High school winter sports preview 2017 18 by 360Preps

HIGH SCHOOL WINTER SPORTS 2017-18 A special section of The Columbian

30 Years of 3s The past, present and future of the shot that changed basketball forever

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Inside

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Introductory stories for each Clark County boys and girls basketball team and league Profiles and key dates for wrestling, gymnastics, boys swimming and girls bowling 1

Game Changer

HIGH SCHOOL WINTER SPORTS 2017-18 A Special Section of The Columbian

■ Stories by Micah Rice, Meg Wochnick, Andy Buhler and Tim Martinez. ■ Cover photo by

Ariane Kunze

■ Page design by

Micah Rice

TABLE OF CONTENTS Cover story 4A GSHL Basketball Camas Battle Ground Skyview Union Heritage 3A GSHL Basketball Evergreen Fort Vancouver Hudson’s Bay Mountain View Prairie 2A GSHL Basketball Columbia River Hockinson Washougal Ridgefield Woodland 1A Trico Basketball King’s Way Christian La Center Seton Catholic 1B Columbia Valley Wrestling Gymnastics Bowling Boys Swimming

2-3 4-5 7 8 9 11 12 14-15 16 17 18 19 20 21-22 24 25 27 28 29 30-31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

In 30 years since its debut, the 3-point shot has transformed high school hoops By MICAH RICE

Columbian Sports Editor Sonny Long remembers the novelty license plate on one of his players’ cars. The year was 1987. Long was 22 years into a 30-year coaching career at Lake Oswego High School in Oregon. The buzz was all about the new rule in high school basketball. That license plate read 19-9 — as in 19 feet, 9 inches. As in the distance to the brand new 3-point line, which gave Long’s guard another weapon to boast about on the hardwood and the bumper of his car. Thirty years later, the 3-point shot is no longer a novelty. Few changes have impacted their sport more than its addition. “It’s such a big part of basketball,” said Union boys coach Blake Conley. “It’s how you win games. It’s how you lose games.” The 3-point line was added to

the college game for the 1986-87 1966 to 1995. season. One year later, the high While most coaches and players school game adopted the rule. today can’t imagine basketball Thirty years later, the 3-point without the 3-point shot, Long reshot is such an important part of members a much different game. Union’s offense that “You would work starting guards the ball until you “It’s how you win Tyler Combs and got a good shot,” he Zach Reznick take games. It’s how you said. “You’d usually a majority of their try to get a closer lose games.” shots from beyond shot.” the arc. In 1987, Long Blake Conley The Titans remembers some Union boys coach tandem aren’t alone coaches being in letting it fly from skeptical of the long range. According to a study new rule. Some worried it would by hoops analytics website basket- lead to a breakdown in the fundaball-reference.com, the 3-pointer mentals in the post and mid-range is the second best shot to attempt game. behind a layup when you compare But Long could see the benefits the shot’s risk to its reward. of the new rule as well. The 3-point shot has made short “It opened a spot for a player players bigger. It has knocked the who could score from out there,” once-dominant role of the big man he said. “I would see opposing down a notch. players making shots from out It has left arenas buzzing with there in warmups. But once the buzzer-beating shots. It has fueled game began, they wouldn’t be improbable comebacks. in the starting lineup. After the “No, I can’t imagine basketball three-point shot came along, those without the 3-point shot,” said players became starters.” Prairie girls coach Hala Corral Long’s son, David Long, now said. “It seems like it has always coaches a player at Columbia River been a part of the game.” who counts the 3-pointer among his go-to shots. Jacob Hjort, a 6-foot-3 senior guard, is on pace to finish his career Sonny Long is the 10th as the No. 2 leading winningest coach in Or- scorer in program egon prep basketball history. history, going The Western 429-248 Oregon University from commit shot better

than 40-percent from 3-point range last year while averaging 18 points per game. His freshman year, Hjort was much shorter and skinnier. His coach said he wouldn’t have made the varsity team had he not been a good 3-point shooter. “It would have been different,” Hjort said. “I don’t think I would have played much on varsity. That’s what I was put in for my freshman year, to make open shots and be the guy the defense didn’t know about.” The experience of playing on varsity as a freshman helped mold Hjort into the college-bound player he has become. He became a starter for the final five games of his freshman season after another player was injured. THREES, Page 3

A different game

Columbia River’s Jacob Hjort says the 3-pointer is a big reason he has played varsity for four seasons.

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

Union’s Tyler Combs says making 3-pointers opens up chances to drive and pass.

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Threes

“Most big kids can’t guard her outside,” said Corral. “It opens up the whole offense. It makes us not predictable.” The changing game is why Walling From Page 2 wanted to add the 3-pointer to her arsenal upon entering high school. “It was crucial,” Hjort said. “The fact that “It’s a big thing because I want to play coach Long had so much confidence in me college basketball,” said Walling. “I might to be the first guy off the bench. He knew I be a big kid here, but in college I won’t be was ready to play.” the tallest. Being able to step outside and Union, which reached the Class 4A state shoot is a big thing for me.” championship game last season, uses the The 3-point shot was a big reason King’s 3-pointer as much as any team in the area. Way Christian boys coach Daven HarmelLast season, 146 of Combs’ 276 field goal ing made an impact while playing for attempts were from 3-point range, where Washington State from 1994-99. He ranks he made 40 percent of his shots. 15th in WSU history in 3-pointers made For Reznick, 170 of his 266 field goal and 10th all time in 3-point percentage attempts came from 3-point range. Reznick (.388). and Combs each made 59 3-pointers en “For a lot of bigs, the game has route to earning first-team all-league changed,” he said. “Anybody can become honors. a good 3-point shooter if they have good “If there wasn’t a 3-point line, I don’t form and learn to shoot inside out. Start know if a lot of people would be able to from 10 feet, then 15 feet, then work back.” play,” said Reznick, who like Combs stands Harmeling pointed to King’s Way grad just under 6-foot. “Being a smaller guy, Kienan Walter, now a sophomore at North you always have to have a shot so you can Dakota. At 6-foot-8, he played post but was spread the floor.” also one of his team’s best 3-point shooters. But it isn’t just guards who use the The two-time Trico League MVP averaged 3-point shot to boost their value. Prairie’s 23.6 points a game as a junior, tops among 6-foot-3 post Brooke Walling dominates in 1A players in the state. part because of her prowess from behind It isn’t just offenses that have undergone the arc. a transformation because of the 3-pointer. Last season’s All-Region player The sweeping changes have also been of the year as a sophomore, mirrored in defensive approaches to Walling averaged 19.2 guarding the outside shot. points in five postseason “Everything is predicated on the games, in which she shot three,” said Conley, the Union boys 60 percent from 3-point coach. “It’s how you set up your defense. range. She made six of seven It opens up the court completely.” 3-pointers in Prairie’s final Perimeter defenders can’t sag off game at regionals. outside shooters. They must close quickly and get a hand in the shooter’s face, all while not allowing that shooter to drive by them. That’s why Combs looks to knock down a few 3’s early in each game. “It makes everything else a lot easier, such as driving and passing,” Combs said. “You feel like guys can’t guard you if you’re hitting your shot.”

The Steph Curry effect The scene has played thousands of times on television. More relevantly, it has been

Union’s Zach Reznick takes a majority of his shots from 3-point range. The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

viewed millions of times online by the next generation of basketball players. Golden State star Stephen Curry launches a shot from well behind the 3-point arc. Nothing but net. The arena erupts. Today’s kids no longer want to “Be Like Mike,” as those in Michael Jordan’s heyday of the 1990s did. After all, kids can’t dunk like Air Jordan. But they can all launch a 3-pointer. Coaches see more kids at the youngest levels trying to mimic Curry by launching deep shots, sometimes with two hands. It’s not necessarily a good thing. “What I’m worried about is when you have third, fourth and fifth graders trying to hoist up 3-pointers instead of developing their shooting form,” said Conley, the Union boys coach. “If you’re taking those shots before you’re strong enough, you can develop really bad form.” Corral has had two daughters named AP state player of the year while playing for Prairie. In 2012, Ashley Corral became the all-time 3-point leader at the University of Southern California. Her younger sister, Heather, shot a team-best 43.6 percent from 3-point range (41-94) last season as a University of Washington senior. Corral said there was no secret to her daughters’ 3-point success, just lots of time. “You have to take hundreds of 3-point shots a day,” she said. “Ashley, when she was a freshman, was not a great 3-point shooter. She would carve out time before each practice to work on it.” Combs and Reznick estimate they each take between 200 and 300 3-pointers a day. That is aided by a machine they call “the gun,” which passes balls out to a shooter in rapid succession. Those hundreds of shots a day are all about developing muscle memory. “If we need to change something in our shot we’ll do it in practice,” Reznick said. “When the game comes, we’re just shooting and not thinking about it.” “You can’t think too much,” Combs added. “I’ve been in slumps where I’ve thought about it. It doesn’t help. You’ve just got to let it fly and be confident in it.”

Shooters, he said, are becoming better thanks to technology that analyzes everything from a player’s shot arc to their shooting angle. As shooters become more effective, Harmeling could see the high school game one day adopting the college 3-point line, which is one foot beyond the high school line. That could lead to a renaissance in the role of the big man. Regardless of whether the high school 3-point line is ever moved back, Harmeling said a skilled post players will always be an asset. “People forget what it’s like to have a dominant big man,” he said. “I believe that if Shaquille O’Neal in his prime were in the game today, he would revolutionize the game again.” Long, at Columbia River, doesn’t see the 3-point line moving back anytime soon. He said it’s at a good length now for both the boys and girls game. But whatever the future holds, the impact of a one-inch-thick stripe 19 feet, 9 inches from the hoop has had an undeniable effect. “Everyone used to have three posts and two guards,” Conley said. “Now, your (forwards) have to be able to shoot from outside.”

The future of threes The 3-pointer now rules basketball. But will it always? Harmeling, the King’s Way coach, can see the game evolving in two directions.

At 6-foot-3, Prairie’s Brooke Walling is difficult to guard because she can also make threes.

4A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE BOYS PROJECTED FINISH

Picks by Columbian sports staff

UNION: State player of the year is

SKYVIEW: Storm have lofty goals to

CAMAS: Papermakers are darkhorse

BATTLE GROUND: Freshman Kaden

HERITAGE: Guard-heavy team looks to

Union knows what it takes to win, but Skyview might be a top challenger

gone, but Tyler Combs and Zach Reznik still have their shooting touch.

reach state, and well as challenging the Titans for a league title.

with a new roster that gelled quickly for new coach Ryan Josephson.

Perry has been just as impressive as the Tigers are under new coach.

build momentum off early nonleague victories.

PATRICK HAGERTY/for The Columbian

Union’s players and coaches react after defeating Richland in the state semifinals in March. That playoff pedigree, and the experience of winning high-stakes games, has Union a favorite to win its seventh straight league title.

MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Cole Grossman is one of three Skyview starters who stands 6-foot-5 or taller, making the Storm dangerous.

