Heidi Simmons Nw Christian Year: Junior Sport: Basketball Event: Wing\Point

Mention Northwest Christian basketball and the first image that comes to mind is likely of the Crusader boys lofting the State B trophy in 1989 and last March.

“At our school, the boys are mainly glorified, but people are starting to give us some credit,” said Heidi Simmons, of the Crusaders girls team.

Simmons scored 20 points last Saturday as NWC beat previously unbeaten Inchelium 49-38.

The Crusaders (5-0 in the Panorama League) are anxious and excited about Friday’s game against defending State B champion St. George’s (also 5-0).

“We’ll find out if we’re ready to handle that pressure,” said NWC coach Bill Smithpeters, in his first year with the Crusaders after several with Eastern Washington University.

Simmons missed two games after tearing cartilage in her sternum when she ran into a Selkirk player.

“They weren’t sure if I broke my collarbone or not,” Simmons said. “It was a real strange injury.”

Simmons also missed the volleyball season after reconstructive ankle surgery.

Smithpeters tried to convert Simmons to a full-time point guard, but turnovers were a slight problem.

“I’m not what you call a dribblemania person,” Simmons said.