Northeast A preview

Northeast A

Around the league

Lakeside and Freeman finished as co-champs last year and they’re expected to wage another entertaining battle this season. Lakeside returns two starters, the Cook-Cox sisters – senior Ashley and junior Jocelyn. Ashley is a three-year starter and Jocelyn a two-year starter. In soccer, Ashley was the league’s offensive MVP and Jocelyn was the league’s defensive MVP. Seventh-year coach Jeff Pietz said defense, athleticism and depth are his team’s strengths along with a grasp of the fundamentals. He’s most concerned with a lack of height. … Former Valley Christian coach Chad Kimberley takes over at Freeman. The Scotties bring back seniors Katie Vold and Sierra McGarity. … Newport coach Mike Frederick welcomes back two starters, seniors Holly Masbury and Jolie Frederick. A key returner, Ari Newcomb, transferred to Mt. Spokane. … Medical Lake returns one starter in senior Darby Evans. “This team is hard-working and very coachable,” ML coach Casey Schwarzer said. “They bring intensity to practice every day.

All-league returners

The Cook-Cox sisters are the lone returners.