenir for his steadiness. “Hank is probably the one junior who doesn’t let anything bother him,” Souvenir said. “He’s a great kid who competes in athletics and academics, and is quite a leader who is well-respected for who he is as a person and how he handles himself on and off the court.”

Joey Moore

Freshman James Anderson has landed in the backcourt starting lineup, and first-year wing Evan Quigley is in the rotation. Guard Luke Brown will see minutes when he returns from an ankle injury, Souvenir said. “James doesn’t have a lot of

experience, but he’s really athletic which helps on defense,” Souvenir said. “Luke also has a lot of potential, and when he returns will help with defense and giving us backcourt depth.” — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News

‌WINLOCK BOYS

PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league returning starters bold

G G G F P

Adair Garibay Nicholas Patching Jose Keim Wyatt Dean Dawson Hall*

5-11 5-8 5-9 6-1 6-2

Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr.

CARDINALS | CENTRAL 2B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 148

IN THE ROTATION

G Jose Gonzalez F Jayce Coleman POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-15 season

5-7 Sr. 6-2 So. 28.2 68.7

HEAD COACH NICK BAMER, FIRST SEASON

TROPHY CASE 11 state tournament trips (last: 2013) 3 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: fourth (1995, ‘09)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE L 54-32 at Pe Ell L 69-26 Pe Ell MWP L 86-18 at MWP L 96-11 L 65-48 at Wah. L 71-35 Wah. at Onalaska L 64-25 Onalaska L 50-29 L 62-45 Toutle Lake L 70-34 at TL Toledo L 51-10 at Toledo L 73-30 Mossyrock L 67-30 at Moss L 61-33 Adna L 59-14 at Adna L 82-34 at Napavine L 68-35 Napavine L 73-21 Overall, 0-20, missed playoffs

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Dec. 3 Dec. 8 Dec. 10 Dec. 12 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 29 Jan. 30 Feb. 3 Feb. 5

(all games at 7 p.m.) Pe Ell at Morton/White Pass Wahkiakum Onalaska at Toutle Lake Toledo at Mossyrock at Adna Napavine at Pe Ell Morton/White Pass at Wahkiakum at Onalaska Toutle Lake at Toledo Mossyrock Adna at Napavine

THE TREND League wins past four seasons 2014-15

 Win  Loss



2013-14   2012-13                  2011-12 

Coach Nick Bamer

New coach brings Cardinals’ losing skid to a hault With a new coach and a different outlook, there’s only one direction for Winlock to go after a tough 2014-’15 campaign. And that’s up. Former Adna assistant coach Nick Bamer is in as the Cardinals’ coach, and already, he’s brought his winning magic to Winlock. The Cardinals snapped a 38-game losing skid when they defeated Northwest Christian, 53-48, in their season-opener Dec. 1. Then, a week later, Winlock also ended its 34-game Central 2B League losing streak with a 58-45 triumph over Wahkiakum on Dec. 10. “We’re very inexperienced, but we expect to compete in every game,” Bamer said. The Cardinals return three players from last year’s starting lineup, including all-league center Dawson Hall. Sophomore Nicholas Patching and senior Jose Keim join the Cardinals’ starting backcourt, with seniors Jose Gonzalez and Nolan Patching providing quality backup. Junior forward Wyatt Dean leads the team in scoring with Hall close behind. A proven leader, Nolan Patching was presented with the Otis Roundtree Award for inspiration

Dawson Hall

and leadership from the Winlock Lions Club following the football season. The Roundtree award is one of the oldest continous high school football awards in the U.S. dating back to 1928.

A bevy of newcomers including Isaac Allen, Luke Nielson and Jayce Coleman will be counted on to contribute off the bench. — Rick McCorkle, The Daily News 49

NASELLE BOYS COMETS | COASTAL 1B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 73 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

PG G G F F

Donny Edwards 5-6 So. Hayden Gudmundsen 5-10 Sr. Travis Pine 6-0 Sr. Erik Lund 5-9 So. Ramzi Estes 6-1 Sr.

