Kraayeveld Just Can’T Be Stopped
It wasn’t when 6-foot-3 Cathrine Kraayeveld broke Bethel’s press or when she one-handed a bad entry pass and spun to the hoop for an easy basket when she convinced us she should be the state’s player of the year.
It wasn’t even when she beat the press, dribbling from halfcourt for a slashing layup she turned into a three-point play.
It came when Lake Washington’s Oregon-bound star cooly hauled in a long press-breaking pass in full stride and pulled up for a 3-pointer. Swish.
And that was on Wednesday.
The Kangaroos return all five starters from the team that lost last year’s title game to Prairie, including 6-1 wing Jennie Rondel who has signed with Santa Clara. They were considered among the favorites coming in, but even with a 53-44 win over Bethel it was obvious the Kangeroos have absolutely no bench. Kraayeveld’s 23 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks saved the day.
But Thursday night against top-ranked Kennewick, Kraayeveld couldn’t do it alone in a game won by Kennewick 53-46.
Kraayeveld was often used to bring the ball up court against the Lions’ man-to-man defense. She rallied the Kangs from an early 10-point deficit to within 26-22 at halftime. She had 12 points and finished with 26. Kraayeveld made 10 of 17 shots, her teammates made 9 of 26. Without much help for Kraayeveld, Lake Washington was outrebounded 37-26.
Lions are on a mission
Kennewick made its first trip to the girls state tournament two years ago and the young Lions went 1-2, losing to teams that placed in the top four. They expected to return last year but lost to Mead in the regional semifinal and then were upended by Big Nine champion Kamiakin when the Braves were sent to the losers bracket because of a forfeit.
“It was a real disappointment,” said coach Debbie Roueche, Kennewick Class of ‘90. “The girls have been really hungry right from the start.”
Lake Washington was only the fourth team in 27 games to finish less than double figures behind Kennewick.
Last weekend’s 31-point thumping of Central Valley in the regional set up the Lions for a shot to be the 4A’s first unbeaten champion since CV went 29-0 in ‘93.
Dogs get a bone
As if top-ranked Garfield needed an omen in its quest to win the school’s 12th state championship, the Bulldogs got it.
Garfield whipped Evergreen by 30 in its opener. In three other trips to state since winning the state title in 1995, the Plainsmen have lost to the eventual state champion each time. A Garfield title would make it four. The big three for Garfield are 6-4 Roy Smiley (15 points, 7 rebounds), 6-5 Ed Roy (14 ppg, 6 rpg) and 6-4 Tre Simmons (13 ppg, 8 rpg). All three want to play in college, pending SAT scores. Smiley said he plans to sign with USC; Simmons said he is considering Gonzaga, Weber State, Washington State and USC; Roy is debating between football and basketball.
College showdown
Gonzaga Prep’s 6-foot point guard Greg Johnson is convinced he can play in college but his size has kept recruiters from knocking down his door. He hopes to change that today. The Bullpups defeated Puyallup 65-46 in a loser-out game and face Wilson today. The Rams are led by 6-2 Curtis Allen, who signed early with Washington and then went out and averaged 25 points a game. “I’ve heard a lot about him and I’ve seen him play a little bit,” Johnson said. “He’s a big-time Division I player. That’s what I want. I’m sure he’ll (have some moves), but I can’t wait.”