4 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

ake no mistake: the Union Titans have what no other 4A Greater St. Helens League team has, and that’s experience in winning league titles. If you’ve lost count, the Titans stretched their league-title streak to six on their way to reaching the Class 4A state title game in 2016-17, before falling to Kentwood. That deep playoff experience is a benefit coach Blake Conley doesn’t take for granted, as the Titans seek league-title No. 7. “One of the benefits that we have is we have guys who know what it takes to win league championships, go far in the playoffs, go to the Dome and win,” Conley said. “But we also need to make sure we’re not thinking that’s going to come easy. I don’t think I see that in our guys, which is

why we’re excited for this season.” The biggest challenger is Skyview with perhaps coach Matt Gruhler’s best team in his five seasons with the Storm. They feature length and size — a trio of players at 6-foot-5 — plus a blend of shooters and overall athleticism has Skyview in a position to make the state tournament for the first time in the school’s 21-year history. “That’s all we can think about,” junior guard Alex Schumacher said. Said Gruhler: “Our guys believe they should be competing with those guys. They have the experience with all the (league titles), but our guys are confident. They put in the offseason work.” The two teams’ first meeting is Jan. 5 at Skyview. The 4A GSHL features three new

coaches: Ryan Josephson (Camas), Ashton Clark (Heritage) and Manny Melo (Battle Ground). Josephson and Clark were assistants in their respective programs last season, while Melo returns to his alma mater after two seasons at Hockinson. Josephson, on coach Skyler Gillispie’s staff the past four years, inherits an almost-new varsity roster filled with the junior-varsity players he coached last season, but already, have picked up the varsity pace quickly. The culture has changed quickly at Battle Ground under Melo. The Tigers already are closing in on last year’s win total (six). Heritage hopes to make some surprises under Clark, who took the Timberwolves’ coaching reins weeks before the season began.

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4A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE GIRLS PROJECTED FINISH

Picks by Columbian sports staff

CAMAS: Once offensive, defensive

UNION: Titans are young, but new-

SKYVIEW: Players already adjusting

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BATTLE GROUND: New offense could

Camas looks to make it consecutive 4A GSHL championships

grooves are found, Papermakers could be a dangerous team.

comers have state tournament experience.

well to first-year coach Brett Johnson’s system.

shake things up for Tigers.

HERITAGE: Katie Peneueta and Brianna

Gould makes for fun combo to watch.

MEG WOCHNICK/The Columbian

Camas wing Jordyn Wilds looks to pass against Prairie earlier this season. The Papermakers are the defending 4A Greater St. Helens League champions, but will have to adjust lineups after losing starting post Madison Freemon to a knee injury.

L MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Union guard Mason Oberg was a first-team all-leaguer last season as a freshman for Washougal.

ast season was a first for Camas girls basketball. An outright 4A Greater St. Helens League title joined the program’s co-league championship two years earlier. Naturally, with a strong nucleus of returnees to feed off the team’s inaugural trip to the Tacoma Dome, the Papermakers have their sights to return. But it might be tougher. A season-ending knee injury to Cal State Fullerton-bound post Madison Freemon is forcing Camas to shuffle its offensive and defensive plays. Call the Papermakers a work in

progress for the rest of December, Coach Scott Preuninger said. “I don’t know personnel-wise who should be playing there that’s going to make us the strongest and best team,” he said. He’s tinkering at lineups and options, but mark his words: his Papermakers will be fine, and ready to defend its league title. Waiting to challenge Camas in the league-title race is a young, but talented Union squad. The Titans have eight underclassmen, and new additions Toryi Midland and Mason Oberg

have made an early impact. It’s an almost entirely new roster at Skyview as well at a new coach. The Storm welcome Brett Johnson, who went 58-19 from 2014-16 at Prairie. Johnson might be new to the league, but he’s done his homework. “Camas is the team I’m worried about,” he said. Battle Ground, featuring four-year varsity player Morgan Stradley, looks to make strides in Coach Lisa May’s third season, while Heritage features a strong freshman class led by Katie Peneueta, who had a triple-double in her high school debut.

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

6 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

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PAPERMAKERS

CAMAS BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 30 Prairie W, 69-61 Dec. 1 at Wilson (OR) W, 71-55 Dec. 6 Black Hills W, 59-42 Dec. 9 Kentlake W, 53-41 Dec. 12 D.Douglas (OR)W, 70-64 Dec. 13 at Col. River W, 61-56 Dec. 15 at Tigard (OR) 7 p.m. Dec. 21-23 Curtis Winter Classic in University Place Dec. 28 at Kentwood 5 p.m. Dec. 30 Mountain View 7 p.m. Jan. 3 Skyview 5:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at Heritage 5:30 p.m. Jan. 9 Union 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 B. Ground 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Skyview 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 Heritage 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Union 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at B. Ground 7 p.m.

BOYS: What’s old is new again at Camas with players, Josephson as coach

ast February, Ryan Josephson jokingly told his Camas junior-varsity roster he hoped to never coach them again. Varsity likely was their next step, leaving Josephson with a new batch of Papermakers to groom for another season. Turns out, the joke’s on him. “I have to eat those words,” he said. That’s a good thing, though, for both the Papermakers and Josephson, who also made the leap and is now Camas’ first-year head varsity coach. What’s old is new again, and by new meaning a brand-new Camas roster. Team captain Tre Carlisle and Isaiah Sampson, a second-team all-4A GSHL honoree, are the team’s returning full-time varsity players, but 2016-17: 12-10, 5-3. 3rd in 4A GSHL Josephson’s thoughts on whether his inexperienced squad was ready for varsity competition BEST STATE FINISH: 8th in 1962 ended quickly. EY LAYERS “They can definitely do that, and I think we Returning All-Leaguers in bold have stars in the bunch even though they’re Pos. Ht. Year unknowns,” he said. G Tre Carlisle 6-3 Sr. In fact, they might surprise. The JV team that went 12-4 in 2016-17 has shown major F Isaiah Sampson 6-6 Jr. growth in areas not seen previously, such G Carson Bonine 6-2 Jr. as off-season workouts and summer shootF Gabe Mukobi 6-5 Sr. arounds. F Shane Jamison 6-3 Jr. That is why Josephson likes the darkhorse G Ben Cooke 6-4 Jr. label for his Camas squad in the 4A GSHL G Kyle Allen 6-1 Sr. race. Coach: Ryan Josephson (1st year) “There’s a belief we can put something together that’s special,” he said.

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MEG WOCHNICK/The Columbian

Carson Bonine, left, is among players on last season’s successful junior varsity team who are stepping into varsity roles.

GIRLS: Papermakers re-working lineups after injury to senior post

amas will be fine, Coach Scott Preuninger says, but the Papermakers do need time. Time to figure out a lineup to best fit the loss of senior post and Cal State Fullerton commit Madison Freemon, who is lost for the season after tearing her ACL in an intersquad scrimmage Nov. 25. And figuring out the strongest offensive and defensive combinations without back-toback practices because of eight games in 15 days makes Preuninger’s job a little tougher. He’s estimating it could take two to three weeks to “figure things out.” “It’s been a scramble,” he said. So far, freshmen Faith Bergstrom and Jalena Carlisle are gaining experience earlier than expected 2016-17: 17-10, 8-0. 1st in 4A GSHL to help fill the void. Preuninger, too, will float the idea of having 6-foot sophomore Marianna Payne, a BEST STATE FINISH: Final eight in 2017 natural wing, in the 4-spot. If the reigning 4A GSHL champions want to make EY LAYERS it two straight titles and a repeat trip to the Tacoma Dome, where last year’s trip was a first in program Returning All-Leaguers in bold Pos. Ht. Year history, it’ll do it behind another competitive nonleague schedule. Camas began last season 3-6 with G Haley Hanson 5-7 Jr. its tough nonleague slate, and has already faced 3A G Jillian Webb 5-6 Sr. top-ranked Kamiakin, Prairie, and Kentlake in a G Marianna Payne 6-0 So. rematch of last year’s 4A regional game, plus Oregon P Courtney Clemmer 6-2 Sr. 6A Jesuit and Central Catholic. Bishop Blanchet, last MEG WOCHNICK/The Columbian W Jordyn Wilds 5-7 Sr. year’s 3A state runner-up, comes to Camas Dec. 19. Courtney Clemmer and coach Scott Preuninger talk during P Jalena Carlisle 5-9 Fr. Preuninger only knows that’ll make his Papermaka Camas game against Prairie earlier this season. A senior P Faith Bergstrom 6-1 Fr. ers stronger in the long run. all-league post, Clemmer will be counted on more after the “We’ll be OK,” Preuninger said. “We have a good Coach: Scott Preuninger (3rd year) Papermakers lost fellow post Madison Freemon to injury. nucleus of girls. .. they see the big picture.”

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GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Dec. 1 Dec. 5 Dec. 6 Dec. 9 Dec. 11 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 19 Dec. 21 Dec. 29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 29

Kamiakin L, 64-36 Jesuit (OR) W, 40-38 at Prairie L, 55-41 Kentlake L, 40-36 at Hockinson W, 59-43 at C. Catholic L, 54-40 at W.F. West 7 p.m. Bishop Blanchet 4 p.m. at Franklin (OR) TBD Westview (OR) 5 p.m. Skyview 7 p.m. at Heritage 7 p.m. Union 7 p.m. B. Ground 7 p.m. at Skyview 6 p.m. Heritage 5:30 p.m. at Union 5:30 p.m. at B. Ground 5:30 p.m.

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

TIGERS

BATTLE GROUND BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 Seton Catholic W, 82-35 Dec. 1 Parkrose (OR) W, 75-53 Dec. 4 Evergreen L, 76-73 Dec. 7 at Hockinson W, 74-48 Dec. 8 at Prairie L, 65-58 Dec. 11 at Mt. View W, 71-56 Dec. 13 at W.F. West L, 63-48 Dec. 15 at Madison (OR) 7 p.m. Dec. 28-30 Dulcich Memorial Tournament at Astoria, Ore. Jan. 3 Heritage 5:30 p.m. Jan. 9 Skyview 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at Camas 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 Union 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Heritage 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Skyview 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 Camas 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at Union 7 p.m.