IN THE ROTATION

G DJ Wirkkala G/F Jacob Scrabeck G/F Cole Dorman POINTS SCORED POINTS ALLOWED 2014-’15 season

5-8 Jr. 5-8 Jr. 5-10 Fr. 36.5 55.5

HEAD COACH BRIAN MACY, 12TH SEASON Record at school: 121-100 State tournament trips: 0

TROPHY CASE 34 state tournament trips (last: 2003) 19 trophies, 0 state titles Best finish: second (1967, ‘78, ‘83, ‘84, ‘92)

‘14-15 1B SCHEDULE TRC L 58-29 Twin Val. L 59-44 at MMK W 45-41 Oak L 49-33 at Twin Va. W 41-40 MMK W 55-39 at TRC L 61-26 at Oak L 65-51 Overall: 4-16, eliminated at districts

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE (all games at 7 p.m. unless noted) Jan. 5 at North River Jan. 9 Mary M. Knight Jan. 12 at Taholah 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 Oakville Jan. 21 at Twin Valley Jan. 22 North River 5:45 p.m. Jan. 29 at Mary M. Knight 5:45 p.m. Jan. 30 Taholah 5:45 p.m. Feb. 2 at Oakville 5:45 p.m. Feb. 8 Twin Valley 5:45 p.m.

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons 2014-15

 Win  Loss

(independent) 2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

Donny Edwards

Tough nonleague slate could have Comets battle-tested

mundsen, who were prominent figures in the team’s advancement into the 1B state playoffs. That winning culture is what Macy hopes carries over. “They have the confidence,” he said. The Comets are young, though, If Naselle’s football season was featuring 11 underclassmen from a any indication for what’s to come team that went 4-16 overall a seaon the hardwood, the Comets son ago. But that doesn’t mean should fare well. Macy isn’t excited for what’s on the At least, that’s what Coach Brian horizon. Macy hopes for. Naselle isn’t big; Ramzi Estes, at The team’s roster features sev- 6-foot-1, is whom Macy called the eral players from the gridiron’s team’s “big guy” and Erik Lund, at 7-3 season, including Coastal 1B 5-9, is the starting power forward. League MVP Jacob Scrabeck, The two have been big factors league defensive MVP DJ Wirkkala roaming the interior. and quarterback Hayden Gud“Erik and Ramzi have been

beasts for us on the boards,” Macy said. So far, it’s been a mixed bag of results against what’s been a rugged non-conference schedule in preparation for the 1B competition. The Comets went toe-to-toe with 2B Willapa Valley on Dec. 11, escaping with a 63-60 win. The small-and-quick rotation means a more up-tempo game, and while the offense is still a work in progress, Macy feels it’s coming along. And the potential is there. “They have surprised me,” Macy said. — Meg Wochnick, The Daily News

‌THREE RIVERS CHRISTIAN BOYS EAGLES | COLUMBIA VALLEY 1B | WIAA ENROLLMENT: 68 PROJECTED STARTERS * ’14-’15 All-league; returning starters bold

G G W F F

Ryan Ransom Wyatt Richards Jaden Moore Joey Caddel Evan Brittel

5-8 5-4 5-9 5-11 6-4

8th 8th Fr. So. Sr.

IN THE ROTATION

F Gabril Moreno 6-0 Fr. F Hank Rieger 5-10 So. G Grayson Dombrowsky 5-4 Fr. POINTS SCORED 59.0 POINTS ALLOWED 39.2

HEAD COACH JIM MURPHY, SIXTH SEASON Record at school: 71-34 State tourament trips: 2 (3-2)

TROPHY CASE 2 state tournament trips (last: 2015) 1 trophy, 0 state titles Best finish: fourth (2014)

‘14-’15 LEAGUE SCHEDULE WSD W 69-18 at Col. Adv. W 69-37 FF W 71-20 at PJP W 69-18 at WSD W 91-43 Col. Adv. W N/A at FF W 70-25 PJP W 72-27 Overall: 18-4, eliminated in regionals

‘15-’16 LEAGUE SCHEDULE Jan. 7 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 25 Feb. 2 Feb. 4

(all games at 7 p.m.) vs. Wash. School for the Deaf at Columbia Adventist vs. Firm Foundation at Wash. School for the Deaf at Pope John Paul II vs. Columbia Adventist at Firm Foundation vs. Pope John Paul II

