Winter Sports
PREVIEW Lind/Ritzville-Sprague
Broncos
& LaCrosse-Washtucna/Kahlotus
Tigercats
Supplement of The Ritzville Adams County Journal • Thursday, December 19, 2013
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ROSTER FULL OF VETERANS. The LRS Broncos come into the season with an experienced, veteran crew of athletes. The roster is loaded with six seniors. The team finished fifth at state last season and expects to do better this
year. (Left to right) Head coach Dustan Arlt, Jacob Saetre, Bridger Smith, Connor O’Neill, Tyler Frederick, Ryan Whitmore, Cort Ruzicka, Dylan Hartz, Kyle Canaday and Logan Morley.
Broncos’ game plan: qualify for state, surprise St. George’s Last season’s trip to the State 2B Basketball Tournament produced a fifth place trophy for the LindRitzville/Sprague Broncos. It also left the team’s veteran players hungry for another shot at the eventual state champions – St. George’s. This year’s LRS team is loaded with seven of last season’s top eight players, including an impressive collection of seniors: Dylan Hartz, Connor O’Neill, Tyler Frederick, Ryan Whitmore, Bridger Smith and Logan Morley. They’re joined by Jacob Saetre, Kyle Canaday and Cort Ruzicka on a nine-man varsity roster. Head coach Dustan Arlt said his players have high expectations for the season, especially the seniors. They will host their second league game of season this Friday against Reardan and follow that up with their first meeting with St. George’s, just before starting a short Christmas break on Saturday, Dec. 21. Arlt is going with nine players for the start of the season. As the season progresses, he plans to give a handful of junior varsity players a chance to fill the final three available spots on the roster. There are plenty of players to choose from. Thirty-six athletes turned out for basketball this season, giving the Broncos three full teams: varsity, junior varsity and C squad. With a talented group, Arlt has high expectations and
would like to lead his seniors to an exciting conclusion to their high school basketball experience. He knows that means improving on last season’s team and finding a way to expose St. George’s weaknesses. While discussing the upcoming season, Arlt talked about what improvements the team can make to be better than last season. “We have to shore up some things,” he said. “We need to drive to the hoop better and stay in front of our man on defense. Our defense can improve a bit, but the kids are physically stronger and a little bit more motivated, especially the seniors. The question will be, ‘can we get good enough to beat St. George’s?’” The one player who graduated last school year, Colby Starring, provided a spark for the team with his perimeter shooting. Twice during the postseason run he registered big games, effectively sinking clutch threepoint shots. Arlt’s current season wish list includes having one of his varsity players fill the vacancy created by Starring’s graduation. “Starring had some really big games for us against Bear Creek and St. George’s,” Arlt said. “We need a new shooter out there. I’d like to see somebody step up and be consistent as an outside shooter.”
Post players are going to be crucial as St. George’s and others have tall, towering post players with skills as top scorers. “Compared to a lot of teams, Ryan will give us a shot,” Arlt said. “Size wise he will match up with their posts.” The Northeast 2B League teams start the year with everyone trying to figure out how to defeat St. George’s. The defending state champion team is expected to be the league’s top team as it returns all but one member of last season’s state championship team. “They deserve to be number one,” Arlt said. “They lost one senior who didn’t play in the state tournament. They have two of the best 2B players in the state. After them, they aren’t as athletic, but their role players, they all can shoot. One of them hit a big three from the corner last year against us at state.” Northwest Christian is also a top contender. “They’ve already taken it to some teams,” Arlt said. “They have a returning all league guard and are starting another guard they say might be the best player they have ever had and he is a freshman.” Arlt expects Liberty to be competitive and to have two of the league’s best post players. Continued on Page 3
