Scotties draw LaCenter

In her first trip to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association offices in Renton to take in the State 1A girls basketball draw, Freeman first-year coach Ashlee Taylor took time for a little shopping.

She didn’t find anything at the outlet mall in North Bend, but did purchase a pair of jeans and some purses in Bellevue.

“Things I not absolutely needed, but wanted,” Taylor said. “We couldn’t find anything for the (players), but it was a good little trip.”

The Scotties will be at the Yakima SunDome sporting a perfect record (23-0) following last weekend’s regional championship, with the intent of purchasing some state hardware.

The lone Northeast A League representative to the tournament, girls or boys, Freeman opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday against LaCenter, a team from the Southwest 1A League that made five trips to state this decade as a Class 2A school, placing twice.

“Other than that, I don’t know much about them,” Taylor said. “I plan on figuring it out.”

The draw ceremony was different than she thought it would be.

“A lot of stuff goes on that people don’t realize,” Taylor said. “It was cool.”

Freeman’s side of the bracket includes Seattle Christian (22-1), ranked No. 1 and unbeaten before losing by a point to defending state champion Lynden Christian in district. Also, there are ranked teams Bellevue Christian and Zillah. The Scotties are ranked No. 2 and were fifth in state a year ago. All but three players return.

“The teams all have great records and I heard great things about them,” Taylor said. “We have quite a bit of experience coming back, which is nice, and they know they have a target on their back. I’m interested to see how we do.”