THE TREND League wins the past four seasons  Win  Loss 2014-15  2013-14  2012-13  2011-12 

With four 8th graders, it’s reset button time for Eagles Last year, Three Rivers Christian went 18-4 overall and came within one point of knocking off eventual state runner-up Neah Bay in a Class 1B regional contest. Time to hit the reset button, though, for the Eagles. All 11 players from last year’s team are gone. Most graduated; the rest moved on to other schools or other pursuits, coach Jim Murphy said. Time to get creative. Step 1: fill out the roster. Because Murphy didn’t have more than 10 players in grades 9-12 turn out, he has four eighth graders who will suit up, including two projected starters: point guard Ryan Ransom and shooting guard Wyatt Richards. The duo have considerable youth, summer, and middle-school experience, Murphy said. “They’re both very skilled as 8th graders,” the coach said. “These kids are both high-IQ as far as basketball goes.They should make the engine run pretty well. However, this is a big step for them to play varsity, even in our league, which is down as far as the competition goes.” For experience, TRC will look to Joey Caddel and Grayson Dombrowsky, both of whom played JV last year. For size and speed, the Eagles have Evan Brittel, a 6-foot-4 senior who’s new to basketball, and freshman Gabril Moreno, a 6-foot transfer from R.A. Long. “Brittell, he’s pretty quick, and he tracks the ball down pretty well,” Murphy said. “He should be able to really help us with our interior defense. “In the future if these kids stick together, they have some years to grow as a team, and they could have a lot of success down the road.” Now to Step 2: cohesion.

Joey Caddel

Because of its youth, TRC elected for a league-only schedule; the team’s first game is Jan. 7. To pass time more quickly before their first game, Murphy is planning to bring in older players to give his team an idea of what they’ll be up against on game nights. He’s also looking for matchups against JV squads and switching up drills and activities to keep the players engaged. “It’s gonna be a challenge,” he said. “Obviously they want to get out there and play. It will give them a different perspective, and it will help me coach. You can only coach so much until they see their mistakes in a game.” Step 3: find a way to get points.

The Eagles will avoid leaning on any one player too much, and they’ll be working on defenses that can create mistakes and prevent dependence on half-court play. “We’re gonna try to really play some up-pace kind of defenses, try some different traps, try to force the issue a little bit defensively, and see if we can get some easy buckets, get some layups in transition,” Murphy said. “I think it’s going to be a fun year, and they might surprise some teams. You never really know until they get out there in a game and see how they play together.” — Ross Hight, The Daily News 51

ALL-AREA BOYS

TDN BREAKS DOWN THE REGION’S BEST

ALL-AREA GIRLS

FIRST TEAM‌

G Brock Johnson, Castle Rock, Sr.

Last season’s numbers: 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists The skinny: The points will be plentiful this season for Johnson, a tireless sharpshooter with an increasingly diverse and dangerous offensive game. The senior is capable of carrying a team for large stretches, and he might have to — Johnson’s the last remaining member of a high-scoring triumvirate that led the Rockets to a sixth-place finish at state last season. He’s an all-around player, but the ability to fill it up makes him special.

Makenzie Kaech

FIRST TEAM‌

G Sam Woodley, Toutle Lake, Sr.

G Will Burghardt, Mark Morris, Jr.

Last season’s numbers: 9.5 points, 4.9 assists, 2.3 steals The skinny: A series of 20-point outings in the first half of December indicate that Burghardt will do just fine in his new role as the top offensive option for the Monarchs. With a knack for the acrobatic, the lefty can do it all offensively. He’s also a gnat-like defender and the unquestioned leader for an MM team with typically high expectations.

G Cooper Starkel, Clatskanie, Jr.

Last season’s numbers: 14.7 points, 1.8 steals The skinny: No player in the Lower Columbia is smoother than the Clatskanie guard, a gifted track and field high jumper who uses his aerial talents to glide to the basket with breathtaking ease. Starkel has the ability to change games with his defense, too, hounding ball handlers and using his length to interrupt passing lanes. Best yet, he and the Tigers both still have plenty of room to grow.

F Hunter Esary, Kalama, Sr.