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Broncos: Athletic hoop team expected to dominate the hardwood Continued from Page 2 “They are tall and long and playing up there in Liberty is never easy,” Arlt said. Colfax, Davenport and Reardan likely will finish up in the bottom half of the league behind the Broncos and the leagues other top contenders. Skilled basketball players dominate the Broncos’ roster. The pivotal player is Hartz, the point guard. This will be his fourth season as a varsity starter. He is less than 100 points away from a 1,000-point scoring career. Assuming the Broncos reach the state tournament this season, Hartz will likely conclude his high school career having started 100 or more basketball games. “He’s our leader. He calms people and he doesn’t get rattled,” Arlt said. “He’s another coach on the court really. I hope he has a great year to cap off a great career.” Hartz is selfless on the court and Arlt said one improvement would be for him to take the shot a bit more often. “Finishing at the rim. He needs to focus on finishing and taking it to the hole,” Arlt said. The Broncos take the court with three guards and two posts in their starting formation. O’Neill, who led the team with 18 points in the season opener, is another threat from the guard position. “He has so much natural ability and talent,” Arlt said. “He is the quickest kid I’ve seen on the court. We are looking for him to have a great senior year. We don’t want him to be two nice and too passive. We want him shooting the ball.” Jacob Saetre enjoyed a start at the third guard position against ColumbiaBurbank. His agility and tenacious approach to defense will come in handy. “He gives us offense and defense. He may be our best defender. He is not afraid and is tough,” Arlt said. “He is an athlete and can run and jump.” Arlt is looking for Saetre to improve his outside shot. “He will shoot the three and as the third guard he should have some open looks,” Arlt said. The post role will be anchored by two tough competitors. Frederick is solid down low. “He is just our rock,” Arlt said. “He has tons of experience and he is our X factor. He is a tough match up for a lot
of teams to guard. Tyler can really take it to them down low. And, he has really worked on his 15-foot jumper.” Whitmore checks in at 6 foot 8 this season with improved hands and agility. His presence will be ominous under the net. “We have big expectations,” Arlt said. “He’s stronger and his hands are better. We need to do a better job of looking for him at the post. When you have a 6-8 kid you have got to get him the ball. I’d like to see him score 10 to 12 points a game and improve his free throws.” On defense, Whitmore will be a presence. “What he gives us and how he protects that rim, he can alter someone’s shot,” Arlt said. Coming off the bench as the sixth starter is Ruzicka as a post player. “He’s the best sixth man I’ve ever had,” Arlt said. “And probably in the league. He was our most improved player last year. He really has a knack for finishing around the net.” Canaday will be among the guards providing support from the bench. “He will be playing at the bottom of the zone. I’ve been pleased with his defense and rebounding,” Arlt said. “He’s also shown he can be a really good outside shooter. He could be taking Starring’s role.” Smith and Morley will both see time at the guard roles when the starters need a breather. “Bridger is a great kid off the bench,” Arlt said. “He plays really good defense and we need him to play that and take care of the ball on offense. He does a good job of rebounding and he is feisty and tough. If he can show that he can hit the outside shot, it will probably earn him more minutes.” Morley moved up to the varsity this year. “His class is loaded with guards,” Arlt said. “Logan needs to keep working hard to develop a consistent outside shot. Hopefully he will get a chance to prove what he can do.” Looking at his talented roster, Arlt expects the Broncos to be in the hunt for a top spot in league and a trip to the Spokane Arena for the 2B state tournament. Like his players, he wants a welltimed victory over St. George’s and a shot at finishing better than fifth at state.
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VARSITY TIGERCATS. Under the new direction of head coach Mike Stubbs, the LWK Tigercats are expecting to have another competitive season, but are focused on taking the season one game at a time. Returning to the hardwood to compete for the Tigercats this season are (back row, from left) head coach
Stubbs, Jason Wigen, Joey Guske, Riley Roberts, Darcy Stamper, Stephen Erickson, assistant coach Tim Stamper; (front row) assistant coach Seth Weekes, Jr., Cole Evans, Chance Rice, Brandon Bennett and Graham BeDell. Not pictured is Bo Rice.
Tigercats prepped to compete By Katelin Davidson News Editor After securing a third place finish in the state last year, the Tigercats team is in a rebuilding year after graduating seven varsity seniors from the lineup. This year also marks a new season under the direction of head coach Mike Stubbs, who has served as an assistant coach during the high school career of his current athletes. Assistant coaches Tim Stamper and Seth Weekes, Jr., join Stubbs. The varsity team is currently comprised of 10 athletes, with one player remaining on the bench while recovering from an injury. While the core 10 athletes have basketball experience, only five athletes are returning to the court with varsity experience. The Tigercats goal for the season is simple: Come out on the court ready to play and compete until the final buzzer sounds.