BOYS: Culture change, fresh start has Tigers thinking big things

irst, Vincent McCormic saw it with Battle Ground’s winning 3-on-3 Hoops on the River tournament. Next, he saw it during a 10-2 fall-ball season. Not just winning, but team chemistry to boot. “I was proud of that,” the junior guard said, “coming from a team that’s semi-new together.” Chalk it up to a culture change new coach Manny Melo is instilling at his alma mater. It didn’t take long for the Tigers to adapt, and players are excited for something new. “It’s a different feel from last year,” said McCor2016-17: 6-12, 1-7. T-4th in 4A GSHL mic, a team captain. “This year, all the guys are just wanting the best for the team.” BEST STATE FINISH: Champs in 1990 As much as the players fit right in, so does Melo, a 2007 Battle Ground graduate. After two seasons EY LAYERS at Hockinson, Melo got right to work after his June Returning All-Leaguers in bold hiring and gave Battle Ground a fresh start. Pos. Ht. Year “They’ve bought into everything I’ve thrown C Kaden Perry 6-8 Fr. their way,” Melo said. Battle Ground might be young with Elijah Parker G Isaiah Cummings 5-8 Sr. G Vincent McCormic 6-0 Jr. and Isaiah Cummings as the lone seniors, but the talent isn’t lacking. Six-foot-8 freshman post Kaden F Elijah Parker 6-4 Sr. Perry already is high on league coaches’ radar, but F KeAndre Holiday 6-4 Jr. expect the scoring to be spread around. G Colin Barton 6-2 Jr. That’s something learned during the successful G Cooper Laine 6-1 So. fall-ball season that’s carried over to December. G Brendan Beall 6-0 So. “Not just one person is going to go off every game,” McCormic said. “... We find the best option.” Coach: Manny Melo (1st year)

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GIRLS: May hopes change in offense leads to turning point in her third season

isa May’s ah-ha moment came in June. The offense her Battle Ground Tigers ran for two seasons became so repetitive, players stopped looking for shots. Pass, cut, fill … forget to shoot. “The routine put them to sleep, in my opinion,” May said. Time for a tune-up. As the new-look offense goes, so goes the motto for the Battle Ground girls of “Make something happen” in May’s third season as head coach. The pivotal Year 3, May believes, is a turning point in the direction. 2016-17: 5-14, 1-7. T-4th in 4A GSHL program’s That, and compete again. “The offense we operated,” she said, “I feel BEST STATE FINISH: Champs in 1991 like we were working hard, but not competing.” EY LAYERS May said she hopes the senior class is the Returning All-Leaguers in bold Pos. Ht. Year best to come through the program in her short tenure. It’s headlined by four-year varsity G/F Brianna Adams 5-8 Jr. player Morgan Stradley, the Tigers’ returning G/F Morgan Stradley 5-9 Sr. leading scorer and a player who easily fits the C Emeline Akengue 6-0 Sr. bill of the Tigers’ team motto of trying to make P Emily Gibbs 6-0 Jr. things happen. G Brenley Billingsley 5-2 Sr. Stradley is a “beast” as May described, a P Megan Geiger 5-8 So. natural wing, but can play all five positions, if G Jennifer Westrand 5-5 So. need be. May hopes the load she’s carried by MICAH RICE/The Columbian G/F Madison Mukensnabl 5-9 So. herself won’t be the case her senior season. Morgan Stradley, left, is a four-year varsity player who led Battle Coach: Lisa May (3rd year) “This year,” she said, “we’re hoping we set Ground in scoring last season. it up so it’s not all on her shoulders.”

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8 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

MEG WOCHNICK/The Columbian

Six-foot-8 freshman Kaden Perry, front, and senior captain Elijah Parker battle for a rebound.

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 at Mt. View L, 50-43 Nov. 29 Washougal L, 57-33 Dec. 6 Tumwater W, 43-33 Dec. 7 at Hockinson L, 62-52 Dec. 8 at Prairie L, 77-44 Dec. 11 at Evergreen L, 66-57 Dec. 14 at La Center 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Hudson’s Bay 5:30 p.m. Dec. 27 Hudson’s Bay* 1:30 p.m. Dec. 28 Col. River* 1:30 p.m. Dec. 29 Evergreen* 12 p.m. Jan. 3 Heritage 7 p.m. Jan. 9 Skyview 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Camas 7 p.m. Jan. 16 Union 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at Heritage 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Skyview 6 p.m. Jan. 29 Camas 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Union 5:30 p.m. *- Hoops for Holidays, Evergreen

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STORM

SKYVIEW BOYS

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Dec. 1 at Mark Morris W, 44-43 Dec. 5 Prairie W, 57-52 Dec. 6 Lake Oswego W, 79-65 Dec. 8 at Fort Vancouver W, 67-49 Dec. 13 at Evergreen W, 78-60 Dec. 15 Columbia River 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18-22 Capitol City Classic Dec. 29 Mountain View 7 p.m. Dec. 30 Curtis 7 p.m. Jan. 3 at Camas 5:30 p.m. Jan. 5 Union 6 p.m. Jan. 9 at B.Ground 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 Heritage 6 p.m. Jan. 19 Camas 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at Union 7 p.m. Jan. 26 B.Ground 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Heritage 7 p.m.

2016-17: 14-7, 6-2. 2nd in 4A GSHL BEST STATE FINISH: Not qualified

KEY PLAYERS

Returning All-Leaguers in bold

Pos. Ht. Year G Alex Schumacher 6-2 Jr. G Jovon Sewell 6-2 Sr. F Cole Grossman 6-5 Sr. F Lowell Dunmire 6-5 Jr. F Samaad Hector 6-5 Sr. G Kyle Gruhler 6-4 So. G Squeeky Johnson 6-0 Fr. Coach: Matt Gruhler (6th year)

League games in bold

MICAH RICE/The Columbian

MEG WOCHNICK/The Columbian

Samaad Hector, left, and Cole Grossman.

Remington Riley, left, is one of three returning players.

BOYS: Storm’s lofty goals include

GIRLS: Johnson ready to set own

first-ever trip to Tacoma Dome

act: Skyview’s boys basketball team is on a mission to Tacoma. In 21 years of the school’s existence, no Skyview team has qualified for the Class 4A boys state tournament, but junior Alex Schumacher and the Storm are ready to change that. In fact, they talk about it daily. “This year is definitely our year,” Schumacher said. “Along with our chemistry and teamwork, and how good we get along, it feels right.” Said Coach Matt Gruhler: “They’re hungry.” Hungry to battle not only a deep playoff run, but be in the mix for a 4A Greater St. Helens League title, too. Skyview’s last league title was in 2010, but what separates the Storm this season is their interior game. Their frontcourt features a trio at 6-foot-5: Cole Grossman, Samaad Hector and Lowell Dunmire. Add in quickness, length, shooters, and overall athleticism, and it’s a matter of putting it all together at the right time, Gruhler said.

traditions at new-look team

rett Johnson has the best of both worlds at Skyview. His freshman son, Squeeky, is being coached by the man Johnson assisted at Hockinson, Matt Gruhler. At the same time, the timing was right to return to coaching after stepping down at Prairie in 2016. Skyview is Johnson’s second head-coaching gig. He led Prairie to a 59-18 mark in three seasons, including state quarterfinal appearances in 2015 and ’16. Forging his own path and traditions at Skyview attracted Johnson to the position. “And bring a team from the ground up,” he said. He’ll do so with a young, yet eager team ready for Johnson’s defensive-oriented, up-tempo style of pace. So far, early standouts have been the underclassmen, including the team’s two freshmen: Addie MacPherson and Maddie Hendricks. What hasn’t changed from his Prairie days, however, is Johnson’s style of play. Translation: run, run, run. “They know it’s a lot of hard work,” he said.

Dec. 1 Dec. 5 Dec. 7 Dec. 12 Dec. 15 Dec. 19 Dec. 21 Dec. 30 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 6 Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 31

Mountain View W, 67-15 at Mark Morris L, 67-59 W.F. West L, 85-58 Prairie L, 56-24 Columbia River 6 p.m. at Black Hills 7 p.m. at Clackamas (OR) 7:30 p.m. Curtis 7 p.m. at Camas 7 p.m. Union 7:30 p.m. Washougal 6 p.m. at B.Ground 7 p.m. Heritage 7:30 p.m. Camas 6 p.m. at Union 5:30 p.m. B.Ground 6 p.m. at Heritage 5:30 p.m.

2016-17: 13-9, 6-2. 2nd in 4A GSHL BEST STATE FINISH: 1st in 2012

KEY PLAYERS

Returning All-Leaguers in bold

Pos. Ht. Year W Addie MacPherson 5-10 Fr. G Remingtin Riley 5-7 Jr. G Kazee Parks 5-6 So. G Emily Norton 5-5 So. C Maddie Hendricks 5-11 Fr. G Nicole Christiansen 5-7 Sr. W Mariah Campbell 5-6 Sr.. Coach: Brett Johnson (1st year)

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

UNION BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 30 Mountain View W, 77-59 Dec. 2 Kentwood L, 57-45 Dec. 5 at Evergreen W, 86-57 Dec. 8 at Glacier Peak W, 66-57 Dec. 9 at Stanwood W, 63-57 Dec. 13 at Prairie W, 71-67 Dec. 16 Timberline 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at Fort Vancouver 7 p.m. Dec. 21 AC Davis 3 p.m. Dec. 28-30 Surf ’n Slam San Diego, Cal. Jan. 5 at Skyview 6 p.m. Jan. 9 at Camas 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 Heritage 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at B.Ground 5:30 p.m. Jan. 23 Skyview 7 p.m. Jan. 26 Camas 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Heritage 7 p.m. Jan. 31 Battle Ground 7 p.m.

TITANS

BOYS: Sharpshooting Titans have sights on state, but they know it won’t come easy

nion isn’t dwelling on the past. Yes, the Titans have to replace the 4A state player of the year in Cameron Cranston and their best defender in Keithen Shepard. But with perhaps the area’s best backcourt tandem in Zach Reznick and Tyler Combs, Union is excited about the future. “With these guys, they pass so well,” Coach Blake Conley said. “They’re so unselfish. It’s 2016-17: 21-5, 7-1. 1st in 4A GSHL kind of a cliché, but these guys BEST STATE FINISH: Champs in 2010 play the game the way it’s supposed to be played. They make the extra pass.” EY LAYERS And Union can flat out shoot. Returning All-Leaguers in bold Combs and Reznick each made Pos. Ht. Year 59 3-pointers last season. Junior G Zach Reznick 5-11 Sr. Ethan Smith might be just as G Tyler Combs 5-11 Sr. good, having scored 27 points G Ethan Smith 6-0 Jr. Dec. 5 against Evergreen. F Jason Franklin Jr. 6-4 Sr. But simply bombing away from long range won’t win titles. F Alishawuan Taylor 6-5 Jr. F Quinn Lamey 6-4 Sr. “We’re going to really have to hunker down and get after it G Dustin Nettles 6-2 Sr. defensively,” Conley said. “Our G Houston Combs 5-11 Jr. success won’t be determined F Aiden Nellor 6-5 Sr. by how well we shoot. It’s going Coach: Blake Conley (4th year) to be how well we defend and rebound.”

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AMANDA COWAN/The Columbian

Zach Reznick (10), along with Tyler Combs, is in his third year as a starter. The Titans have placed second and fourth in the state the past two years.

GIRLS: Young team, including two new additions, looks to gel quickly

espite having just two seniors, Union coach Mike Cranston doesn’t see inexperience as a liability this season. “It’s a young group, but they’re talented,” Cranston said. “They have played a lot coming up through the AAU ranks.” The Titans have a talented senior leader in post Courtney Cranston. New to the program are sophomore starting guard Mason Oberg and 6-foot-1 junior post Toryi Midland, who both started for a Washougal team that reached state last season. Oberg averaged 14.8 points per game en route to earning firstteam all-league honors as a 2016-17: 10-8, 4-4. 3rd in 4A GSHL freshman. “She’s going to have a huge BEST STATE FINISH: Regionals in 2013 impact,” Mike Cranston said. “She’s coming out of a good system with really good coachEY LAYERS ing. She’s just got to do what Returning All-Leaguers in bold Pos. Ht. Year she does.” Alexis Raymore, Mackenzie G Mason Oberg 5-5 So. Lewis and Rebekah Barney add G Mackenzie Lewis 5-10 So. depth to the backcourt. G Rebekah Barney 5-8 Sr. Defense has been a hallmark. P Toryi Midland 6-1 Jr. In starting 6-0, Union didn’t P Courtney Cranston 5-11 Sr. allow more than 48 points in any game. F Marina Morningstar 5-10 Jr. “We’ve got to really pride ourG Alexis Raymore 5-3 So. selves in being a great defenCoach: Mike Cranston (2nd year) sive team,” Mike Cranston said.