Last season’s numbers: 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds The skinny: Esary brings a linebacker’s mentality to the low post, bulling his way to easy baskets and pursuing missed shots

Cooper Starkel

like they’re fumbles. His size (6 foot 3, 230 pounds) makes him downright immoveable to Trico 1A opponents once he gets his position. He’s also the heart and soul of a veteran Kalama team that returns a plethora of talented players.

F Zach Brown, Wahkiakum, So.

Last season’s numbers: 9.8 points, 7.4 rebounds The skinny: Twin talents for scoring points and collecting rebounds helped Brown put together the area’s finest freshman season last winter. A budding multi-sport star, the sophomore just might shine the brightest on the hardwood. The Mules are still painfully young and may still be a year away from contending in the Central 2B, but Brown presence is sure cause for optimism.

SECOND TEAM‌ G Blake Stemkoski, Kalama, Jr. G Jared Bowlby, Kelso, Sr. G Radley Risner, Toutle Lake, Sr. F Bryce Mulder, Woodland, Jr. F Hunter Jones, R.A. Long, Sr.

The numbers: 17.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 4.1 steals The skinny: Adept in every facet of the game and a truly top-flight shooter with an innate basketball sense, it’s fair to call Woodley a jack of all trades and master of some. She’ll play point guard, on the wing and in the post at various times for the Ducks — no matter where she goes, a double team will likely follow. The senior brings steady excellence with occasional bursts of brilliance.

G Jessica Flanagan, Woodland, Sr.

Last season’s numbers: 11.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 4.1 steals The skinny: The Beaver senior contributes in every way manageable, those that show up in the stat sheet and those that don’t. Her scoring average may increase this season as Woodland works to replace a number of other key options. Even if she didn’t make a single shot, though, her contributions on defense, as a distributor and as the team’s steady veteran presence would all be worth recognition.

F Makenzie Kaech, Ilwaco, So.

Last season’s numbers: 15.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 steals The skinny: Get used to some gaudy stat lines from the Ilwaco sophomore, one of four returning area forwards who averaged double-doubles last season. Kaech’s 5-foot-9 frame allows her to overpower some opponents, but it’s her skill in the post that stands

out, offering a wide array of ways to score and a knowledge of when to look for her own shot. With those steal totals, she’s also one of the Lower Columbia’s finest thieves.

F Kaelyn SWhipley, Kalama, Jr.

Last season’s numbers: 14.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.3 steals The skinny: Shipley was already a star as a freshman, and her game has continued to grow. Once mainly a post player, she’s now a do-it-all wing who can grab 13 rebounds one game, score 31 points the next and dish nine assists and block four shots in the third — as she did in this season’s first three contests. A 6-footer with easy 3-point range and an unmatched motor, she’s the reigning co-MVP of the Trico.

F Parker Esary, Kalama, Jr.

Last season’s numbers: 14.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals The skinny: Esary’s biggest strengths is, well, her strength. But there’s so much more, including impressive quickness and feathery touch around the rim. She also makes her free throws, a very important thing when you encounter as many pushes and shoves and slaps as the Kalama junior. Her unmatched presence in the post is the foundation for a Chinooks team with lofty goals.

SECOND TEAM‌ G Ellie Chapman, Naselle, Jr. G Britzy Hockett, Toutle Lake, Jr. G Peyton Souvenir, Wahkiakum, Jr. G/F Desirae Hansen, Rainier, So. F Makala Gardner, Toutle Lake, Sr.

‌P O W E R 8 R A N K I N G S BOYS 1. Morton/White Pass: The T-Wolves lose a ton from last year, but with 57 consecutive wins under their belt, it’s hard to put anyone else in the No. 1 spot. 2. Mark Morris: A veteran backcourt leads the way for Bill Bakamus’ bunch. As usual, MM should be atop the GSHL 2A. 3. Life Christian: There aren’t too many 6-foot-7 kids in Class 2B, and certainly none as talented as LCA junior Luke Lovelady. 4. King’s Way Christian: The Knights made it to state last year, and versatile forward Kienan Walter is back to lead the quest for a return journey. 5. Castle Rock: This season, it might be more like Castle