“Our goal is that every game we walk into, we believe we are going to win,” Stubbs said. “We will compete.” In order to compete this season, the Tigercats are leaning heavily on the veteran experience of three seniors: Darcy Stamper, Joey Guske and Riley Roberts. The trio saw significant playing time last season and their knowledge and expertise as varsity athletes is crucial as leaders for the LWK team. Stamper plays in the forward guard position and Stubbs said he has the most basketball experience, not only with the team, but also with practicing the game outside of the regular season. “While it’s a whole team effort, Darcy is looked on to do a little of everything,” Stubbs said. “He’s going to be called on to play an all-around game.” Guske serves as a quiet leader for the team, but Stubbs said his determination and naturally tough ability helps him lead by example on the court. Also in the forward guard position, Guske will see a lot of court time this
season and Stubbs said while the coaches have high expectations for him, Guske also high expectations for himself. “As a coach, every team needs a Joe Guske,” Stubbs said. Another all-around player returning to the roster is Roberts, who saw his first significant varsity playing time last season. While Roberts serves as the primary post for the Tigercats, Stubbs explained he is a well-rounded player who can handle the ball and shoot successfully from almost anywhere on the court. Playing in a guard position for the team is senior athlete Graham BeDell, a returning varsity player. Stubbs said he had the good fortune of coaching BeDell on the junior varsity squad for many years, and said that as a player, BeDell understands what is expected of him and plays to compete. He finds the most success on the defensive end of the court, and is overall a very coachable athlete, Stubbs explained. Seeing his first varsity playing time
and serving as one of the primary guards for the Tigercats is Brandon Bennett. Stubbs had the opportunity to coach Bennett during the last few seasons and has always been impressed with his ball handling skills and ability to lead on the court. “He understands my language,” Stubbs said. “He has great instincts, he sees things. He’s a great visual athlete.” Currently recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained during the football season, Bo Rice is currently spending games on the bench, but is expected to be able to return to the court after the New Year. Stubbs said he is another athlete that is going to be expected to perform, and is one of the returning varsity athletes. In the forward position, Stubbs said Rice is going to be asked to be the “clean up man” because he has the ability to play anywhere on the court with his determined attitude. Continued on Page 5
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Tigercats: One game at a time this season
Continued from Page 4
Another first year varsity athlete is Cole Evans, and Stubbs explained that while Evans did not play junior high basketball, he is a tough kid ready to play. Evans is playing as a forward this season and Stubbs said he is a great role player that every team needs. “Cole listens very well,” Stubbs said. “He takes the spoken word and translates it into the process.” Serving as one of the main men in the paint is Jason Wigen, another athlete stepping up into a varsity role this season. Stubbs said that while he helps take up space in the paint, he also has a decent mid-range game to help put up points for the Tigercats and has a determination that keeps him aggressive on the court. Splitting his time between junior varsity and varsity, Stephen Erickson is joining the varsity squad and bringing with him quickness and a hard-working attitude. Because of his quickness, Erickson is serving at the top of the team’s zone defense and plays guard on offense. “Stephen is a good, tough kid and has a great athletic ability and tremendous quickness,” Stubbs said. Chance Rice is serving as a swing player for the Tigercats, and Stubbs
said he is looking for him to be a main contributor for the varsity squad. As another one of tough kids on the team, Stubbs said that naturally toughness helps Chance be a focused and consistent athlete on the court. With a new season, a new coach and new athletes on the varsity roster, Stubbs said the team is focusing on fundamentals and not looking too far forward in the season, but rather staying focused on the “one game at a time” mentality. Stubbs said since a lot of the athletes are not accustomed to the fast pace of a varsity game, the team focused on being aggressive during the first weeks of practice. “It’s a learning process for us as we navigate into January and learn what it’s like to come out of back-to-back games,” Stubbs said. Stubbs said the team is focused on improving by building an aggressive mindset, communicating effectively and growing every week as a team. “Our goal as coaches is to make this a fun experience for the team,” Stubbs said to summarize the intent for the takeaway from the season. “The structure is based on understanding rules and applying them in the real world. We’re trying to impart life lessons under the guise of basketball.”
