Greater Spokane League girls basketball
GSL at a glance
In predicted order of finish:
Lewis and Clark Tigers
2003-04 records: 19-1, first in National, 24-4, State 4A qualifier.
Coach: Jim Redmon
Years coaching, record: 9th, 114-81
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 8
Key players: Briann January, 5-8, sr., pg, first-team All-GSL; Heather Bowman, 6-2, jr., p, first-team All-GSL; Bryce Bohlen, 5-11, sr., p;. Hanna Rothstrom, 6-0, jr., p; Morgan Parker, 5-8, jr., g; Ren Mallory, 5-5, jr., g.
Outlook: With Arizona State-bound January and Bowman back, the Tigers have enough to repeat as league champs. Both are improved, January “shockingly so,” said Redmon. Although three major contributors graduated, returning junior veterans and a couple of newcomers should offset the losses and provide welcome depth.
Coach’s comments: “I think we feel we’re there. We’re very deep. We will have to live off speed and quickness and try to get teams into an up-tempo game. But we have three posts we can rotate and keep us strong inside.”
University Titans
2003-04 records: 17-2, GSL 2nd in National Division; 23-6 overall, state 4A qualifier
Coach: Mark Stinson
Years coaching, record: 11th, 7th at U-Hi, 141-65
Starters, lettermen returning: 4, 7
Key players: Jami Bjorklund, 5-11, sr. w, first-team All-GSL; Emily Kuipers, 6-0, sr., w; Angie Bjorklund, 6-0, soph., g., second-team All-GSL; Tonya Schnibbe, 5-5, soph., g.
Outlook: The Titans are laden with college material. Jami Bjorklund, one of the league’s most prolific career scorers, is headed to Gonzaga University. Kuipers has signed with Regis University in Colorado. Angie Bjorklund is healthier than last year and already the object of college affection. This year’s team is the deepest and most experienced in Stinson’s tenure.
Coach’s comments: “The biggest thing is we’re a year older, a year stronger and a year wiser. I think our girls have great chemistry. It was just an invaluable experience playing in state last year. It speaks volumes in how hard they worked this summer. We really want to get back and get to the last day.”
Central Valley Bears
2003-04 records: 18-1 GSL, first in American Division; 25-4 overall, seventh in state.
Coach: Judy Walter
Years coaching, record: 9th as a head coach, 1st at CV
Starters, lettermen returning: 4, 9
Key players: Heidi Heintz, 5-10, jr., g/f; Salena Leavitt, 5-6, jr., g; Sarah Gehring, 5-9, jr., g/f .
Outlook: The graduation of league MVP Reagan Pariseau will be felt, but most everyone else is back from the league’s highest-placing state finisher. Walter is filling big shoes by replacing Dale Poffenroth, a state placing perennial. She’s adding things on offense and will go deeper into her bench, for good reason, what with the returning experience.
Coach’s comments: “We’re going through a few growing pains just because I’m changing a few things up and it’s a different person to deal with. It’s going to be fun. These kids really work had and quite a few are basketball nuts. We’ll go hard and see what happens.”
Mt. Spokane Wildcats
2003-04 records: 9-10, 5th in National; 9-10
Coach: Jeanne Helfer
Years coaching, record: 22nd, 8th at Mt. Spokane, 303-193
Starters, lettermen returning: 4, 9
Key players: Emily Wittkopf, 5-11, sr. f; Leah Pomante, 5-3, jr., g; Katelan Redmon, 6-0, so., g; Charlee Jackson, 5-10, jr., f; Janie Rasmussen, 5-11, jr., g; Sam Patrick, 5-10, so., f.
Outlook: Could this be the year that Helfer’s team turns the corner? With most of its lineup returned, including leading scorers Pomante and Wittkopf, and a healthy Redmon, who missed the last half of the season, it can be so. The team is tall, experienced and last year was close, so expect a berth in the playoffs.
Coach’s comments: “It’s where we expect to be. Leah is the hardest worker, male or female, I’ve ever been associated with. Losing Katelan hurt us. I’m seeing a lot of difference in work ethic, commitment and ability. They are wonderful team people and great humans.”
Mead Panthers
2003-04 records: 10-9, 3rd (tie) National; 11-10
Coach: Regan Freuen
Years coaching, record: 2nd, 11-10
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 6
Key players: Kelli Valentine, 6-0, so., f/c, honorable mention, All-GSL; Chelsea Mykines, 5-6, jr., g; Megan Thigpen, 5-9, jr., f/g; Katie Willemsen, 6-0, sr., p.