GIRLS Brock: Senior scoring machine Brock Johnson dropped 32 in an early-season win over La Center. 6. Toledo: No Grant McEwen? No Brent Wood? So far, no problem for the Indians, who had two huge wins in the season’s first week. 7. Clatskanie: High-flying guard Cooper Starkel and the Tigers look like the class of the Lewis & Clark 3A. 8. Adna: Overshadowed in recent years by MWP, the Pirates might have the talent this season to chase a Central 2B title. Local 1. Mark Morris 2. Castle Rock 3. Toledo 4. Clatskanie 5. Woodland 6. Kalama 7. Kelso 8. Toutle Lake

1. Toutle Lake: Sam Woodley and Makala Gardner are stellar at starting point. The Ducks happen to have five or six other options, too. 2. Prairie: Guard Cherita Daugherty may be the finest player in Southwest Washington, and she leads the GSHL 3A’s finest team. 3. Kalama: A difficult nonleague slate should prepare the Chinooks well. Few can match the size (or talent) of Parker Esary and Kaelyn Shipley. 4. La Center: Only fitting the Wildcats and ‘Nooks would be in close quarters after the teams tied for the Trico title last season. 5. Wahkiakum: Plenty of key pieces from last year’s team are gone. The Mules will be just fine. A return to Yakima would be no

surprise. 6. Ilwaco: The Fishermen have two 6-foot sophomores, plus sophomore double-double machine Makenzie Kaech. What’s in the water? 7. Washougal: With Mark Morris starting over, the GSHL 2A is wide open. The Panthers seem best positioned to fill the void. 8. Napavine: Tigers are the third team in what should be a dogfight in the Central 2B, with sophomore stud Mollie Olson leading the way. Local 1. Toutle Lake 2. Kalama 3. Wahkiakum 4. Ilwaco 5. Woodland 6. R.A. Long 7. Rainier 8. Naselle

Pressure

COVER STORY

FROM 29

Ilwaco’s ‘D’ makes for big pressure situations

With four key seniors from last year’s team moving on, Burghardt will carry a larger scoring load as a junior. But that’s familiar territory for a player who averaged 19.5 points during his freshman season at Clatskanie before transferring to MM. With their star guard leading the way, the Monarchs are off to another strong start. The goal? To return to Yakima and avenge last year’s quarterfinal loss. “The one thing I’m disappointed about last year was not getting those wins at the end. I wanted that state championship,” Burghardt said. “That’s our main goal so far. We shouldn’t make goals any smaller than that.” No pressure.

‌Ilwaco senior Hannah Ellsworth, one of the area’s finest on-ball defenders, is nothing if not honest. “I remember when I was younger and I played travel (ball), I was really bad. I was terrible,” she said. “But I could always play defense. I could keep people in front of me. I guess I kind of took that on because it’s what I could do.” In the intervening years, Ellsworth’s all-around game has made serious strides. But she’s still a stopper first. That makes her a perfect fit for Ilwaco: A team that puts its opponents under an unholy amount of pressure with their vast array of defensive schemes. Last season, the Fishermen went 23-4 and held opponents to 34.2 points per game. Six times, they

kept the opposition under 20. The coordinator of the chaos is Coach Ned Bittner. When a team plays Ilwaco, they might see man-toman defense, a 1-3-1 zone and two separate varieties of full-court pressure, all in the same quarter. “I just like being versatile. I think it makes your girls better basketball players, too,” Bittner said. “I like being able to throw things at teams and keep them uncomfortable and off-guard.” The Fishermen can score, too, but it’s their defense in which they take the most pride. It’s a program identity: When you face the Fish, they never want it to be easy. “It shuts (other teams) down, and they don’t really know what to do,” Ellsworth said. “It’s a good feeling to

know that we’re playing really good defense.” Ellsworth is at her best on the perimeter, where she’s joined by tenacious wing Emily McMillan and lanky point guard Eliza Bannister. Sixfooter Madeline Jacobson anchors the paint, and forward Makenzie Kaech does a little bit of everything — in her first two games of the season, Kaech swiped 15 total steals. With another wave of capable, willing defenders coming off the bench, Ilwaco has enough depth to keep its foot on the gas for the full 32 minutes. “It’s a group effort,” Kaech said. “It takes the whole team for it to be able to work.” — Kevin Dowd, The Daily News 53

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