Central Valley, U-Hi Both Count On Youth To Lead Teams

Youth will be served when Central Valley and University’s girls basketball teams play this week.

Yet coaches of both teams figure they can be playoff contenders.

The Bears will replace much of the lineup from their state runner-up finish with juniors.

“I really think we’ll have more depth,” said coach Dale Poffenroth.

The Titans finished seventh in league last year with a team that featured four sophomores and four juniors. There will be more sophomores in this year’s lineup.

“We have everybody back except two players,” said coach Bob Finn, “and probably had the best summer we’ve ever had.”

Because the Greater Spokane League season has been expanded to 18 games, schools have only two pre-season contests.

CV’s ongoing football season continues to have ramifications, even on the girls basketball team.

The Bears will play Friday night’s home game against Kamiakin as scheduled but will move Saturday’s scheduled contest in Walla Walla to Tuesday.

The Titans are at Post Falls tonight and at Pasco on Saturday.

GSL counters begin Dec. 12.

Rikki Jackson key to CV fortunes

Juniors may play important roles at CV, but third-year starter Rikki Jackson is the key to success.

“In my mind she’s the best player in league,” said Poffenroth. “Certainly the ball will be in her hands.”

Joining the University of Idaho-bound point guard will be returning starter Jenny Coyle, who figures to provide the offense that departed with three graduated seniors. She’s also one of the team’s tallest players at 5-foot-9.

“If you thought we were short last year,” said Poffenroth, “we’re shorter this year.”

Last season was the second-best in Poffenroth’s 10-year coaching career. The Bears have qualified for eight regional tournaments and placed in fourth or higher at state five times.

Poffenroth thinks this year’s team could get there again.

“Regionals is always a realistic goal every year so I see no reason not to,” he said. “If you get to regionals, state depends upon how well you’re playing at the time.”

Returnees include seniors Lindsey Shoquist and Shea Donaldson, who will be out until January rehabilitating a knee injury. Juniors are Courtney Phinney, Michele Grafos, Tori Bragdon and Marisa Liepman.

Newcomers are juniors Kelli Renslow and Peggy Coyle, transfer Jenny Wilson and sophomore Kendra Ferguson.

“Right now it’s who plays best on a given night to assist Rikki,” said Poffenroth. “It has varied from practice to practice.”

Titans should be improved

A year after being 3-13, University will attempt a return among the league’s top six teams.

“I’d like a couple more teams under our belts before league, even though we have a lot of people returning,” said Finn. “We’ll have sophomores in key positions.”

Four seniors, last year’s leading scorer Crystal Conant, 6-footer Katy Oglesbee, Jolene Whitney and Jaimie Frost will provide leadership and depth inside.

Juniors Julie Schroeder, who played inside last year, and Sara Nelson are at the wings, and Rheanna Arnold is a post.

New sophomores include 6-foot post Teresa Valkenaar, point guard Vanessa Shelton and multi-purpose player Megan Owen, who will find their way into the lineup.

“Everyone will get a shot,” said Finn, “then we’ll settle in depending upon chemistry.”

Bullpups put size on court

Gonzaga Prep lost three vital cogs from last year’s state qualifying team because of graduation.

It doesn’t mean, however, the young Bullpups can’t contend again.

They could conceivably start a lineup of players standing 5-foot-11 and taller.

“That’s something considering five years ago we were playing 5-7 posts that we listed as 5-10,” said coach Mike Arte.

They are, however, inexperienced. Besides 6-foot wing Paulette Jordan, there’s nary a returning starter.

“We’re going to be very perimeter oriented,” said Arte, “and she’ll carry the offensive load.”

Prep will start 6-foot sophomore Julianne Laney at point and 6-1 sophomore Stephanie Housam inside.

Varsity veteran Christy Bloom or sophomore and St. John Vianney Parochial School product Whitney Gibbon will play a wing. Another varsity returnee, 5-11 Meghann Green, will start inside.

Back from last year’s team are senior post player Mary Machtolf and point guard Kristi Boren. Senior Shawna Millersmith, a 6-1 player, played as a sophomore but sat out last year.

Junior newcomer Amy Lindstrom, a transfer from Australia, has the skills to work her way into the lineup. She’s 5-11.

Newcomers are sophomore Carly Barnes and senior Sophia Housam, Stephanie’s sister.

, DataTimes