Bullpups Rebuilding With Quality Materials

Thu., Nov. 30, 2000

By Dave Trimmer davetrimmer@yahoo.com

GONZAGA PREP

Both Gonzaga Prep basketball teams are facing rebuilding with quality building blocks.

But while the boys have to build the traditional way, from within the program, the girls got a boost from transfers.

Both should be in the battle for playoff spots, but the length of their season will be determined by how well the new players develop.

Bolstered by newcomers

Julianna Laney is enough to keep Gonzaga Prep competitive.

The 6-foot guard, who has already signed with Gonzaga University, will be the all-time leading scorer in the GSL, barring injury.

She is joined by third-year starter Katie Gillum, a junior post.

Lauren Umbdenstock, Molly Budinsky, Erica Heitman and Stephanie Stone also have varsity experience.

The wildcard is how a pair of newcomers fare.

Alisa Lewis averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds for Fairfield High School in the San Francisco Bay Area and has already signed with the University of California.

Point guard is a concern and one of the candidates is 5-foot-9 sophomore Jill Adams, a transfer from Denver.

“Our size and athleticism will be a key in most games and we need to learn to use that to our advantage,” coach Mike Arte said. “Our most obvious weakness is ball handling at all positions. If we come together as a team, we should be able to have a good season.”

The reward for winning?

For the Gonzaga Prep boys, the reward for winning a league championship and earning a berth in the state tournament is rebuilding. The Bullpups return just two veterans, Andy Bloom and Ryan Simpson. Both are quality players, but they’ll be leading a young team.

“We will try to improve each game and make the playoffs,” coach Mike Haugen said. “At that point, anything is possible.”

The key is how quickly the inexperienced front line adjusts to the varsity level.

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