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Courtney Cranston is one of two seniors on Union’s young, talented roster.

10 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 Dec. 2 Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 19 Dec. 26 Dec. 27 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Jan. 31

at Ridgefield W, 68-25 at L. Washington W, 67-34 Hockinson W, 60-48 at Evergreen W, 60-48 at Mark Morris W, 55-47 Mountain View W, 59-34 at Prairie L, 52-27 La Center 7 p.m. Fort Vancouver 7 p.m. Lynnwood* 6 p.m. Ed.-Woodway* 7:45 p.m. at Skyview 7:30 p.m. at Camas 7 p.m. Heritage 7 p.m. at B.Ground 7 p.m. Skyview 5:30 p.m. Camas 5:30 p.m. at Heritage 5:30 p.m. B. Ground 5:30 p.m. *-Mountlake Terrace Holiday Tournament

www.columbian.com/ 10

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

TIMBERWOLVES

HERITAGE BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 30 at Evergreen L, 74-64 Dec. 1 Fort Vancouver L, 68-56 Dec. 5 Hood River (OR) W, 64-60 Dec. 8 Mountain View L, 71-64 Dec. 11 at Washougal W, 56-51 Dec. 13 Hockinson W, 64-48 Dec. 15 Seton Catholic 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Kelso 7 p.m. Dec. 20 R.A. Long 7 p.m. Dec. 28-30 Dulcich Memorial Tournament, Astoria, Ore. Jan. 3 at B. Ground 5:30 p.m. Jan. 5 Camas 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at Union 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Skyview 6 p.m. Jan. 19 B. Ground 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at Camas 7 p.m. Jan. 29 Union 7 p.m. Jan. 31 Skyview 7 p.m.

BOYS: New coach, players helping out a ‘team deal’ for Timberwolves this season

shton Clark’s head isn’t spinning as fast anymore. He’s learning on the fly to be a head varsity basketball coach after Drew Preuninger’s sudden departure weeks before the season began. It’s a lot for players to handle, and equally so for a young coach who has never had head-coaching intentions for basketball; Clark was the Timberwolves’ freshman assistant last season to simply help out at his alma mater. Now, helping out is a “team deal” this season. “We’re all helping each other out,” Clark said. Clark knows running a program wouldn’t be possible without Chaka Kee, another mainstay from last season’s staff. The varsity assistant’s extensive coaching background allows Clark to have some stress-free days and focus on other duties that come with being a head coach. 2016-17: 7-13, 1-7. T-4th in 4A GSHL While Clark’s focus is defense, Kee takes reign of the BEST STATE FINISH: Never qualified offense in the Timberwolves’ guard-heavy team. “I’ve been learning maybe just as much as the kids from Coach Kee,” Clark said. EY LAYERS Senior Sanjeet Singh, a team captain, leads a fourReturning All-Leaguers in bold guard starting lineup on a Heritage team looking to Pos. Ht. Year make a push in the 4A Greater St. Helens League F Travis VanRiper 6-6 Sr. standings. While Clark, a three-year varsity player at G Emmari Brown 5-10 Jr. Heritage from 2007-09, knows the school’s strength G Sanjeet Singh 6-0 Sr. hasn’t been in boys basketball in recent years, what G Kahai Umiamaka 5-6 Jr. people won’t question is energy and effort when watching Heritage. G Xayvier Pitre 5-10 Sr. “We want to make sure we play with a tone of G Austin Tucker 5-11 Sr. energy and give our best effort,” he said. “We felt G Michael Taras 6-1 Sr. for the most part, we’ve done that in practices and in Coach: Ashton Clark (1st year) games.”

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GIRLS: Young Timberwolves look to build around talented underclassmen

here’s young, and then there’s Heritage young. When you’re as youthful and inexperienced as the Heritage Timberwolves, small successes are big victories. Karrin Wilson already has seen those successes come in bunches from her young squad, such as chemistry and commitment. And so has a stat line she hasn’t seen in her nine seasons at Heritage: a tripledouble from one of her players. Wilson’s talking about Katie Peneueta, who in her high school debut Nov. 29 against Evergreen. The most impressive stat of her triple-double was her 17 blocks in addition to 19 points and 14 rebounds. “You forget she’s 14,” Wilson said of the 6-foot-1 freshman. 2016-17: 5-14, 1-7. T-4th in 4A GSHL Peneueta is one of a trio of freshmen, along with three sophomores, Wilson hopes to build BEST STATE FINISH: Never qualified her program around over the next few years. For now, though, it’s a building phase after the EY LAYERS graduation of 11 seniors and no current player on Returning All-Leaguers in bold the roster outside of junior Bri Gould’s one varsity Pos. Ht. Year game in 2016-17 entered this season with prior F Katie Peneueta 6-0 Fr. varsity experience. G Shelley Gracey 5-6 Sr. A challenge of such a young and inexperienced G Brianna Gould 5-8 Jr. squad is how to problem-solve on the court C Desiree Terriquez 6-0 Sr. together. F Makenna Kelly 5-8 So. And Wilson knows “every game is going to present new situations this group hasn’t experiCoach: Karrin Wilson (9th year) enced before,” she said.

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MEG WOCHNICK/The Columbian

Freshman Katie Peneueta had a triple-double in her first varsity game for Heritage. The Timberwolves graduated nearly their entire roster from last season.

12 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

MEG WOCHNICK/The Columbian

Sanjeet Singh, right, leads a four-guard lineup at Heritage.

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 29 at Evergreen L, 48-36 Dec. 1 at Fort Van. W, 32-15 Dec. 5 at Hood River (OR) L,40-39 Dec. 8 Mountain View W, 37-36 Dec. 11 Columbia River W, 36-31 Dec. 13 at Washougal L, 70-29 Dec. 15 at Hudson’s Bay 7 p.m. Dec. 18 Kelso 7 p.m. Dec. 27 Parkrose (OR)* 3 p.m. Dec. 28 Hudson’s Bay* 3 p.m. Dec. 29 Columbia River* 3 p.m. Jan. 3 at B. Ground 7 p.m. Jan. 5 Camas 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Union 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Skyview 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 B. Ground 5:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at Camas 5:30 p.m. Jan. 29 Union 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31 Skyview 5:30 p.m. *-Hoops on Holidays, Evergreen

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The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

3A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE BOYS PROJECTED FINISH

Picks by Columbian sports staff

PRAIRIE: Three starters back from

KELSO: Four starters back from 18-6

3 4

FORT VANCOUVER: Trappers return top

team that went 10-0 in league play. Falcons have sights on state. team, including first-team all-leaguers Riley Noah and Anderson Shaw. three scorers from team that finished third in league last season.

HUDSON’S BAY: Eagles are fast and

experienced. Senior-laden roster has played together for several years.

EVERGREEN: Nine players back from

MOUNTAIN VIEW: New coach brings

last year. New coach believes Plainsmen will surprise opponents.

commitment to team-building, defense after 4-16 season.

MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Dante Heitschmidt, left, is among three returning starters at Prairie looking to fill the shoes of league MVP Seth Hall.

Prairie favored to win a league where athleticism, parity are high

ANDY BUHLER/The Columbian

James Husband Jr., is a point guard and co-captain for a small but talented Fort Vancouver team.

14 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

ure, it’s a new season, but will the same story as last year play out? Coaches around the league almost unanimously think that at the end of the regular season, like last year, Prairie will be atop the league. Prairie lost its leading scorer Seth Hall, who led them to a 10-0 league record and a two-game cushion at the top. But Kyle Brooks’ Falcons have one of the league’s best players in junior guard Kameron Obsorn. What the Falcons lack in a booming post presence, they make up with a trio of reliably sharp guards. Beyond Prairie? Predictions were inconclusive. Kelso, which finished second in

league last year with an 8-2 record, returns four starters. And the rest of the pack? They are hungry teams ready to prove their worth. “Tough league,” Bay coach Theo Mikaele said, “everyone else is pretty much fighting for third or fourth, probably.” Brooks, the reigning league coach of the year, pointed out the challenges Evergreen’s lineup brought to the Falcons last season. He alluded to the Plainsmen possibly being a surprise team. “They were an extremely athletic team that had potential to blossom,” Brooks said. With a new coach, new system and

senior-laden but largely new lineup, perhaps Evergreen will surprise some. “Kelso is definitely a team that I look at and say, we’ve got to be ready for those guys,” Brooks said. Another team flying under the radar is Fort. The Trappers return their top three scorers from a team that finished third in the league. Head coach James Ensley is hoping that the Trappers’ shortcomings in size — their tallest player is 6-foot-2 — can be made up by the dynamic scoring of Johnny Green, James Husband Jr. and Jameel Morton.

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3A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE GIRLS PROJECTED FINISH

Picks by Columbian sports staff

PRAIRIE: No seniors, no problem for

KELSO: Three second-team all-league

EVERGREEN: Second-team all-league

MOUNTAIN VIEW: Returning coach of

HUDSON’S BAY: Three talented

FORT VANCOUVER: Seven seniors look

perrenial league champ Falcons.

players are back for Hilanders.

point guard Ahna Burney leads a young roster.

year Dave McIntosh has a small but fast group.

freshman look to give sluggish offense a scoring boost.

to help program turn the corner.

MEG WOCHNICK/The Columbian

With 6-foot-3 post Brooke Walling, left, Prairie looks to remain high above its peers in the 3A Greater. St. Helens League.

From Prairie on down, youth is the word across the league

ARIANE KUNZE/The Columbian

Junior point guard Ahna Burney leads a young Evergreen team that graduated four seniors from last season.

ow do you stop Brooke Walling? That’s the question 3A GSHL teams will be trying to answer this season as the 6-foot-3 post looks to have Prairie in top form again, despite losing four starters from last year’s team. But the league beyond Prairie is relatively young and unknown. “Everyone is young,” Fort Vancouver coach Arlisa Hinton said. “Mountain View is super young. Evergreen, pretty young, young in a sense that they’ve got a lot of new players.” The chorus of praise toward Prairie is extended by coaches across the league. That’s what having a DivisionI recruit and five state titles to your program’s name will earn. But the gap between the Falcons and the rest of the league, where the Falcons outscored the league by an average of 46.1 points

per game, may have shrunk. “Four of their starters left, so I really think the league is kind of up for grabs,” Evergreen coach Jeremy Starks said. “Whatever team can gel together, continue that and work hard for each other, I think it’s pretty open right now.” That’s not to say the Falcons won’t be atop the league, and poised to make a run at state. But the three schools that tied for second all field significantly different teams. Evergreen is young, as is Mountain View, while Kelso has a new coach. It’s that very reason Walling thinks the Falcons will be underestimated a bit this season. “We’re so excited with how young we are,” Walling said. “We’re going to show them what Prairie is all about.”

So, who is the most qualified to make a jump? Bay returns most of its core from a team that won two league games, and boosted its depth. Evergreen lost six players from last year’s team. Fort believes its turned the page toward winning ways. Kelso returns its three all-league selections. Mountain View boasts youth, and has reigning 3A GSHL coach of the year Dave McIntosh to guide them. “It might be kind of a cluster in the middle like it was last year,” McIntosh said. Perhaps one (or more) of the teams will surprise. “Fort is in the same boat we are, approximately, but I hear they are a lot better,” Bay coach Michael Rainville. “The other three teams? We’re going to try to jump over those three.”

