The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
53°F
Current Conditions
Clear sky
View complete weather report

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

GSL Preview Basketball

The Lewis and Clark girls have won the past three State 4A titles and had a third-place trophy the year before that streak started. Five players who earned Division I scholarships helped collect that hardware, as did two seniors on this year’s team that tries to keep the streak alive, Jeneva Anderson (Washington) and Sarah Kliewer (Portland). After the Tigers it should be a free-for-all, with Central Valley, Mead and Shadle Park, the 3A team to beat, leading the way.

Who are the players?

In addition to Anderson (first-team All-GSL) and Kliewer (second team), the top returning players are junior Jazmine Redmon of Mead, a first-team pick, and Shadle Park senior Bianca Pope and Gonzaga Prep sophomore Tia Presley, second-team picks. Two all-league second-team potential returnees aren’t. GSL scoring champion Kelsi Jacobson, who transferred from East Valley to University, blew out a knee in the summer, and Kristina Puthoff of Mead moved out of state.

Keep an eye on….

Freshmen. Devyen Gallion could end up as LC’s point guard. Central Valley could have three making an impact: point guard Katie Estey, forward Brooke Gallaway and wing Whitney Black. Shadle Park (Aliesha Hathaway), G-Prep (Lindsay Stockton), U-Hi (Lexi Clark) and Mt. Spokane (April Smith) are probably going to need contributions from freshmen to achieve their goals.

Season outlook

“We’re good, we’re just not LC good,” Prep coach Mike Arte said of his talented but young team. Youth is a factor across the board. “We are lacking in experience,” U-Hi coach Mark Stinson said. “When you play in the GSL, it’s such a tough league, it’s hard to learn on the fly.” However, after the Tigers, who have won 33 straight games, every team believes it can have success, and among the 4A teams only two move on to regional. “This should be an interesting season, especially with the balance within the league,” CV’s Freddie Rehkow said. “It should be interesting to check the scores after each and every contest this season. There will be some upsets across the board this season.” Another interesting race could be in the 3As, where four of five get to play at regionals. Shadle should make it hands down; after that it all depends on whose young players make the greatest strides.