Sports
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014
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TACOMAWEEKLY.com
The Sideline is Tacoma Weekly’s sports-only blog, providing you with quick game recaps as well as some content that won’t appear in print! Check in for regular updates, and we hope you enjoy! http://www.tacomaweekly.com/sideline
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TACOMAWEEKLY 2014 ALL-CITY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
ACCOLADES AND VICTORIES ARE THE CALLING CARD OF THIS YEAR’S ROSTER
SECTION A, PAGE 7
2013 HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOFTBALL PREVIEW
SOME TEAMS SEEK IMPROVEMENT, SOME EYEING POST-SEASON
PHOTOS BY ROCKY ROSS
HOME RUN. (Top) Former All-Narrows
MVP and future Washington Husky Courtney Schwan hopes to return Bellarmine to the State Tourney (Bottom) 3-Time All-Narrows Shortstop Darian Grimm returns to make another run at the post-season with Wilson. By Justin Gimse jgimse@tacomaweekly.com
BELLARMINE LADY LIONS JASMYNE HOLMES - BELLARMINE
PHOTOS BY ROCKY ROSS
With the 2013 4A State Tournament still a fresh memory, look for the Lady Lions to make a serious run at a return trip this year. Coach Craig Coovert saw five players graduate last year, but still returns probably the most experienced and talented squad in Tacoma this season. Bellarmine is led by alleverything senior Courtney Schwan, a firstteam all-Narrows selection and former league MVP. Junior Becca Sorensen was a first-team selection and plays possibly the best second base in the Narrows. Sophomore first-teamer Alyssa McKiernan looks to improve upon her surprising breakout freshman season. Look for a big season from Celine Woo after a hot streak at the plate to end last season. Newcomers Charlotte James and McKenzie Schwan will be counted on to play like veterans if the Lady Lions are to repeat their dominance again.
WILSON LADY RAMS
JOSIE MATZ – WILSON
CLAIRE MARTIN – BELLARMINE
Coach Ron Balmer and the Lady Rams have their work cut out for them this season. After making a run into the District Playoffs last season, several top players have graduated. To make matters more difficult, this season’s turnout was lower than hoped for at Wilson. Still, Balmer’s squad returns 3-time All-Narrows senior shortstop Darian Grimm to the diamond along with talented junior second base Adriana Lanz. The team could see a significant boost if senior pitcher Stephanie Granger is cleared to play by the WIAA soon. Look for freshmen Kately Kass and Kayla Washington to step-up this season.
LINCOLN LADY ABES
VIOLET “CAPRI” MORROW – WILSON
TAMIA BRAGGS – LINCOLN
New coach Gabrielle Knittel brings a brand new coaching staff and a fresh attitude to the Lincoln squad this year. The Lady Abes suffered through a rough 2013 season with just two wins and are looking to reverse the losing trend. Lincoln returns several talented players including seniors Victoria Nuon, Heidi Leeper, Maryelle Montez, Yoselin Maldonado and juniors Viane Tran and Kayla “Salt” Aronhalt. Keep an eye out for junior Deona Owens and some surprising freshmen. “We are a strong-minded team that is focused on improving with every game,” said Knittel. “We pride ourselves on discipline, integrity and by having a winning team attitude.”
MOUNT TAHOMA LADY THUNDERBIRDS By Justin Gimse jgimse@tacomaweekly.com
game shy of the Final 8 for a trip to the 4A Hardwood Classic.
JASMYNE HOLMES – BELLARMINE LADY LIONS 5-6 – SR – GUARD – 13.5 PPG – 2.9 RPG The two-time 4A Narrows First-Teamer capped her senior year with 4A League MVP honors. A constant sure and steady leader, the captain of the Lady Lions led Bellarmine to the 4A Narrows Crown and a 19-6 record, falling just one
VIOLET MORROW – WILSON LADY RAMS 5-10 – JR – FORWARD – 13.4 PPG – 9.9 RPG – 3.0 SPG The junior captain of the Lady Rams was a constant force and game changer for the 3A Narrows League Champions. With a roster full of college-bound hoopsters graduating in 2013, Wilson was in need of some instant leadership this season and Morrow delivered. The Lady Rams (21-7) made it X See BASKETBALL / page A10
FIRST TEAM
Coach Dottie Harris has dropped the “Interim” from her title last year and has assembled a new coaching staff to go along with a very young team. Following a difficult 2-win 2013, Harris hopes her core returning players will be able to help get the new players up to speed and ready to start winning ballgames. Expect strong seasons from juniors Zanna Holt, Nancy LaPointe-McCloud and Karen Davila. Seniors Jea’Ohnna Lee and
X See SOFTBALL / page A10