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Plenty of determination among small group of Broncos wrestlers Wrestling is a tough, individual sport. The sport requires a mix of physical strength, agility and mental toughness. The LRS wrestling program has long struggled to field a full roster of wrestlers who can fill all of the weight classes to complete a full team for league competition. This year is the same situation. Head coach Jason Hilzer said he has eight wrestlers for sure. Maybe more if a couple others complete their paperwork and turn out soon. Why wrestling struggles to fill the ranks is an unexplainable phenomenon. Especially when rival teams, such as Davenport and Reardan, collect big numbers and traditionally have highly successful programs. Even with light roster, the Broncos produce at least a couple top contenders annually and enjoy frequent trips to the state tournament with at least one wrestler. Hilzer expects to achieve the same this season with a few returning mat men. This year’s roster is a mix of brand new wrestlers and second-year returners. While most fit a specific weight class, Hilzer said some decisions remain to be made regarding where other wrestlers will fit in the predetermined weight classes. As of Monday’s practice, Hilzer has the following crew: Matthias Ferderer, 106 pounds; Huang Vu, probably 145 pounds; Nick Kuest, 160; Karl Hawks, 182; Matt Vercoe, 220; Layne Hawks, 285 and Grayson Whitaker, 285. The team welcomes an aspiring young female wrestler from Sprague, Caeli Ulrich. She will wrestle in the lighter ranks of the WIAA weight classes established for girls. Hilzer said Ulrich will wrestle only female opponents, and several teams have a growing number of female wrestlers. Springdale and Warden always have a core group of girls on their rosters. Interest in wrestling among girls has increased in the past few years, especially since WIAA has established a full set of weight classes for them and they can advance to the state tournament. Three returning wrestlers, all sophomores, are the team’s top prospects this year. With the graduation of Keanu Niezwaag, a four time state tournament wrestler, these three will be the team’s best chance for a return to state “They really liked wrestling last year,” Hilzer said of Ferderer, Vercoe and Karl Hawks. “They are quite a bit further ahead this year.” Another veteran, Layne Hawks looks to be a solid contender. “I wrestled with him the other day,”
BRONCOS’ MAT PACK. The turnout for wrestling is traditionally fairly low for LRS wrestling since the sport competes with a popular basketball program. Even so, head coach Jason Hilzer is optimistic about the athletes who did sign up for wrestling. (Back row, left to right) Karl Hawks, Matt Vercoe, Layne Hawks and Nick Kuest; (front row) Matthias Ferderer, Caeli Ulrich and Huang Vu. Not pictured is Grayson Whitaker.
Hilzer said. “He’s quite a bit stronger than last year. He was an alternate to state last season. I can definitely see him making it to state.” The lightest member of the team, Ferderer has added much needed weight and experience. “He’s our next best shot at going to state,” Hilzer said. “He’s put on 15 pounds and is moving better. He understands that he has to put together more than one move now.” Karl’s improvement was evident last season.
“Even at the very end of last year his aggressiveness was getting quite a bit better,” Hilzer said. Vercoe has been studying the sport. “He’s always asking questions and always wants to get better,” Hilzer said. Whitaker, Ulrich and Vu are proving to be quick studies. “You teach them a move and they pick it up very quickly,” Hilzer said. Vu, a foreign exchange student from Germany, hasn’t wrestled before, but has friends at home who are actively involved in the sport.
“He’s very strong,” Hilzer said. “He does a lot of weight lifting. The problem he is running into is the mat sense, will he know when to get off of his back?” Ulrich wanted to try boxing. Since the schools don’t offer the sport, she opted for wrestling. “She works hard. We will just have to wait and see how she does on the mat with an opponent,” Hilzer said.
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LRS Broncos Wrestling Date
Opponent
Site
Weigh In
Time
Tuesday, Dec. 17 Friday, Dec. 20 Saturday, Dec. 21 Friday, Dec. 27 Saturday, Dec. 28 Saturday, Jan. 4 Thursday, Jan. 9 Saturday, Jan. 11 Friday, Jan. 17 Saturday, Jan. 25 Saturday, Feb. 1 Saturday, Feb. 8 Friday, Feb. 14 Saturday, Feb. 15 Friday, Feb. 21 Saturday, Feb. 22
League Match Winter Warrior Classic Winter Warrior Classic Mix and Match Pomeroy Tournament ACH Tournament Mix and Match Springdale Tournament League Match Coyote Classic League Match South Sub-Regional Tournament Regional Tournament Regional Tournament State Tournament State Tournament
Reardan Spokane Spokane Pomeroy Pomeroy Coulee City Ritzville Springdale White Swan Kittitas ACH Colfax Kittitas Kittitas Tacoma Tacoma
5 p.m. TBD TBD 5 p.m. 7 a.m. 8 a.m. 5 p.m. 8 a.m. 5 p.m. 8 a.m. 9 a.m. 8 a.m. 12 p.m. 8 a.m. TBD TBD
6 p.m. TBD TBD 6 p.m. 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 6 p.m. 10 a.m. 6 p.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 2 p.m. 10 a.m. TBD TBD
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LADY TIGERCATS. Even with a low turnout for the team this year, the Lady Tigercats roster of nine athletes are positive and excited to play this season. With two new coaches stepping into the leadership roles for the team, the Lady Tigercats are working on developing and improving their fundamentals in order to
compete on the hardwood. The roster for this year includes (back row, from left) head coach Pete Schweiger, Brittany Gordon, Jessica Guske, Kadie Whinery, Lindsey Miller, Jazzmyn Gordon, and assistant coach Trisha Bennett; (front row) Jaydn Guske, LeAnne Blauert, Jazlynn Webb and Nicole Harder.
