High school season chatter/predictions

[sjducky]

Hey folks...I think it's time to start some more talk about the high school season, now that kids are enrolled at schools and - in most cases - coaches have been hired.

So what teams will be tops in Washington this year? Obviously, Auburn Riverside is a TBD (losing half of '07-'08s varsity + coach), Lewis & Clark lost Kennedy (who else? do all return?), Moses Lake lost Ann Noyes (but Carly and pg Jordan Loera are back) ... that's just making a dent in 4A.

3A (Prairie is here now, but sans Miss Ashley) is probably Kennedy (returning all but one?), Hanford?, Meadowdale? who else...?

How about the smaller schools -- 2A, 1A, 2B, 1B... River Ridge? Colfax? Bueller?

[hoopwatcher1]

I think 4A is wide open to any of the teams you mentioned but I think there will be a surprise team in the mix (Bellarmine). Have you seen them this fall? They have some new pieces and they are EXPLOSIVE.

[dtrain34]

Grabbing the headlines again in Thurston Country's commercial hub will be 2A champ River Ridge. The Hawks will be small and quick and young. They lost five players from their state title team including the Big 3 -- Courtney Blume (U of Puget Sound), Keisha McDonald (Evergreen State) and Sophie Russell (Central Washington). Yet, they have two of Keisha's sisters, soph starter Jasmine and frosh Samira, Sophie's sister Kelsey, another returning soph starter, and post Jennifer Cole back. Guard Monteaka Norwood becomes eligible after transferring from Olympia last fall and they add guard Kyarhi Adams from Komachin Middle School's undefeated '08 squad. They will pose an interesting challenge for defending EvCo champ Black Hills, which lost some depth in the backcourt and, while big and strong, has proved susceptible to smaller, quicker teams in fall play.

Meanwhile, at the 3A schools in our thriving metropolis east of Olympia, North Thurston returns standout point guard Britanie Lining and forward Chrissy Wichman while Timberline has a whole new look with newcomers Anaya Cook (5-2 SR PG, transfer from Mannheim American HS and a current YEA player), Yahel Freeman (5-8 SO F, transfer from River Ridge), McKenzie Raben (5-8 SO F, injured during the 07-08 season) and Sasha Weber (5-10 FR PG/SG from Seattle Rotary Style and Komachin MS) lifting them to unexpected success in fall league play.

[sjducky]

I think 4A is wide open to any of the teams you mentioned but I think there will be a surprise team in the mix (Bellarmine). Have you seen them this fall? They have some new pieces and they are EXPLOSIVE.

hoopwatcher -- I was going to say Bellarmine, too, but I decided to just start with the most obvious ones. However, I've got to catch a couple Bellarmine games this season, since I think they'll be working their way toward the top of the state.

[Sportsfan2011]

What about Kentwood? They have been in the mix the last few years. How do they look for the season?

[mikew]

Kentwood will be in the mix but untill they get a stopper on defence i dont see them winning it all.

[MCPOjim]

Snohomish is at last 100% and will be #1 going in. Some schools will always be there, like Meadowdale. Meadowdale has a new Coach so that will be an adjustment. Point guard apparent is in the state soccer playoffs. When Fijortoff (sp) will return depends how far her soccer team goes in the playoffs.
Jackson is in a rebuild mode. However they has several Frosh/Soph that played a lot of Minutes. As a wild card, they have a girl that sat out last year and only played volleyball. She is 6' 4" and from watching her play volleyball, (varsity) she can move, leap and is 100% healthy from a foot injury her Freshman year. Now I need to get a name and bounce it off my Jackson source. The name Kingma will be around for a while at jackson. Brother Brett is a Soph this year that started as a Frosh. Twins (sister-brother) are in the 7th grade and are already doing things. The male twin's little league team went to the national tourney before being eliminated. The girl has been playing up on her AAU hoops team. Then another girl (the baby) is a few years back. More when I get some info.