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

PLAINSMEN

EVERGREEN BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 29 Heritage W, 74-64 Dec. 4 at Battle Ground W, 76-73 Dec. 5 Union L, 86-57 Dec. 9 at Black Hills L, 62-58 Dec. 13 Skyview L, 78-60 Dec. 16 King’s Way 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at Lake Oswego 6 p.m. Dec. 22 at Kennewick 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29-30 Spanaway Lake Christmas Tournament Jan. 3 Prairie 5:30 p.m. Jan. 5 Fort Vancouver 7 p.m. Jan. 9 Kelso 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at Hud. Bay 7 p.m. Jan. 16 Mtn. View 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Prairie 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at Fort Van. 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Kelso 7 p.m. Jan. 30 Hudson’s Bay 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Mtn. View 7 p.m.

BOYS: New coach preaches defense, sees progress on senior-led team

efense goes a long way. At least that’s what Evergreen coach Brett Henry is emphasizing in his first year. The Plainsmen have nine seniors, a new coach and are looking to surprise some folks this season. “Anyone that (watches) this year is going to be surprised at what they see,” Henry said. “We’re doing things we didn’t in past years. We’re moving the ball, sharing it, we’re 2016-17: 6-13, 3-7. 4th in 3A GSHL emphasizing defense.” BEST STATE FINISH: Champions in 1995 Evergreen went 3-7 in league last season. Last year’s leading EY LAYERS contributor John Hansberry Returning All-Leaguers in bold has graduated, but stepping Pos. Ht. Year in to lead will be Dwight G Dwight Jones 6-2 Jr. Jones, a 6-foot-2 junior G Jeremy Harju 6-3 Jr. guard, 6-foot-2 wing Jeremy W Zyell Griffin 6-3 So. Harju and the talented W Christian Huerta 6-0 Sr. sophomore Zyell Griffin. W Brock Schoene 6-4 Sr. Henry, whose coaching G Michael Cabrera 6-0 Sr. stops consist of Lincoln 5-10 Sr. (Ore.) and Lakeridge (Ore.), G Jerontae Burns W Carter Monda 6-3 So. said he’s watching enough Coach: Brett Henry (1st year) film to make sure no opponent surprises him.

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ANDY BUHLER/The Columbian

Zyell Griffin, a sophomore, has stepped up for a senior-laden Evergreen team.

GIRLS: Do-it-all junior guard Ahna Burney leads young Plainsmen

f the many ways he could have described his team, one word came to mind for Evergreen coach Jeremy Starks. “We’re fighters,” he said. The Plainsmen sport a young roster after losing six players from a team that went 6-4 in league and finished tied for second last season. Their roster, which contains four seniors, is led by do-it-all junior guard Ahna Burney. Burney was named to the team all-league list as a 2016-17: 9-10, 6-4. T-2nd in 3A GSHL second sophomore. “She definitely has that skillBEST STATE FINISH: First round 1989 set,” Starks said. “We’re trying to get all girls to become EY LAYERS leaders.” Returning All-Leaguers in bold Junior point guard KeyonPos. Ht. Year nah Kirkland, who missed last G Ahna Burney 5-8 Jr. season recovering from spinal G Arianna Mendiola 5-0 Sr. surgery, has been tasked with W JaVonne Williams 5-7 Sr. a bigger role this season. W Grace Bauer 5-7 Jr. “I really want to see what she does,” Starks said. “How W Alanna Jackson 5-7 Sr much she can actually handle, P Amani Edmondson 5-10 Sr. we want to bring her along, P Dakota Piovesan 6-0 Jr. ARIANE KUNZE/The Columbian she can be a major contribuG Keyonnah Kirkland 5-2 Jr. Evergreen’s Ahna Burney, here facing Washougal, scored a season-high 35 points tor, especially when league Coach: Jeremy Starks (2nd year) Dec. 5 against Union. starts.”

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16 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 27 at Washougal L, 75-33 Nov. 29 Heritage W, 48-36 Dec. 5 Union L, 60-48 Dec. 11 Battle Ground W, 66-57 Dec. 22 at Kennewick 4:45 p.m. Dec. 27 Columbia River* 12 p.m. Dec. 28 Parkrose (OR)* 12 p.m. Dec. 29 Battle Ground* 12 p.m. Jan. 3 Prairie 7 p.m. Jan. 5 at Fort Van. 7 p.m. Jan. 9 Kelso 7 p.m. Jan. 12 Hud. Bay 7 p.m. Jan. 16 Mountain View 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at Prairie 5:30 p.m. Jan. 23 Fort Vancouver 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Kelso 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Hud. Bay 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Mt. View 5:30 p.m. *-Hoops for the Holidays, at Evergreen

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TRAPPERS

FORT VANCOUVER BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 30 Mark Morris L, 57-47 Dec. 1 at Heritage W, 68-56 Dec. 6 at La Center W, 85-70 Dec. 8 Skyview L, 67-49 Dec. 12 at Parkrose (OR) 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at R.A. Long 7 p.m. Dec. 19 Union 7 p.m. Dec. 29-30 Spanaway Lake Christmas Tournament Jan. 3 Mountain View 7 p.m. Jan. 5 at Evergreen 7 p.m. Jan. 9 Prairie 7 p.m. Jan. 12 Kelso 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Hud. Bay 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Mtn. View 7 p.m. Jan. 23 Evergreen 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Prairie 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at Kelso 7 p.m. Feb. 2 Hudson’s Bay 7 p.m.

BOYS: With top three scorers back, ‘savvy’ Fort looks to sneak up on top teams

hings are looking up for the Trappers. For a team that finished third with a record of 6-4 last season, that’s saying something. Fort Vancouver returns its top three scorers from that team, and “a lot of basketball savvy,” as head coach James Ensley puts it. So where is a reasonable prediction for the Trappers in league? “No comment,” Ensley said. “We’re under the radar, and we like being there.” Last season the Trappers swept everyone in the league except Prairie and Kelso — they were 2016-17: 14-8, 6-4. 4rd in 3A GSHL swept by both. This season, Fort doesn’t have a player above 6-foot-2, but Ensley is confident BEST STATE FINISH: Champions in 1938 with the talent level. “I’ve got three kids that can play with anybody EY LAYERS in the area,” Ensley said. Returning All-Leaguers in bold The talent comes in similar forms. Pos. Ht. Year Jameel Morton, a 6-foot guard, returns after earning first team all-league last season, as does G James Husband Jr. 5-8 Jr. G Jameel Morton 6-0 Sr. Johnny Green, a 6-foot-2 guard who was second F Johnny Green 6-2 Sr. team all-league. Green left a Dec. 8 game on F Josh Johnson 6-2 Sr. crutches after suffering an ankle injury. But G Travis Huffman 6-0 Jr. Ensley said he’s expected to be back for league play. F Myron Lawrence 5-9 Jr. The Trappers will have to learn how to play G Tyrique Cargile 5-10 So. undersized. G Dakota Jones 5-8 Sr. “We’re undersized and we have to find ways to Coach: James Ensley (4th year) counter that,” Ensley said.

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ANDY BUHLER/The Columbian

Jameel Morton, left, is a senior co-captain and leading scorer for a small but quick Fort Vancouver team.

GIRLS: Seven seniors have Trappers looking to turn the tide

ort Vancouver wants to right the ship. The Trappers finished 0-10 in league last season, and haven’t won a league game since the 2012-13 season. But head coach Arlisa Hinton feels like, in her fifth year, the program is starting to turn a corner. “I think we’re finally ready to compete,” Hinton said. “Their mindsets are a little different. All the kids in the program now are totally bought in.” This season Fort will be anchored by its seven seniors, five of whom play featured roles last season. The Trap2016-17: 1-16, 0-10. 6th in 3A GSHL pers will seek key contributions from 6-foot junior BEST STATE FINISH: Fifth in 1987, 82 Trinity Stegall, the team’s defensive pillar. EY LAYERS The Trappers will look to Returning All-Leaguers in bold senior guard Nini Salavea Pos. Ht. Year for the bulk of its scoring. “Nini is going to be our G Nini Salavea 5-7 Sr. key player, no if, ands or G Karinna Aguas 5-6 Sr. buts about it,” Hinton said. G Ruby Urbina-Vega 5-3 Sr. Fort Vancouver suffered F Jessica Wright 5-9 Sr. a blow when sophomore G Jaykayla Jackson 5-6 Sr. forward Kayla Hola was G Qi-Ara Williams 5-10 Sr. lost for the season to a ANDY BUHLER/The Columbian Coach: Arlisa Hinton (5th year) knee injury. Senior Nini Salavea will be counted on to do much of the scoring for Fort Vancouver.

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GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Dec. 1 Heritage L, 32-15 Dec. 5 at R.A. Long L, 53-19 Dec. 7 at Mark Morris L, 59-26 Dec. 9 Southridge L, 54-20 Dec. 11 Mossyrock L, 59-26 Dec. 14 Woodland 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at King’s Way 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at Union 7 p.m. Dec. 27-28 Warrior Hoop Tourney, Rochester Jan. 3 at Mtn. View 7 p.m. Jan. 5 Evergreen 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at Prairie 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Kelso 7 p.m. Jan. 16 Hudson’s Bay 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at Mtn. View 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at Evergreen 7 p.m. Jan. 26 Prairie 7 p.m. Jan. 30 Kelso 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Hud. Bay 7 p.m.

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

EAGLES

HUDSON’S BAY BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 R.A. Long W, 70-39 Dec. 1 at Stevenson W, 79-60 Dec. 2 at Seton Catholic W, 69-53 Dec. 8 at Washougal L, 67-64 Dec. 11 Hockinson W, 59-48 Dec. 13 King’s Way W, 66-63 Dec. 18 Battle Ground 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 Southridge* 4:30 p.m. Dec. 29 W. Valley (Yak)* 1:30 p.m. Jan. 3 Kelso 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at Prairie 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at Mtn. View 7 p.m. Jan. 12 Evergreen 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 Fort Van. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Kelso 7 p.m. Jan. 23 Prairie 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 Mtn. View 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Evergreen 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Fort Van. 7 p.m. *-Sundome Shootout, Yakima

BOYS: This season’s senior class has been on coach’s radar for years

he Eagles are no longer waiting in the wings. During Theo Mikaele’s first year as head coach of the Hudson’s Bay basketball program, the team went 0-20. The lone bright spot in an otherwise forgettable season? Mikaele’s freshman team went 14-6. That group now makes up the majority of Bay’s roster. The team no longer has second team all-league selection Quentin Raynor, but they have nine seniors, and Mikaele has long 2016-17: 5-14, 2-8. 5th in 3A GSHL known the group’s potential. “I always knew,” he said. BEST STATE FINISH: Champions in 1964 “We’re taking baby steps.” Much of Bay’s speedy lineEY LAYERS up was a part of the school’s football team that capped an Returning All-Leaguers in bold accomplished season with a Pos. Ht. Year berth to the state tournament G Quadrese Teague 5-6 Sr. this fall. G Marcus Cadiz 5-10 Sr. Mikaele is hoping the team F Elijah Hoover 6-1 Jr. can build off that momentum, F Eric Ryapolov 5-9 Sr. which saw the Eagles made F Zachary Ross 6-5 Sr. the state football playoffs for F Travion Weiss 6-4 Jr. the first time since 2001. “We’re small, but we’re G Demareya Gipson 5-7 Sr. really fast,” Mikaele said. F Myles Artis 6-2 Sr. “We’re going to try to use our Coach: Theo Mikaele (4th year) speed.”