Lady T-cats start the season with nine By Katelin Davidson News Editor Despite low numbers, the LWK Lady Tigercats are prepped and ready to compete in a full slate of varsity games this winter. The girls are under new leadership this year, with the head coach position being filled by Pete Schweiger and the assistant coach is Trisha Bennett. Schweiger has been the head volleyball coach for Davenport for many years, but agreed to coach the Lady Tigercats during the basketball season. His coaching experience is combined with Bennett’s fairly recent court time and the duo brings two different coaching styles to help the Lady Tigercats strengthen their ability as basketball players this season. The Lady Tigercats only have nine girls on the roster this year, which includes two eighth grade girls who have stepped up to play with the varsity squad. The eighth grade girls are only allowed to play 40 quarters during the season. Schweiger explained that while
the team doesn’t have extensive varsity playing time, the team is feeding off the natural positive energy to work towards having a successful season. After ending last years season without winning a game, Schweiger said the team realizes it’s going to be a tough season, but the success of the team lies in improvement, not in winning games. Three returning senior athletes are stepping up to lead the team again this year and Schweiger said they serve as leaders and role models for the rest of the team. The trio has three different talents they bring to the team to help lead the team on the court. Returning in the guard position is Lindsey Miller, and Schweiger said she provides the team with ball handling and the ability to score. Between having some of the best ball control on the team, Schweiger said she also helps lead the team with scoring by finding the open spot on the court. The only Kahlotus athlete returning to the hardwood is LeAnne Blauert who is also continuing her role as a guard. While
Blauert is valuable for her ball handling skills, Schweiger explained she is also one of the best defenders on the team, and one of the most versatile Lady Tigercat athletes. Playing as the dominate post player for the Lady Tigercats is Kadie Whinery, and Schweiger said the team is relying on her for points in the paint. Schweiger said her position low in the key also makes them dependent on her for rebounds, both offensively and defensively. Sophomore Jessica Guske is pairing up with Whinery in the key to lead the team as the other main post player. Schweiger said Guske excels in defense and while she is a key to rebounding on the other end of the court, he is hoping she can convert rebounds to points on the offensive side of the court as well. Jazlynn Webb is returning to the team as a sophomore to provide additionally stability bringing the ball up the court and getting looks at the hoop on offense. Schweiger said she looks to score, but is also one of the quickest defenders on the team and plays solid
defense. Brittany Gordon, another returning Lady Tigercat, is playing the post position, and while she is playing off the bench, Schweiger said the team is relying on her for rebounds during her court time. Aside from her strength in the key, Gordon also has a solid short jump shot and Schweiger said he is looking for her to put up points for the team this season. Also joining the team for the first time is freshman Nicole Harder, who is playing primarily in the guard position. Schweiger said her strength is in defense and she is one of the best hustlers on the team, and is always working hard at both ends of the court. The two eighth graders joining the roster are Jazzmyn Gordon and Jadyn Guske. Schweiger said Jazzmyn’s strengths are scoring and defense, while Jadyn’s talents lie in her overall hustle and constant improvement with being an aggressive athlete. Continued on Page 9
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Lady T-Cats: Team will hustle and play hard Continued from Page 8 “We’re just going to have to go out and have a good time and play as hard as we can and improve throughout the season,” Schweiger said. “We’re going to have to go hustle and play hard, and keep positive attitudes. So far practices have gone well, they are very nice girls.” Schweiger said the constant positivity of the girls will help the team continue throughout the entire season, even when things do not go their way. He said he understands that not having a winning season can be disheartening, but he believes if the girls focus their positive energy on improving, the team will have a successful season. With only a few games under their belts, Schweiger said the practices leading up to the start of the season and the first games were all about fundamentals. The team needs to perfect all of the fundamentals of the game before moving on to focus on other elements. The girls are going to be playing a zone defense throughout the season and Schweiger is relying on the Lady Tigercats to play aggressively. The team is not a necessarily tall team, Schweiger said, so the girls are focusing on boxing out, rebounding and running the court to cater to their strengths.