Outlook: The Panthers went 1-1 in district last year and return a nucleus that includes size and experience. Valentine’s a load inside, Thigpen is athletic and Mykines is one of two outside shooting guards. Just like last year, they’ll be among the seven 4A teams vying for six district playoff berths in the rugged GSL.
Coach’s comments: “This team is talented and young, which is exciting. I know the kids a lot better and was able to spend the summer with them. We’re deeper than last year’s team.”
Ferris Saxons
2003-04 records: 10-9, 3rd (tie) National; 12-13, regional qualifier
Coach: Art Rojas
Years coaching, record: 13th, 9th at Ferris, 166-122
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 6
Key players: Stacey Cox, 5-10 sr., g, second-team All-GSL; Cheri Shigeno, 5-3, jr., g; Lexi Lallas, 6-0, jr., p; Sara Chambers, 6-1, sr., p; Jenna Galloway, 5-11, so., g/f.
Outlook: This, said Rojas, is a better team that last season’s regional qualifier. In Cox, it returns one of the league’s leading scorers and a college prospect. It has size, versatility and the added ingredient, experience, so has a chance to repeat last year if not extend beyond. There are only three seniors on the team.
Coach’s comments: “This is a more typical Ferris team. I like a controlled fast break, I like an inside-outside game and we can put more of our defensive philosophy in play. And now the kids are seasoned by a year of varsity ball. ”
Gonzaga Prep Bullpups
2003-04 records: 13-6, 2nd (tie) American.; 14-8
Coach: Mike Arte
Years coaching, record: 17th, 192-164
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 9
Key players: Corrina O’Brien, 5-2, soph., pg, second-team All-GSL; Shannon Murray, 5-9, jr., w; Sarah Jennings, 5-6, jr., w; Alex Butler, 5-9, jr., w.
Outlook: Murray was averaging 16.5 points per game when a knee injury ended her season in the second game. She’s back along with O’Brien on what Arte calls the best outside-shooting team he’s coached. Coupled with overall quickness the Bullpups will be in the hunt if rebounding is not a shortcoming for a team with no size.
Coach’s comments: “This team has the ability to play full-throttle, transition basketball. Our ability to pressure full court will allow us to play at a tempo that matches our personnel strengths. It’s great to have Shannon Murray back. She provides us one more scorer on the court.”
Clarkston Bantams
2003-04 records: 13-6, 2nd (tie) American; 19-8, 6th, 3A state.
Coach: Len Kelly
Years coaching: 17th
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 8
Key players: Kathryn DeVleming, 5-8, g; Misty Atkinson, 5-10, so., w/p, honorable mention All-GSL, all-regional; Patsy Dodgen-Auer, 5-6, jr., g, all-regional; Alicia Jelinek, 5-6, jr., g.
Outlook: Three of the Bantams’ four leading scorers are back from last year’s State 3A trophy winner, including Atkinson, who had five games of more than 20 points, Jelinek and DeVleming. Dodgen-Auer came up during the team’s eighth game and Kayla McCann was another contributor. If Clarkston can overcome the absence of Abby Johnson, now at EWU, in the post, it will be tough again.
Coach’s comments: “We are excited and hoping to expand on last year’s success. We are in a very competitive league, but I like the position we are in.”
East Valley Knights
2003-04 records: 9-10, 4th American; 10-11
Coach: Freddie Rehkow
Years coaching, record: 3rd, 15-27.
Starters, lettermen returning: 4, 7
Key players: Katie Storey, 5-6, sr., g, honorable mention All-GSL; Lindsey Jacobs, 5-9, jr., f; Kelsey Hentges, 5-7, jr., g; Lauren Conard, 5-9, sr., p; Eleaya Schuerch, 5-6, so., g; Kylee Williamson, 5-8, so., f; Elise Olk, 5-6, sr., g.
Outlook: The Knights made a quantum leap last year in reaching the 4A district playoffs. With a roster’s worth of veteran players, the addition of transfers (6-foot-2 post Alison Smith from Post Falls and point guard Katlyn Laughlin from Cheney) freeing up Storey to become more of a shooter, and a move into 3A, expect EV to have an even better year.
Coach’s comments: “I think we’re stronger. Whether we win as many, I don’t know. We want to feed off the success of the soccer, football and cross country teams. Speed is an asset for us. If we’re firing on all cylinders we’ll be in good shape.”
Shadle Park Highlanders
2003-04 records: 9-10 4th; 9-11
Coach: Chad Dezellem
Years coaching, record: 6th, 50-63
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 4
Key players: Lacie Smith, 5-6, sr., g; Lexi Bishop, 5-7, so. g; Katija Margitich, 5-6, jr., g; Ali Fenter, 5-5, fr., g; Lexi Petterson, 6-0, fr., p.