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ANDY BUHLER/The Columbian

From going 0-20 his first season, coach Theo Mikaele has overseen steady improvement at Hudson’s Bay. This year’s team is likely the best in his four years.

GIRLS: Three talented freshmen bring depth, potential to Eagles

udson’s Bay had a tough time scoring more than 25 points last season. But this year, things are looking up, according to coach Michael Rainville. Bay will look for contributions from three key freshmen. “We’ve struggled for a few years,” said Rainville, who is in his second year. “But I’m really encouraged what I’ve seen so far.” Point guard Jaydia Martin, forward Kamelai Powell and center Stacia Mikaele have been pleasant surprises for the Eagles, who went 2-18 last season. Martin is a 5-foot-10 point guard. 2016-17: 2-18, 2-8. 5th in 3A GSHL Rainville praised Mikaele, daughter of Bay boys coach Theo Mikaele, for her BEST STATE FINISH: Q’finals in 2007 high basketball IQ. “They have a lot of potential,” he EY LAYERS said. “They come with a lot of skills Returning All-Leaguers in bold Pos. Ht. Year for freshmen. They’ll be the backbone of our program for the next few G Gabriella Garcia 5-3 Jr. years.” G Lousei Mikaele 5-5 Sr. Around its freshmen, Bay boasts G Jaydia Martin 5-10 Fr. depth. Where there can be a drop-off C Stacia Mikaele 5-11 Fr. in talent as a team goes deeper into its F Kamelai Powell 5-10 Fr. bench, Rainville sees depth as a key F Abbie Marcum 5-9 Sr. strength. F Shelby DeLong 5-9 Jr. “We’ve got 11 players we can put on ANDY BUHLER/The Columbian the court any time,” Rainville said. “We G Kim Nguyen 5-6 Sr. Kamelai Powell is one of three freshmen who have given a spark of don’t have anyone who is just taking up Coach: Michael Rainville (2nd year) optimism to Hudson’s Bay. space.”

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18 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 Dec. 2 Dec. 8 Dec. 14 Dec. 15 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 2

at Woodland L, 78-36 at Stevenson W, 49-48 at Seton Cath. W, 61-42 Stevenson 7 p.m. Heritage 7:30 p.m. at Rochester 7 p.m. Battle Ground* 5:30 p.m. Heritage* 3 p.m. Parkrose (OR)* 1:30 p.m. at Kelso 7 p.m. Prairie 7 p.m. Mountain View 7 p.m. at Evergreen 7 p.m. at Fort Van. 7 p.m. Kelso 7 p.m. at Prairie 7 p.m. at Mtn. View 7 p.m. Evergreen 7 p.m. Fort Vancouver 7 p.m. *-Hoops for the Holidays, at Evergreen

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THUNDER

MOUNTAIN VIEW BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 9 Dec. 11 Dec. 16 Dec. 21 Dec. 29 Dec. 30 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 2

Washougal W, 77-72 at Union L, 77-59 at Col. River L, 73-41 at Heritage W, 71-64 Semiahmoo (BC) L, 73-70 Battle Ground L, 71-56 at Stevenson 7 p.m. at Summit (OR) 5 p.m. at Skyview 7 p.m. at Camas 7 p.m. at Fort Van. 7 p.m. at Kelso 5:30 p.m. Hudson’s Bay 7 p.m. Prairie 5:30 p.m. at Evergreen 5:30 p.m. at Fort Van. 7 p.m. Kelso 7 p.m. at Hud. Bay 7:30 p.m. at Prairie 7 p.m. Evergreen 7 p.m.

BOYS: New coach JC Alexander has a versatile squad that prides itself on defense

C Alexander might be in his first season as Mountain View head coach, but he’s not in it alone. “We’ve got great leadership from our upperclassmen,” Alexander said. “They’re really buying in. We’re preaching a lot of team, a lot of family, a lot of concepts that football and other sports do.” After going 4-16 last season, 2016-17: 4-16, 1-9. 6th in 3A GSHL Mountain View won two of its first four games. BEST STATE FINISH: Third in 1986 The Thunder can score in different ways. Alex Hegel, a EY LAYERS strong and nimble 6-foot-3 post, Returning All-Leaguers in bold had 22 points in a season-openPos. Ht. Year ing win over Washougal. Alex G Alex Bailey 6-2 Sr. Bailey, a 6-foot-2 guard, had 25 G Jordan Cook 6-0 Jr. points Nov. 30 against 4A state G Makai Anderson 6-3 Jr. runner-up Union. Alexander hopes his team C Alex Hegel 6-3 Sr. creates havoc on defense. F Will Prescott 6-1 Sr. “I’m a defensive-minded F Sam Frosch 6-2 Jr. coach,” he said. “That’s what G Philip Earnhardt 6-0 Jr. we’re priding ourselves on. In G Trevor Green 6-1 Sr. high school basketball, if you G Rodolfo Montiel 6-0 Jr. can apply pressure you can usuCoach: JC Alexander (1st year) ally cause some turnovers and make something happen.”

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Six-foot-2 guard Alex Bailey can score from inside and out for Mountain View.

GIRLS: Small, young and fast, Thunder hope to sneak up on opponents

ountain View knows what it’s working with. The Thunder are small, young and fast. And like last year, they want to sneak up on the rest of the league. But gone are their three all-league selections from last season. Five players — two upperclassmen — return from last year’s team. And there is not a player taller than 5-foot-9. What does second year head coach Dave McIntosh see in this team? “We’re hoping we could sneak up some teams like we did last year,” 2016-17: 10-13, 6-4. T-2nd in 3A GSHL on McIntosh said. To do so it will turn to sophomore BEST STATE FINISH: Second in 1995 Dejah Wilson and senior Olivia Hood, the 5-foot-8 guard who is commitEY LAYERS ted to play lacrosse at Arizona State. Returning All-Leaguers in bold Additionally, McIntosh said freshman Pos. Ht. Year Lauren DeLargy has made an early G Dejah Wilson 5-9 So. impact. They will need to replace the G Arielle Pinzone 5-4 So. production from departed first team G Jocelyn Sampson 5-4 So. all-league selections Mollie Doyle and W Olivia Hood 5-8 Sr. Katie Hurst along with second team W Lauren DeLargy 5-8 Fr. all-league choice Eva Winscheimer. W Jenna Carlson 5-8 So. The Thunder finished tied for W Lauren Coop 5-9 Fr. second in the league last season after W Gillian Murphy 5-7 Jr. posting a 6-4 record against the 3A ANDY BUHLER/The Columbian Coach: Dave McIntosh (2nd year) GSHL, which led to McIntosh being Olivia Hood (30) is one of two returning upperclassmen on Mountain View. named the league coach of the year.

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GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 Nov. 30 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Dec. 15 Dec. 19 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 2

Battle Ground W, 50-43 Ridgefield L, 54-49 at Skyview L, 67-15 at Col. River L, 45-37 at Heritage L, 37-36 at Union L, 59-34 at Washougal 7 p.m. Capital 7 p.m. Hockinson 7 p.m. at N. Thurston 3 p.m. Fort Vancouver 7 p.m. at Kelso 7 p.m. at Hudson’s Bay 7 p.m. Prairie 7 p.m. at Evergreen 7 p.m. Fort Vancouver 7 p.m. Kelso 5:30 p.m. Hudsons Bay 7 p.m. at Prairie 5:30 p.m. Evergreen 5:30 p.m.

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

FALCONS

PRAIRIE BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 30 at Camas L, 69-61 Dec. 2 Franklin L, 79-69 Dec. 5 at Skyview L, 57-52 Dec. 8 Battle Ground W, 65-58 Dec. 11 Parkrose (OR) W, 78-53 Dec. 13 Union L, 71-67 Dec. 15 at Woodland 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at Washougal 7 p.m. Dec. 28 Port Angeles* 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 Kamiakin* 4:30 p.m. Jan. 3 at Evergreen 5:30 p.m. Jan. 5 Hudson’s Bay 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at Fort Van. 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Mtn. View 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Kelso 5:30 p.m. Jan. 19 Evergreen 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at Hud. Bay 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 Fort Van. 7 p.m. Jan. 30 Mountain View 7 p.m. Feb. 2 Kelso 7 p.m. * Sundome Shootout in Yakima

BOYS: With solid core of returners, Falcons aim to get beyond bi-district playoffs

ow do you replace a league MVP? Prairie thinks it has a pretty good answer to filling the large shoes of Seth Hall, who averaged 17 points a game as a senior. With a solid core of returners, the Falcons have a goal of getting beyond the bi-district playoffs, where last season ended. “You want to play your best basketball in February,” coach Kyle Brooks said. “We had a few little injuries and we quit doing the things we did to get there.” Prairie returns three starters including all-league point guard 2016-17: 19-4, 10-0. 1st in 3A GSHL Kam Osborn and all-league BEST STATE FINISH: Sixth in ’97, ’01, ’03 forward Braiden Broadbent. Senior shooting guard Dante EY LAYERS Heitschmidt is an outside Returning All-Leaguers in bold threat. Pos. Ht. Year The Falcons plan to push the 6-0 Jr. tempo. Expect Osborn to attack PG Kam Osborn SG Dante Heitschmidt 6-3 Sr. defenses off the dribble. F Braiden Broadbent 6-5 Sr. “When Kam gets to the rim, that means easy threes for me F Logan Reed 6-4 Sr. and Dante,” Broadbent said. C Matthew Kogler 6-7 Sr. Brooks is eager to see which F Kaleb Locke 6-4 Sr. young players step into roles. G AJ Dixson 6-0 So. “We have a good core of G Bronson King 6-2 Jr. sophomores,” Brooks said. Coach: Kyle Brooks (22nd year) “We’re going to figure out where they’re going to fit.”

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GIRLS: Despite having no seniors, talent and standards remain high as usual

or most teams, making the state tournament would be a successful season. Prairie isn’t most teams. The Falcons have standards befitting a five-time state champion. So seeing their season end in the regional round of the state tournament stuck with Prairie’s players during the offseason. “We definitely have a bitter feeling about last year’s finish,” 2016-17: 20-5, 10-0. 1st in 3A GSHL said Brooke Walling. Walling, a 6-foot-3 junior BEST STATE FINISH: Champs in ’93, ’94, post, is the reigning All-Region ’98, ’99, ’03, ’12 player of the year. She leads a team that has no seniors. EY LAYERS But that doesn’t mean Prairie Returning All-Leaguers in bold is inexperienced. Cassidy Pos. Ht. Year Gardiner, a 5-foot-8 guard/forward, was first-team all-league G Allison Corral 5-4 So. as a sophomore. Junior MalG/F Cassidy Gardiner 5-8 Jr. lory Williams and sophomore G Sydney Weber 5-5 Jr. Allison Corral were key players F Mallory Williams 5-10 Jr. last year. P Brooke Walling 6-3 Jr. “We’re excited with how P Lauren Vreeken 6-1 Jr. young we are,” Walling said. F Haley Reed 5-10 So. “People are probably going to F Meri Dunford 5-7 So. underestimate us. We’re going NATALIE BEHRING/For The Columbian to show them what Prairie is all Coach: Hala Corral (2nd year) Cassidy Gardiner was first-team all-league last season as a sophomore. about.”

