Scotties Basketball In Rebuilding Phase

Last year Freeman came within an eyelash of the State A boys basketball tournament, reaching the district finals before losing to the two qualifiers.

Gone from that group are a quartet of seniors who keyed the Scotties’ success.

“They had been together a long time and worked well together,” said coach Mike Thacker.

This year, with only one returning starter and a few new faces, Thacker says he is looking at a lot of new variables.

“The biggest thing is trying to mold all the different personalities into a team,” he said. “It might take a while this year.”

The mix includes half a dozen varsity veterans, including seniors Andy Schmidt, Aaron Hill, juniors Josh Sheffield,, and Matt Miller, who saw considerable playing time.

Also back are senior Nate Odle and junior Josh White.

Joining them are Colorado transfers, brothers Todd and Steve Simmons, a senior and junior respectively who give the team some size, and Ferris transfer Adam Jones.

“They are a nice move in, but another variable,” said Thacker. “They are trying to find their way right now.”

Completing Freeman’s look are are sophomores D.J. Goldsmith and Jared Freeman, up from jayvee.

Thacker said that Lakeside, Medical Lake and Colfax will be favored in the Northeast A League.

“I think we have adequate talent to do all right,” he said. “You’ve got to be at the door waiting if they (the favorites) stumble and fall.”

Freeman girls seek improvement

Last year Freeman’s girls placed high enough to make the district playoffs.

Coach John Hays isn’t so much worried about a repeat appearance as gaining a measure of respect.

“For me the key is to be competitive in every game,” he said. “My goal is to have a chance to win, rather than be 25 points down at half.”

Four seniors from last year’s sixth-place league finisher lead the way. Third-year starter Angela McCathern is a double-figures scoring point guard.

Second-year starter Jennifer Wilkerson was the league’s sixth leading scorer at 14.3 points and averaged 11 rebounds per game.

“She should have been all-league last year and was not even second team,” said Hays.

Other veterans are post player Jamie Watkins and guard Brook Watson.

“They’ve had several rough seasons and are still out,” said Hays. “It’s a tribute to them.”

A fifth senior, Christina Graham, junior Jordan Moberg, sophomores Sara Pratt and Marissa Dahmen are new to varsity.

Juniors Kaci Reed, Alison Blank and Hillary Adams complete the roster.

, DataTimes