Cv’S Need Is To The Point

Sat., Nov. 28, 1998

By Mike Vlahovich mikev@spokesman.com (509) 927-2180

Let’s get right to the point about Central Valley’s girls basketball team.

Point guard to be precise.

What happens at that position will determine if the Bears can repeat as Greater Spokane League champions.

“We don’t have Idaho’s point guard,” said coach Dale Poffenroth.

The point he was making is that graduated three-year CV starter Rikki Jackson is now starting for the Vandals.

So he must choose among senior returnees Courtney Phinney and Jenny Wilson, who played the position when Phinney went on summer vacation, or sophomore Rae Jewell as her replacement.

“We’ve got those three,” said Poffenroth. “It’s a matter of which one. Maybe it will be by committee.”

The scrappy Phinney wreaks havoc on defense. Wilson became one of team’s better scorers by season’s end.

Where does that mean 5-foot-9 soccer star Jewell plays?

“Anywhere she wants,” said Poffenroth with a laugh. “Point, post, wherever. Everywhere to get playing time.”

She is one of a few newcomers among the CV veterans.

Seven players return, including post Marisa Liepman, the team’s third-leading scorer, Tori Bragdon, Kelli Renslow, Peggy Coyle and Kendra Ferguson.

They’ll be joined by 6-foot sophomore Melissa Loss, juniors Lindsay Wing, Angie Wagner, Adrienne Nowaski and Marissa Hatcher.

Some will swing between varsity and junior varsity.

“The kids we put on the floor are pretty experienced,” said Poffenroth. “We’re not very tall, which will hurt in some cases.”

The Bears have compiled the best 22-year composite record in the Greater Spokane League. In the 1990s, CV has won four league championships and finished second twice.

“I think we’ll be OK,” said Poffenroth. “We’ll be in the final mix someplace.”

CV GIRLS 1998-99 basketball schedule Dec. 4: Walla Walla at CV, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5: CV at Kamiakin, 7:30 Dec. 11: CV at North Central, 8:30 Dec. 15: CV at Ferris, 8 Dec. 18: University at CV, 8:30 Jan. 2: LC at CV, 7:45 Jan. 5: CV at Mead, 6:15 Jan. 8: CV at Shadle Park, 8:30 Jan. 12: Mt. Spokane at CV, 6:15 Jan. 15: CV at University, 6:45 Jan. 19: CV at Rogers, 8 Jan. 22: North Central at CV, 6:45 Jan. 26: Ferris at CV, 6:15 Jan. 29: Mead at CV, 8:30 Feb. 2: CV at LC, 6:15 Feb. 4: Gonzaga Prep at CV, 6:15 Feb. 9: CV vs. Mt. Spokane at Arena, 8 Feb. 12: CV at Gonzaga Prep, 8:30 Feb. 16: Rogers at CV, 6:15 Feb. 18: Shadle Park at CV, 6:15

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