University in good hands with Bjorklund

If University coach Mark Stinson could explain how University High School came upon the patient style it employed to win both district and regional girls basketball tournaments, he said he’d be making money on the lecture circuit.

Lewis and Clark coach Jim Redmon, three times a victim of that efficiency said he can sum it up in one word: “Angie.”

Angie Bjorklund’s presence is akin to Gonzaga University star Adam Morrison, he said. She makes the Titans, despite graduating two three-year starters and one two-year starter, dangerous.

“They are slowing the game down and getting the ball in her hands at the right time, with 10 seconds on the shot clock,” he said. “If they shorten the game, they’ll take their chances she’ll shoot 60 percent to the other team’s 40.”

But it isn’t just Bjorklund’s near 20-points-per-game ability. She has better than average passing skills, and, combined with fourth-year starter Tonya Schnibbe, effectively gives U-Hi two point guards.

“We have very savvy guards,” said Stinson. “Between Angie and Tonya we have the ability to dictate the tempo of the game.”

Stinson also said that all five of U-Hi’s starters, including 3-point threat Kara Crisp, handle the ball well. The Titans’ offensive efficiency has meant some 24 points per game from its two posts, Janna Erickson and undersized junior Dara Zack.

“You can always count on her to do the chores,” said Stinson of Zack. “I’ve never seen a girl who is as slight and not the tallest person rebound like Dara.”

U-Hi and LC, semifinalists last year, are two of the three returning state placers – state runner-up Prairie is the other – and among seven teams back in today’s 4A tournament. Prairie (23-2) is on the Titans’ side of the bracket.

The Titans open against Bellarmine Prep in the 7 p.m. game. Bellarmine lost to Gonzaga Prep and Ferris this year by 42 and 17 points, respectively, in December.

U-Hi is in its third straight tourney.

“Any state experience helps,” said Stinson. “It’s exciting no matter how many you’ve gone to.”

LC, making its fourth straight state appearance, plays Gig Harbor at 10:30 this morning, with second-ranked Lincoln (24-1) on its side of the bracket.

“I like our draw. I like the fact we (could) see Lincoln early,” said Redmon. “If we play like we did against Eisenhower and some other teams during the season, we’ll be OK.”

Particularly if the Tigers can score from outside and shoot better than 27 percent from the field as they did in two losses to U-Hi.