[scoutnwhoops]

Snohomish is at last 100% and will be #1 going in. Some schools will always be there, like Meadowdale. Meadowdale has a new Coach so that will be an adjustment. Point guard apparent is in the state soccer playoffs. When Fijortoff (sp) will return depends how far her soccer team goes in the playoffs.
Jackson is in a rebuild mode. However they has several Frosh/Soph that played a lot of Minutes. As a wild card, they have a girl that sat out last year and only played volleyball. She is 6' 4" and from watching her play volleyball, (varsity) she can move, leap and is 100% healthy from a foot injury her Freshman year. Now I need to get a name and bounce it off my Jackson source. The name Kingma will be around for a while at jackson. Brother Brett is a Soph this year that started as a Frosh. Twins (sister-brother) are in the 7th grade and are already doing things. The male twin's little league team went to the national tourney before being eliminated. The girl has been playing up on her AAU hoops team. Then another girl (the baby) is a few years back. More when I get some info.

Snohomish was what I was thinking as well. The impact of the new high school I think will be interesting. Beside Margie Heard did anyone else from varsity move over? Ally Schmidt's health should help Snohoish and of course Benson who looked all-state caliber in the state tourney last year.

[sjducky]

I'm really interested to see how Auburn Riverside is going to do with the new coach this season ... and I'm kind of excited to see AR-Snoho face off in early December before I hit the road. Should be ... interesting. Wednesday, Dec. 3 at Snohomish.

[dtrain34]

A few posts back I mentioned my sleeper (or at least waking up from a six-year nap filled with bad dreams :) ) in 3A, Timberline.

Anyone else willing to offer up a school at any level that's not on the list of "usual suspects?"

I have seen Jackson, Kentwood, Auburn Riverside, Bellarmine, Holy Names, Black Hills, Auburn, among others, this fall and each has absolutely does have key contributers who will drive their team to continued success. (As an aside, why does Chanel Sam get so little mention as a key player at Jackson, she always seems pretty good when I see her play, but doesn't get too much of a write up on these boards?)

But surely, among all the schools from 1A through 4A there have to be a few teams ready to break through or establish that they will be a team to reckon with in the coming years. Such as.... ?

[bigbballfan]

Nisqually 1A/2A Conference
Seattle Christian without a doubt will be an excellent team this year. They return Soph. Lexi Petersen the three Collier sisters Fr. Katie, Sr. Meghan and Sr. Melissa

SPSL 3A Conference
Now that Riverside and Auburn have moved up to 4A, this will be a toss up between White River and Auburn Mt. View. White River has always been a soild team and has continued to improve over the years but Mt. View has added a few good freshmen to compliment Angel Pele.

SPSL 4A Conference
I agree that Kentwood and Riverside with be in the top two but lets not leave out Federal Way. They may be small the they have some great players that are always fun to watch.
________
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[MCPOjim]

She did from me. The coach last year would take Kingma off the tough guard and put Sam on her. Sam and a freshman whose name escapes me, rotated on the good outside people. Late in the season, Sam won a game on a steal and pass with time running out. We don't have long to wait.

[rockpassa]

Some teams that may make some noise that haven't had much talked about them lately are Edmonds Woodway who return quite a bit of solid players plus have a tranfer. Merriman and the Lakeside girls should be tough. I heard Ferndale who beat Meadowdale last year in their district championship return a solid core. Doesn't Bainbridge still have Gray and only lost a couple girls? But please don't forget about those from the other side of the state or south. Kelso and Kamiakin should represent well. Moses Lake will be solid as well. Just my thoughts. I do think Snohomish and Auburn Riverside will still be strong. I just don't think we should weigh fall hoops too much because girls are always missing because of their fall sports other than hoops.

[play247]

First game a doozy on Dec.3rd at Snohomish vs. Auburn Riverside. Tough 1st game for new AR coach. Slow it down vs go go go. Who will set the tempo ? Will SnoCo refs allow the Ravens to play like guys (compliment)? Never saw a HS girls team take charges like AR did this summer. This one will be fun !!

[4AHSHOOPS]

There's no way SNOCO refs will allow AR to play the way they have in the past. 'Steering' players with their hands will get called early and often IF the new coach has them playing the same way???