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20 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Kam Osborn, center, is a point guard who breaks down defenses by beating defenders off the dribble, then passing to open shooters.

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Dec. 4 at Tumwater W, 70-22 Dec. 6 Camas W, 55-41 Dec. 8 Battle Ground W, 77-44 Dec. 11 at Skyview W, 56-24 Dec. 13 Union W, 52-27 Dec. 28-30 West Coast Jamboree, Oakland-area (Cal.) Jan. 3 at Evergreen 7 p.m. Jan. 5 at Hudson’s Bay 7 p.m. Jan. 6 W.F. West 7 p.m. Jan. 9 Fort Vancouver 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Mtn. View 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Kelso 7 p.m. Jan. 19 Evergreen 5:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Rogers (Puy.) 5 p.m. Jan. 23 Hudson’s Bay 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Fort Van. 7 p.m. Jan. 30 Mtn. View 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2 Kelso 5 p.m.

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2A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE BOYS PROJECTED FINISH

Picks by Columbian sports staff

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

MARK MORRIS: When you’ve won title 17 years in a row, you’re the favorite.

COLUMBIA RIVER: Big scorer in Jacob

Hjort leads a team that’s big in height.

WOODLAND: Beavers have athleticism, so expect them to push the pace.

RIDGEFIELD: Spudders will play fast, press in order to generate offense

WASHOUGAL: Moses McEwen and

Carter Murray are a strong tandem.

R.A. LONG: Top four scorers from last year graduated. Who will step up ?

HOCKINSON: 4-16 last year, Hawks aim

to tap spirit of football team’s title run

MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Woodland’s versatile junior Alex Bishop, left.

Is this the season someone ends 17-year reign of Mark Morris?

nytime in the past 17 years, someone could have predicted the Mark Morris boys basketball team would not win the Class 2A Greater St. Helens League. Each time, that person would have been wrong. Mark Morris has won at least of share of the league title the past 17 seasons. Down years aren’t a thing at the Longview school. Despite graduating league co-MVP Will Burghardt, this season looks no different. The Monarchs return three starters, including twin seniors Tyler and Garrett Berger. Tyler, a 6-foot-5 forward, was second on the team in scoring last season at 14.7 points per game. Garrett was third on the team at 12.3 points per game. Mark Morris is unlikely to take a step back, but that doesn’t mean others aren’t ready to step up to the kings. Chief among them is Columbia River. The Chieftains are led by one of the area’s best players in senior guard Jacob Hjort (18 points per game). With three starters 6-foot-5 or taller, River won’t be pushed around. “We’re optimistic that we’re going to be one of the top two teams,” River coach David Long said. “Morris is always good and hard to beat, but the kids are excited. They should be excited with the opportunity they have in front of them.” Most 2A GSHL coaches share Long’s view that Mark Morris and Columbia River are the two favorites. The race for the league’s other two postseason berths, however, will be intense and leave the rest of the league no margin for error. That includes two rounds of league games before the Christmas break. “It’s not a league where you can ease your way into January and get your lickings in before you get there,” Ridgefield coach Jason Buffum said. “If someone upsets somebody, it could really change the dynamic for the rest of us. I think River and Morris separate themselves early, but everyone else is playing for something every night.”

The Daily News (Longview)

Mark Morris senior Tyler Berger, left, and twin brother Garrett Berger each averaged double figures in scoring last season. Having graduated its top two scorers, Ridgefield will need its next class to step up this season. It’s a similar case at R.A. Long, where the Lumberjacks graduated the top four scorers from a team that went 7-5, tying for third. Woodland is also looking to replace its top two scorers, including league co-MVP Bryce Mulder. But Palmer Dinehart, Tyler Flangan and Wyatt Harsh are entering their third season of playing on together. Alex Bishop, a 6-foot-3 forward, can score from inside and out.

Washougal is much improved, thanks to the emergence of Moses McEwen. The 6-foot-5 senior, who has 3-point range, played junior varsity last season in part due to transfering from another district. Hockinson has a new coach in Jon Warner, a former Prairie standout who spent the past five seasons there as an assistant coach. The Hawks are off to a late start because many key players were part of the state championship football team. But that fact alone points to the athleticism the team possesses.

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

2A GREATER ST. HELENS LEAGUE GIRLS PROJECTED FINISH

Picks by Columbian sports staff

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

MARK MORRIS: Ten seniors, including Madison Mosier, make for a big year.

WASHOUGAL: Bea can dominate, but Panthers need others to step up.

WOODLAND: Strong frontcourt play,

defense, experience is recipe for wins.

HOCKINSON: Wangler, Russell talented leaders for otherwise young Hawks.

COLUMBIA RIVER: Just two seniors, but plenty of potential.

R.A. LONG: Should be much improved

behind all-league guard Eastyn Reeves. ARIANE KUNZE/The Columbian

RIDGEFIELD: Spudders seek stability after lots of roster turnover.

Beyonce Bea, the reigning 2A Greater St. Helens League MVP, hopes to lead Washougal to its third straight state berth.

Washougal has star power, but Mark Morris, others will contend

MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Hockinson point guard Payton Wangler averaged just one turnover while playing 28 minutes a game last season.

22 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

here’s little argument that the 2A Greater St. Helens League’s best player can be found at Washougal. But where will the league’s best team will ultimately reside? Beyonce Bea, a 6-foot-1 forward, was the 2A GSHL player of the year last season as a sophomore. She averaged 17.4 points per game while leading Washougal to a league championship and a second consecutive state berth. But it’s a different look at Washougal this season. First-team all-league guard Mason Oberg and starting forward Toryi Midland are now at Union. The Panthers also have a new coach in Britney Knotts. And even if last year’s team was still intact, Washougal would face a stiff challenge for the league crown from Mark Morris. The Monarchs have 10 seniors, including first-team all-leaguers in

Madison Mosier and Libby Bartleson. Alexis Troy, a second-team all-leaguer, gives Mark Morris three players who averaged scoring in double figures last season. Woodland could also influence the league title race. The Beavers only graduated one senior from a team that went 13-10 and handed Washougal its only league loss. “We don’t have a Beyonce Bea or Madison Mosier, but we have a bunch of kids who play hard and like to play for each other,” Woodland coach Glen Flanagan said. Hockinson also feels it has a chance to get in the mix for a league title. The Hawks have four-year varsity starter at point guard in Payton Wangler. She averaged a team-high 13.7 points last season and just one turnover per game. Senior shooting guard Grace Russell also averaged in double fig-

ures. At 6-foot, she is a tough matchup on the perimeter for any team. Hockinson has adopted the motto Hawk Havoc, which it hopes to wreak on the league this season. “Being the optimistic guy that I am, I believe we can compete for a league title this year,” Hockinson coach Damon Roche said. “This is the best team chemistry I’ve ever had. We’ve got a lot of speed. We’re going to create havoc. Columbia River has a new coach and just two seniors, but the Chieftains have several young versatile players that could develop into a strong core for the program. R.A. Long should be better than last year’s team that went 4-15. The Lumberjacks return several players, including first-team all-league guard Eastyn Reeves. Ridgefield is young and rebuilding, but has good spirit.

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The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

COLUMBIA RIVER BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 29 at Tumwater W, 63-54 Dec. 4 Mountain View W, 73-41 Dec. 8 at Black Hills W, 53-34 Dec. 13 Camas L, 61-56 Dec. 15 at Skyview 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Ridgefield 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at R.A. Long 7 p.m. Dec. 27-29 Lake City Invite (Idaho) Jan. 4 Woodland 7 p.m. Jan. 6 Mark Morris 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at Hockinson 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 Washougal 7 p.m. Jan. 19 Ridgefield 7 p.m. Jan. 23 R.A. Long 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at Mark Morris 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at Woodland 7 p.m. Jan. 30 Hockinson 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Washougal 7 p.m.

CHIEFTAINS

BOYS: Strong supporting cast takes pressure off high-scoring guard Jacob Hjort

alentwise, Jacob Hjort stands above most other players in Southwest Washington. But that doesn’t mean he stands alone at Columbia River. A strong supporting cast surrounds Hjort, a Western Oregon commit who is on pace to finish as the school’s No. 2 all-time scorer. He averaged 18 points per game last season. Few teams can stand taller that the Chieftains as a whole. The smallest starter is 6-foot-2. Three starters are 6-foot-5 or 2016-17: 15-10, 7-5. T-3rd in 2A GSHL taller. BEST STATE FINISH: 2nd in 2009 “The biggest difference this year is that now everyone can EY LAYERS score,” coach David Long said. Returning All-Leaguers in bold “That takes so much pressure Pos. Ht. Year off Jacob.” G Jacob Hjort 6-3 Sr. Nasseen Gutierrez, a 6-foot-6 forward, scored 23 points Dec. G Caden Dezort 6-2 Jr. 4 against Mountain View. Jack F Nasseen Gutierrez 6-6 Sr. Armstrong and Evan Dirksen, F Jack Armstrong 6-5 Jr. both 6-foot-5 juniors, bring more F Evan Dirksen 6-5 Jr. size to the frontcourt. G Nate Snook 5-11 So. “That will be really nice G David Anderson 6-2 Sr. because Jacob can really pass,” F Skyler Grote 6-4 Sr. Long said. “He just needs Coach: David Long (25th year) people who can finish when he throws it to them.”

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GIRLS: Being a good teammate more important than wins, losses for new coach

t the end of an early-season practice, the Columbia River players and coaches held hands in a large circle. New coach Will Jones didn’t speak about X’s and O’s. Instead, he focused on teamwork and being there for each other. “We’re not focused on records,” he later said. “We’re focused on being great teammates. Off the court, it’s making sure we’re picking up trash and that we’re good in the classroom. We want to be the best teammates we can to the school.” 2016-17: 11-12, 6-6. 4th in 2A GSHL On the court, that concept of teamwork involves making BEST STATE FINISH: 5th in 1976 the good pass and putting forth extra effort for rebounds. EY LAYERS Jones takes over a young Returning All-Leaguers in bold team that has just two seniors, Pos. Ht. Year but lots of potential. G Erin Baker 5-6 Jr. Junior guard Erin Baker is a G Jordan Ryan 6-0 So. threat from outside. She hit six 3-pointers in an early-season W Liz Canton 5-9 Jr. win over Seton Catholic. W Giovanna Rhoads 5-11 Jr. Jordan Ryan, who was a P Katie Kolbe 5-11 Sr. freshman on varsity last seaG Sydney Flores-Tucker 5-6 So. son, is a six-foot guard who can G Ellie Furth 5-5 Sr. play many positions. P Ellie Christian 5-11 So. Katie Kolbe, Ellie Furth and Coach: Will Jones (1st year) Liz Canton also bring varsity experience.

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Jordan Ryan was the lone freshman on varsity last season for Columbia River. The six-foot guard is a versatile player for the Chieftains, who have just two seniors.

24 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Jacob Hjort is on pace to finish his career as the No. 2 all-time scorer at Columbia River. The guard has committed to Western Oregon.