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LOOKING TO CHALLENGE LEAGUE’S TOP TEAMS. The LRS Lady Broncos picked up a win Tuesday in their first league game of the season. Head coach John Galbreath believes his team will challenge the Northest 2B League’s
top teams. The roster includes a mix of seniors and freshman. (left to right) Randi York, Tommi Swannack, Kallie Harder, Mallory Kessler, Dalyn Killian, Jenna Bennett, Sydney Nelson and Felicia Ziemer. Not pictured is Maya Wahl.
Lady Broncos will use a mix of freshmen, seniors Several members of the LRS Lady Broncos’ basketball team have been playing together for the majority of their high school careers. They will be joined this year by a talented and energetic group of freshmen as the team looks to be competitive in Northeast 2B League play. After opening with a pair of non-league loses to Wilbur-Creston and Columbia-Burbank, the Lady Broncos bounced back for a league win over Springdale, 46-43, on Tuesday night. They are now preparing for Reardan on Friday and St. George’s on Saturday. Second-year head coach John Galbreath plans to lean on a mix of experience and youthful athleticism this season in pursuit of the right formula to be a league contender. The effort will be well tested throughout the season, as much of the league picture is unclear. “I haven’t seen enough from everybody in our league to know where they are at,” Galbreath said. “When I look at the box scores, it is to me pretty wide open. Northwest and Colfax, I’m sure are probably picked to be at the top. I think we are right there as well as long as we are on our A game. As scores are filtering in it is pretty wide open. People are trying to get their identities as a team.”
A couple of setbacks have hit the team early in the season. Maya Wahl has been sidelined following a medical issue and unexpected surgery last weekend. Jenna Bennett sat out the Springdale game with a back injury and it is day-to-day decision regarding her return to the court. With a shorter bench, the Lady Broncos set to working this week on a defensive plan that will better suit the shortened roster and protect the team as a whole when it gets into foul trouble. Going into the Springdale game, Galbreath said Monday his plan called for starting three freshmen, Felicia Ziemer, Tommi Swannack and Tessa Jantz. They were joined in the starting five by veterans Mallory Kessler and Dalyn Killian. “As I look at the picture, I like maybe starting young and then using a couple of our seniors to come in and provide the leadership,” Galbreath said. “It’s a tough one to lose two starters going into the first game.” Killian and Swannack will fill the post player roles. “Dalyn seems to be a little bit stronger and playing with a little bit more energy,” Galbreath said. “I’m happy with her efforts. She gives 100 percent every day. I would say one of her best assets is that she understands the
offense. In the preseason I asked people to write down the plays and hers was to the T. She had the wording down and the artwork and emphasized what we meant to emphasize when we run a specific play. She has that down and obviously if she can get it on paper then she can see it in her head.” Swannack opened the season proving she can score. In the opener with Wilbur-Creston she produced 14 points, followed by a nine-point effort against Springdale. “I’ve just been happy with her ability to score the ball,” Galbreath said. “Her composure is great. She doesn’t show much emotion either way. Defensively all the freshman are learning in the furnace.” The point guard duties on Tuesday went to Ziemer in place of Bennett as a result of her injury. While Ziemer hasn’t scored in three games, Galbreath likes what she brings to the team. “We need her to know how to run our team and get it into an offense,” he said. “This first week is a good opportunity for her to step in and do that. We don’t have a senior that can handle the ball like she can and see the floor. She has very good instincts.” Continued on Page 11
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW...........................Thursday, December 19, 2013 ................................................................ Page 11