Plus, officials will be tight with the whistle as they usually are at the start of any season...

It will be a free throw contest. Whomever wins that--WINS!!!

Snohomish by 10.

[atthebuzzer]

AR Varsity team announced today:

Nicole Jackson PG 5'9
Mercedes Wetmore PG/SG 5'7
Kat Cooper G/F/P 6'
Kara Jenkins F/P 5'9
Amanda Thomson G/F 5'8
Taylor Wofford F/P 5'9
Jelisa Pretz G/F 5'7
Brooklyn Jinkens PG/F 5'6
McKenna (? Last Name) G 5'6
Gina Cardenis P 5'10

This team is stronger than last years. An addition of Cardenis at post will give Cooper a chance to do some damage from the wing. I had a chance to see her in San Diego when Jackson and Wetmore were out and she was a real terror. Size and speed. Hopefully we get a chance to see more this year and don't see her pinned on the post all the time. I will hate to see Jackson graduate this year, she has been a real joy to watch. Another deep bench and some excellent JV players that I'm sure we will see swing. All high school coaches should be so blessed to have such a large amount of awesome players to choose from. The 4A competition is outstanding this year. I think many games will be won by mental preparation and toughness.

I predict AR over Snoho by 15

I don't think free throws will be the big issue. Both teams shoot well from the free throw line. Most teams get 75% of their points from the free throw line against AR. They are use to it. The team that beats them will have to do it from the floor too. Of course, none of us can determine how the new head coach will effect the team performance.

[miracle55]

I know this is a westside dominated board, but in the CBBN 4A -- Pasco and Moses Lake will be in the hunt -- and in the 3A -- Hanford and West Valley-Yakima will be in a trophy game again this year.

[dtrain34]

Being a little south of the King/Pierce/SnoCo metroplex and a fan of a team that hasn't exactly been dominant the last decade, I welcome any new info beyond what is happening with the top Seattle-area 3A/4A schools. So keep the info coming, miracle55!

And don't get me wrong, Riverside, Kentwood, etc, fans, I like hearing about your teams, too, just really like getting some new perspectives from across the state!

[CoachD]

In the 2B's, with Colfax dropping down from 1A everyone is giving them lots of respect especially after winning the 2B volleyball title.
LaSalle with once again be tough and will look to defend their title.
Napaving will look to make another run at the state title game after getting a 45-28 shalacking from LaSalle in last years title game. Coach Schutz is a damned good coach who will have his team back in the hunt

Over in the 1B's, look for Colton to be a heavy favorite. Made the state title game last year, losing to Garfield-Palouse 44-36. Coach Vinning runs a type of run and gun offense that is fun to watch and really causes teams problems...especially at that level.

Also, keep an eye on Edmonds-Woodway. They got a transfer in Angela Woods from Shoreline Christian. She is only a sophomore but can shoot the lights out of the gym if left open. She will be a very nice edition to their program and could possibly turn some L's into W's. Not saying she'll turn em into a state team, but could make for some upsets in the Wesco South.
Her sister Colleen played at Roosevelt (winning a state title) before transfering to Shoreline Christian. Colleen is now playing at Northwest U.

[MCPOjim]

First game a doozy on Dec.3rd at Snohomish vs. Auburn Riverside. Tough 1st game for new AR coach. Slow it down vs go go go. Who will set the tempo ? Will SnoCo refs allow the Ravens to play like guys (compliment)? Never saw a HS girls team take charges like AR did this summer. This one will be fun !!WESCO Refs are generaly decent. With Jackson, Meadowdale, Monroe, Lake Stevens and Snohomish in recent years, the play has been real physical. I agree with you about slow it down vs go go go. Snohomish has lost a big in Heard, but no Seniors. The loss will appear and hurt in the lower class contributers. Snohomish has always had one or two Frosh play varsity. I have to wait and see who is at GP to see what Snohomish lost. GP has held its own so far in AAA and South Division of WESCO. 11 Days to go. Can't wait. Oh, friend and I went to Gonzaga vs UW girls game. I'll do that in another post.