Outlook: The Highlanders are beginning anew, with only one starter, Bishop, returned. It is a team that will rely heavily on freshmen and sophomores among eight newcomers, so it may take a while to gel.
Coach’s comments: “We’ll probably end up starting two freshmen and a sophomore, but they’re pretty good players. We’re still feeling our way through and there’s lots of room for improvement, but I’m excited about their desire and ability to pick things up.”
Cheney Blackhawks
2003-04 records: 6-13, 6th; 9-16, 3A regional qualifier.
Coach: Regan Delaney
Years coaching, record: 1st
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 8
Key players: Megan Cogley, 6-1, jr. p; Rebecca DeCoria, 5-1, sr, g; Cailynee Oyolokor, 5-9, jr. p; Tara Ahlf, 5-9, sr., p.
Outlook: New coach Delaney brings a college background with her to a program that returns eight players from last year. Cogley and DeCoria are the most experienced and will be asked to provide offense, at least early. Delaney’s goal is to establish a long-term foundation, but the competitor in her is not ruling out immediate success.
Coach’s comments: “I think, realistically, if a team believes it can get there, it can. We want to have a good season and I want to win, but first we have to establish the building blocks. The offense we’re running and things we’re doing are good for a post who’s athletic. We’re looking to Megan to have a great year.”
North Central Indians
2003-04 records: 3-16 6th American; 4-16
Coach: Dave Hall
Years coaching, record: 14th, 72-221
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 7
Key players: Shantel Haugen, 5-9, sr., g; Ashlee Michelson, 5-8, jr., p; Lindsay Giampietri, 5-3, jr., g; Alaina Smith, 5-5, sr., g; Alie Hansen, 5-8, jr., w.
Outlook: With a healthy Haugen and the return of leading scorers Michelson and Hansen, coupled with the drop into 3A, the Indians are hopeful. Newcomers to watch are posts Colleen Cadagan and Zanie McMillan.
Coach’s comments: “Our youthful experience has grown up. We want to be in the top three within the 3A ranks.”
West Valley Eagles
2003-04 records: 1-18, 7th; 2-19.
Coach: Jamie Pancho
Years coaching, record: 7th, 1st at West Valley 119-54
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 8
Key players: Krystal McCarthy, 5-5, so., g; Jackie Rouse, 5-6, sr., g; Megan Price, 5-7, sr., w; Sara Schmoe, 5-6, sr., g; Megan Stantus, 5-10, sr., p.
Outlook: When McCarthy came up seven games into the season last year, she provided the Eagles with instant offense. She and Rouse are the team’s leading returning scorers. They are among eight veterans, including Megan Stantus, back after a year’s absence, and a couple of freshmen joining new coach Pancho.
Rogers Pirates
2003-04 records: 0-19, 7th; 0-20
Coach: Nicole King
Years coaching: 5th, 3rd at Rogers; 0-40
Starters, lettermen returning: 4, 7
Key players: Denisha Whitehead, 5-7, so., g; Rikeya Crossley, 5-8, so., g; Mary Fairbanks, 5-9, so., p/g; D’Erica Jones, 5-10, so., p; Sara Fossum, 5-5, sr., g.
Outlook: The Pirates’ sophomores were three of the team’s top four scorers last year. They provide the team with speed and athleticism, plus a little more experience.
Coach’s comments: “We’re better this year than in the past few. The girls are coming together and have great attitudes.”
Bonus shots
A different take: LC coach Jim Redmon offered his take on the new 13-game GSL schedule. While he said he understands the reasons behind its adoption, he would either prefer counting all the games among GSL teams or proposed another option. “I think it would help the league if better teams go outside and play. If you travel to tournaments you get national exposure. It would allow teams still growing to play teams of equal ability.” … Quick-change artists: Turnover came quickly at Cheney and West Valley, where Regan Delaney and Jamie Pancho are the second head coaches in as many years. Longtime varsity assistant Judy Walters takes over at Central Valley. … Same time, same place: The East-West Basketball Classic returns to Gonzaga University’s Martin Centre Saturday for the third season. Promoter Randy Novak said it would take attendance larger than the previous years’ to move it into the new arena. There are eight games beginning at 10 a.m. Two are girls games: Mead playing Franklin at 11:30, following the Panthers boys against Hanford, and University against Kentlake at 1 p.m. in a game featuring state-tested teams. Other boys games are Evergreen (Vancouver) against Gonzaga Prep, 4 p.m., in a reprise of their state semifinal football matchup a week earlier. That’s followed by Shadle Park vs. Lincoln, Central Valley vs. Franklin and Ferris vs. Columbia River.
(– Mike Vlahovich, staff writer