Lady Broncos: looking to challenge for top league position Continued from Page 10 Jantz will work from the wing and has already proven she can be aggressive and score. She led the team at Springdale with 15 and provided eight points against Columbia-Burbank. “I’d like to see Tessa more outside, but she seems comfortable about going inside,” Galbreath said. “All of the freshmen have shown they will go attack the basket and they don’t back down.” Kessler is a force on the court that Galbreath wants and expects big offense from. “She is very skilled. When I watch her warm up she has a great skill set. The biggest challenge for her is how she can use that with her team and within our system. She does play a lot of basketball during the off season. I hope that is going to be a big asset for our team.” Randi York will see several minutes, coming in off the bench for the Lady Broncos. “I look for her to provide a lot of defense,” Galbreath said. “She can be a lock on, lights out defender when she wants to be. We will also ask her offensively to improve and be under control. When she does that she will see a lot of floor time.” Sydney Nelson will give the post
players a rest or a rescue if they are in foul trouble. “She had a great game on Thursday. I thought she did a lot of things good and great,” Galbreath said. “I couldn’t ask for a better fill in off the bench. I need her to continue to improve at boxing out and rebounding.” When Bennett is healthy and can return to the court, she will provide a scoring boost the Lady Broncos need. She led the team against Wilbur-Creston with 16 points. “I like her. I like what she can do. She can score the ball,” Galbreath said. “She usually has great success. The challenge for her this year is will she lead. We need someone at the point guard position that’s going to lead and be able to tell the team what the defense is in and what we are going to do.” The overall assessment of the coming season has Galbreath expecting the Lady Broncos to likely finish in the No. 2, 3 or 4 spot. “When we’re clicking, we will be tough to beat,” he said. He wants a better defense out of his team and the ability to recognize what an opposing team’s offense is doing and make adjustments quicker. “There are adjustments you have to recognize immediately so you don’t get burned more than once,” he said.
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Page 12 ................................................................Thursday, December 19, 2013 ...........................WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
LRS Broncos Basketball Date
Opponent
Site
Thursday, Dec. 12 Friday, Dec. 13 Tuesday, Dec. 17 Friday, Dec. 20 Saturday, Dec. 21 Friday, Dec. 27 Saturday, Dec. 28 Friday, Jan. 3 Saturday, Jan. 4 Tuesday, Jan. 7 Friday, Jan. 10 Saturday, Jan. 11 Tuesday, Jan. 14 Friday, Jan. 17 Saturday, Jan. 18 Tuesday, Jan. 21 Friday, Jan. 24 Saturday, Jan. 25 Tuesday, Jan. 28 Friday, Jan. 25
Wilbur-Creston Columbia-Burbank Springdale* Reardan* Saint George’s * St. John-Endicott Royal Liberty Odessa-Harrington Northwest Christian* Springdale Colfax* Davenport* Reardan* Saint George’s* Warden Liberty* Davenport* Northwest Christian* Colfax*
Ritzville Burbank Springdale Ritzville Saint George’s St. John Ritzville Liberty Ritzville NW Christian Ritzville Ritzville Davenport Reardan Ritzville Warden Ritzville Ritzville Ritzville Colfax
Feb. 4-10 Feb. 14-22 Feb. 28-Mar. 1 March 6-8
District Tournament Sub Regional Tournament Regional Tournament State Tournament
Mead/Mt. Spokane TBD TBD Spokane
*League game
BC 6 p.m. 6 p.m. #5:30 p.m. 3 p.m. TBD 1:30 p.m. 6 p.m. TBD 1:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 1:30 p.m. #5:30 p.m. 6 p.m.
GJV
BJV
GV
BV
6 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
4:15 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m.
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
#Sprague
LWK Tigercat Basketball Date Friday, Dec. 13 Saturday, Dec. 14 Monday, Dec. 16 Friday, Dec. 20 Saturday, Dec. 21 Friday, Dec. 27 Saturday, Dec. 28 Friday, Jan. 3 Friday, Jan. 10 Saturday, Jan. 11 Tuesday, Jan. 14 Friday, Jan. 17 Saturday, Jan. 18 Friday, Jan. 24 Saturday, Jan. 25 Tuesday, Jan. 28 Friday, Jan. 26 Friday, Feb. 7 Saturday, Feb. 8
Opponent Tekoa-Oakesdale Liberty Christian Walla Walla Valley Academy St. John-Endicott Touchet Dayton Tournament Dayton Tournament Rosalia Colton Garfield-Palouse Pomeroy Liberty Christian Tekoa-Oakesdale Rosalia Garfield-Palouse Touchet Pomeroy Colton St. John-Endicott
Site Washtucna Lib. Chr. Washtucna St. John Touchet Dayton Dayton LaCrosse LaCrosse Palouse Washtucna Kahlotus Oakesdale Rosalia LaCrosse Kahlotus Pomeroy Colton LaCrosse
BJV 4:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
GV 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. TBA TBA 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m.
BV 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.