Frontier Girls In Even Race

Girls basketball

Frontier League girls basketball was so balanced last year that West Valley, which didn’t make the playoffs, struck fear in opposing coaches’ hearts.

The Eagles placed sixth in the seven-team league, but lost five games by two or fewer baskets. Two of those narrow losses were to league champion Cheney.

“We just couldn’t get over the hump,” said coach Mark Kuipers.

Fourth-place East Valley came within a win of qualifying for state by forcing a second game in the district finals with Cheney.

This year the Eagles bring back virtually their entire lineup. The Knights of second-year coach Darsi Frazier will attempt to build upon what she created last year.

“Last year they were so hungry to win, I did my job in the beginning and they took it from there,” Frazier said.

This year’s Knight lineup will be relatively new.

But expect both Valley schools to be part of another even league race.

Coach and junior class reunited

Graduated seniors leave big shoes to fill, but this year’s junior class played for Frazier as freshmen before she became EV’s head coach.

Those players have joined returnee’s from Frazier’s first varsity team.

“They know me, the system and what to expect,” Frazier said.

Expect the Knights to struggle early, she added.

“We’ll have a lot of fun the first half of the season,” said Frazier. “I think we’ll develop and surprise people.”

Returning starter Crystal Cook injured her knee in practice recently and will miss at least two weeks.

Seniors Kellie Olson, Breanna Combs, Rachel Mackey and Mary Hobbs are other varsity veterans. Lescia Meyers, another senior, was on the roster but missed last season with injury.

Juniors rejoining Frazier after last year’s 17-3 B-squad season are Tricia Stookey, Tessa Neal, April Tomlin and Jessica Conrad.

Two sophomores, up from a 19-1 freshman season, will provide help. Rebecca Triplett and Malea Schumacher, said Frazier, will help the team.

“Last year’s seniors were a tight group,” she said. “This year players are filling roles they’re not used to. It will take a good half season before we click.”

This could be WV’s year

With eight players returned from last year’s team, the Eagles are poised for a playoff run.

“Having a year under their belts has made a big difference,” said Kuipers. “They had a good summer. It was a maturing process.”

Veterans include fourth-year guard Dawn Salfer and third-year veterans Stacey Roberts, Kiesha Sowers and Cindy Simpson.

Also back from last year are seniors Angie Kallas, Jill Nihoul, Sherry Shollenberger, juniors Gabby McClintock and Chantelle Frost.

Newcomers are juniors Abby Monasmith, Heather Sweet, Sarah Allen, Alisha Pedey and Danna Vermeers.

“We can start seven or eight different players and not lose anything,” said Kuipers.

His only concern is that the team plays four road games in a seven-day period, including Tuesday in Kellogg and Thursday in Pasco.

WV has changed its offense to include more structure. The girls can shoot, said Kuipers, with the area’s best teams.

“I’m convinced they’ve found ways to win games now,” he said.

, DataTimes