[MCPOjim]

AR Varsity team announced today:

Nicole Jackson PG 5'9
Mercedes Wetmore PG/SG 5'7
Kat Cooper G/F/P 6'
Kara Jenkins F/P 5'9
Amanda Thomson G/F 5'8
Taylor Wofford F/P 5'9
Jelisa Pretz G/F 5'7
Brooklyn Jinkens PG/F 5'6
McKenna (? Last Name) G 5'6
Gina Cardenis P 5'10

This team is stronger than last years. An addition of Cardenis at post will give Cooper a chance to do some damage from the wing. I had a chance to see her in San Diego when Jackson and Wetmore were out and she was a real terror. Size and speed. Hopefully we get a chance to see more this year and don't see her pinned on the post all the time. I will hate to see Jackson graduate this year, she has been a real joy to watch. Another deep bench and some excellent JV players that I'm sure we will see swing. All high school coaches should be so blessed to have such a large amount of awesome players to choose from. The 4A competition is outstanding this year. I think many games will be won by mental preparation and toughness.

I predict AR over Snoho by 15

I don't think free throws will be the big issue. Both teams shoot well from the free throw line. Most teams get 75% of their points from the free throw line against AR. They are use to it. The team that beats them will have to do it from the floor too. Of course, none of us can determine how the new head coach will effect the team performance.Snohomish has some bigs that can play, plus Lampman will stop the belly shot from whichever guard she marks. I will predict that the new AR coach will be sick of Benson by the time the game is over. If Snohomish can get them in a Halfcourt offense, AR will have to play set play hoops. The GYM. Those of us that have been there know, those of you that are coming for the first time will see. Big loud crowd, and not on my court attitude the Panthers bring have sent many real good teams home with a "L". If you come and win, you will earn it.

[myhotstude]

O.k.......somebody give me a run down on Marysville-Pilchuck, Arlington and Stanwood Varsity girls this year....what are we looking at. Any height? I know Brit. the senior will be back at Marysville-P. as Post.....a true force-for sure....but what about the other team members in those three schools. Do any of them stand a chance of going anywhere? So looking forward to the coming season......should be a great one! Any thoughts to share?

[track33]

WESCO refs are generally pretty good and usually call a tight game. They definitely call hand-checking so if A-R does a lot of "directing" as mentioned in an earlier post then whomever wins it at the line will win the game.

Info for a post on another thread: Kristen Stoffel did make the Varsity team at Jackson as a Freshman.

Chanel Sam is a phenomenal athlete who has to learn to play a different role this year. The last two years she played with the same four core players that took Jackson to State three years in a row. She had a specific role that she did well. This season she must step up to be a team leader and team player. She has the athleticism to control the game but unless she learns to play with the new members and demonstrate team leadership Jackson will have trouble. I was actually disppointed in her play last year until I realized it was the role she was expected to play that limited her growth. Hopefully we will see a breakout year for her.

Jackson did not have any freshman on their Varsity last year. In fact the only players on the current Varsity team with any significant playing time are Chanel Sam and Erin Feeney. Three other players saw spot time only last year. The other five Varsity players making up this seasons team played JV last year (except the Freshman player mentioned earlier). However this seasons Varsity team saw a fair amount of playing time in fall leagues and tournaments.

The 6'4" Volleyball player is just that, a volleyball player. She hasn't played basketball since going to Jackson, either at the school or on a club team.

A 10-10 season is what I would expect this year. Hopefully I am wrong and they will win some close games. Their team speed is down as well as their "toughness" from last year. However, if their less experienced players can build on this fall's play they may prove to be tougher in the WESCO South than I expect.

Snohomish did not lose a lot to Galcier Peak other than Marjorie Heard. However, GP has a nucleus of young talent that will make them a strong program in the coming years. They still should be tough this year though.

Edmonds Woodway may be the team to beat in the South. Meadowdale is always strong but may struggle early.

[hemmeld]

Take a look at rhe Roosevelt Roughriders. Beat Newport at Newport 62-57 on Monday!

[hemmeld]

Take a look at rhe Roosevelt Roughriders. Beat Newport at Newport 62-57 on Monday!