GNL Preview Girls basketball

The players …

Jessica Thomas, Pullman; Kellie McCann-Smith, Clarkston; and Kyle Miller, Cheney, are returning first team All-GNL. Kirsi Voshell and Cory Druffel, both Pullman, and Melissa Mauro, WV, were second-team All-GNL.

Keep an eye on …

West Valley, a blend of volleyball and soccer state trophy winners this fall, started 2-0. With most of its varsity returned and bolstered by freshmen Hannah Love and Shaniqua Nilles, Eagles will provide a stern challenge to Pullman. … Clarkston lost a big cog in four-year starter Misty Atkinson and Cheney brings back just three letter winners. But the Blackhawks made big late-season move, so beware. … Medical Lake has four returning starters and nine total letter winners, including Chelsea Hardenbrook, Gabrielle Daily, Marissa Propeck, Arielle Jones and Elizabeth Walker so Cardinals should be in the hunt.

One coach says …

“Pullman is loaded again and West Valley has the best group of athletes they’ve had in a very long time. We have last year’s success to build on, but aren’t very big and must limit our opponents to few, if any, second-chance baskets. We hope to mature early enough to make a run at one of three state spots this March.” – Hal Sautter, Cheney.

Mike Vlahovich, staff writer