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 La Center L, 47-20 Dec. 4 Mountain View W, 45-37 Dec. 7 at Seton Cath. W, 71-25 Dec. 11 at Heritage L, 36-31 Dec. 15 at Skyview 6 p.m. Dec. 18 Ridgefield 7 p.m. Dec. 20 R.A. Long 7 p.m. Dec. 27 Evergreen* 12 p.m. Dec. 28 Battle Ground* 1:30 p.m. Dec. 29 Heritage* 3 p.m. Jan. 3 at Mark Morris 7 p.m. Jan. 5 at Woodland 7 p.m. Jan. 9 Hockinson 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Washougal 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at Ridgefield 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at R.A. Long 7 p.m. Jan. 24 Mark Morris 7 p.m. Jan. 26 Woodland 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Hockinson 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 Washougal 7 p.m. *-Hoops for Holidays at Evergreen

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HOCKINSON BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Dec. 7 B. Ground L, 74-48 Dec. 11 at Hud. Bay L, 59-48 Dec. 13 at Heritage L, 64-48 Dec. 15 at La Center 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at Woodland 7 p.m. Dec. 21 Fort Vancouver7:30 p.m. Dec. 28-30 Dulcich Memorial Tournament at Astoria, Ore. Jan. 2 Washougal 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at Ridgefield 7 p.m. Jan. 8 Columbia River 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 Mark Morris 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 R.A. Long 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 Woodland 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at Washougal 7 p.m. Jan. 27 Ridgefield 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Col. River 7 p.m. Feb 2 at Mark Morris 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at R.A. Long 7 p.m.

HAWKS

BOYS: Three starters played football, so Hawks want to tap championship spirit

irst-year coach Jon Warner doesn’t have to look far to find a championship mentality at Hockinson. Three of his starters were members of the Hockinson football team, which won the Class 2A state championship earlier this month. While the football team’s title run prevented Warner from having his full roster until Dec. 4, he hopes that gridiron success carries over to the hardwood. “There’s a culture of winning 2016-17: 4-16, 1-11. 7th in 2A GSHL there that we hope translates BEST STATE FINISH: 7th in 2006 into our basketball team as well,” Warner said. “The blueEY LAYERS print is there. We just have to Returning All-Leaguers in bold follow it.” Pos. Ht. Year Sophomores Peyton BramG Micah Paulsen 6-0 So. mer and Sawyer Racanelli both have the strength, mobil- G Peyton Brammer 6-4 So. ity and hands befitting their F Sawyer Racanelli 6-3 So. wide-receiver position in footF Mason Panfiglio 6-4 Jr. ball. Canon Racanelli brings F Cameron Venema 6-2 So. a quarterback’s leadership G Canon Racanelli 6-1 Sr. presence. F KJ Haden 6-4 So. “I hope to see that we’re G Caleb Newman 6-3 Jr. relentlessly attacking on both ends of the floor,” Warner said. Coach: Jon Warner (1st year) “We want to play fast.”

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Peyton Brammer, a honorable-mention all-league selection last season as a freshman, is among Hockinson’s football state champions.

GIRLS: Seniors Payton Wangler, Grace Russell look to leave a legacy

race Russell doesn’t mind putting the rest of the 2A Greater St. Helens League on notice. “I think they’re going to overlook us,” the senior said. “We’re going to take people by surprise.” Between Russell and four-year starter Payton Wangler, the Hawks have one of the top backcourt tandems in the league. Both averaged double-figures in scoring last season. Both will leave a legacy at Hockinson. Wangler entered 2016-17: 10-10, 5-7. 5th in 2A GSHL the season needing 303 points to become the school’s first BEST STATE FINISH: Q’finals in 2009 1,000-point scorer. Russell entered the season EY LAYERS needing five blocks to become Returning All-Leaguers in bold Hockinson’s career leader. Pos. Ht. Year “They’re quiet, but they’re G Payton Wangler 5-8 Sr. just monsters on the court,” coach Damon Roche said. G Grace Russell 6-0 Sr. Roche said this season will G Emma Dietel 5-8 Jr. hinge on how Wangler and RusF Adyson Dyer 5-8 Jr. sell elevate three sophomores F Lillie Mueller 6-0 Fr. and four freshmen who will see G Meggie Kistler 5-8 Fr. significant playing time. F Ellie Kistler 6-4 Fr. Wangler embraces that role. G Mackie Kelly 5-6 Fr. “I just trust the play, trust our Coach: Damon Roche (5th year) coaches and trust each other,” she said.

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Hockinson’s Grace Russell was second-team all-league despite missing several games due to injury. “We’re going to be really ahtletic and fast,” the senior said.

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Dec. 4 at Union L, 60-48 Dec. 7 Battle Ground W, 62-52 Dec. 11 Camas L, 59-43 Dec. 18 Woodland 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 Mountain View 7 p.m. Dec. 27-30 Surf ’n Slam Tournament, San Diego Jan. 3 Washougal 7 p.m. Jan. 5 Ridgefield 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at Col. River 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Mark Morris 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at R.A. Long 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at Woodland 7 p.m. Jan. 24 Washougal 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Ridgefield 7 p.m. Jan. 29 Col. River 7:30 p.m. Feb 1 Mark Morris 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 R.A. Long 7:30 p.m.

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

26 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

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PANTHERS

WASHOUGAL BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 27 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 12 Dec. 15 Dec. 19 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Jan. 2 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 25 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 6

at Mt. View L, 77-72 King’s Way W, 73-72 St. Francis W, 57-47 at La Center L, 70-63 Hudson’s Bay W, 67-64 Heritage L, 56-51 at Stevenson W, 82-73 at Centralia 7 p.m. R.A. Long 7 p.m. Ridgefield 7 p.m. Prairie 7 p.m. at Hockinson 7:30 p.m. at Mark Morris 7 p.m. at Col. River 7 p.m. Woodland 7 p.m. at R.A. Long 7 p.m. at Ridgefield 7 p.m. Hockinson 7 p.m. Mark Morris 7 p.m. Columbia River 7 p.m. at Woodland 7 p.m.

BOYS: New coach takes over program that is showing plenty of potential

t’s a fresh start Washougal, one that new coach AJ Labree is excited about. Labree, an assistant the past two seasons at Union, was the head coach at Sehome for eight years. In 2015, he guided the Mariners to fourth place at the Class 2A state tournament. Labree has the pedigree to see the potential in a program that went 4-16 last season. “They’re going to fight hard,” Labree said. “They want to be 2016-17: 4-16, 2-10. 6th in 2A GSHL coached. They want to hustle. They want to learn how to win.” BEST STATE FINISH: 4th in 1992 Washougal has a scoring EY LAYERS threat in Moses McEwen, a Returning All-Leaguers in bold 6-foot-5 forward who can handle Pos. Ht. Year the ball and hit 3-pointers. He G Carter Murray 5-10 Jr. has scored in double-figures each game this season. G Alex Orr 5-10 Jr. Carter Murray is a junior F Moses McEwen 6-5 Sr. point guard who scored 24 F Tanner Coltrane 6-3 Sr. points in the season-opener. F Troy Prince-Butterfield 6-2 Jr. “I trust him as much as I trust F Nick Oakes 6-4 Sr. anybody to make good deciF Ryan Bausch 6-3 Sr. sions,” Labree said. G Carson Adams 6-3 Sr. With five seniors 6-foot-3 or taller, the Panthers have experi- Coach: AJ Labree (1st year) ence and size.

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Moses McEwen is a 6-foot-5 forward who can handle the ball and hit threes.

GIRLS: Bea can dominate, but others expected to step up when defenses clamp down

ny assesment of the Washougal girls basketball team starts with Beyonce Bea. The 6-foot junior forward is one of the area’s top players. She is the reigning 2A Greater St. Helens League MVP after averaging 17.4 points per game and leading Washougal to its second straight state tournament berth. But whether Washougal can repeat as league champions will depend not just on Bea, but her supporting cast. 2016-17: 17-8, 11-1. 1st in 2A GSHL Opposing defenses will focus on Bea, meaning opportunities BEST STATE FINISH: 4th in 2016 for teammates to step up. “If a team can shut her EY LAYERS down, I have other players who Returning All-Leaguers in bold can step up, but I expect (big Pos. Ht. Year things) from her every game,” G Maggie Hungerford 5-7 Sr. coach Britney Knotts said. G Ashley Gibbons 5-5 Jr. It’s a much different supF Beyonce Bea 6-0 Jr. porting cast for Bea. Mason Oberg and Toryi Midland, both F McKinley Stotts 5-11 So. all-league starters, are now at F Skylar Bea 5-9 Fr. Union. It will be up to players C Emilee Smart 5-11 Sr. such as Maggie Hungerford, G Grace Graham 5-8 Sr. McKinley Stotts, Ashley GibF Tiana Barnett 5-8 Jr. bons and Skylar Bea to step up Coach: Britney Knotts (1st year) when defenses clamp down on Washougal’s star.

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ARIANE KUNZE/The Columbian

Beyonce Bea was the 2A Greater St. Helens League MVP as a sophomore.

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 27 Evergreen W, 75-33 Nov. 29 at B. Ground W, 57-33 Dec. 4 at Black Hills L, 45-37 Dec. 5 at La Center L, 70-63 Dec. 8 Centralia L, 28-27 Dec. 11 at La Center L, 49-33 Dec. 13 Heritage W, 70-29 Dec. 15 Mountain View 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at R.A. Long 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Ridgefield 7 p.m. Jan. 3 Hockinson 7 p.m. Jan. 6 at Skyview 7 p.m. Jan. 9 Mark Morris 7 p.m. Jan. 12 Columbia River 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Woodland 7 p.m. Jan. 18 R.A. Long 7 p.m. Jan. 22 Ridgefield 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at Hockinson 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Mark Morris 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at Col. River 7 p.m. Feb. 5 Woodland 7 p.m.

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

SPUDDERS

RIDGEFIELD BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 Adna L, 47-42 Dec. 5 at Centralia W, 52-49 Dec. 6 Flinders Col. W 57-36 Dec. 8 at Aberdeen W, 44-43 Dec. 12 La Center W, 56-55 Dec. 18 Columbia River 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at Washougal 7 p.m. Dec. 27-30 Surf ’n Slam, San Diego Jan. 4 Hockinson 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at Woodland 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at R.A. Long 7 p.m. Jan. 15 Mountlake Ter.* 1:30 p.m. Jan. 17 Mark Morris 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at Col. River 7 p.m. Jan. 23 Washougal 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at Hockinson 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 Woodland 7 p.m. Feb. 2 R.A. Long 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at Mark Morris 7 p.m. *-at Lower Columbia College

BOYS: Spudders take on new roles to replace top scorers who graduated

very team must replace players who graduate, but that challenge is especially relevant for Ridgefield this season. “I think we lost about 70 percent of our offense,” coach Jason Buffum said. “There are some guys that are having to take on some new roles.” With the graduation of leading scorers Travis Gottsch and Louden Wardius, Ridgefield needs players to pick up the scoring load. Tim Radosevich, a three2016-17: 10-10, 6-6. 5th in 2A GSHL year starter at point guard, will BEST STATE FINISH: 3rd in 1981 shoulder more of the scoring load. But it will be a balanced EY LAYERS effort. Matt Gama, Kellen Returning All-Leaguers in bold Bringhurst, Kade Ramey and Pos. Ht. Year Cameron Short have all scored G Tim Radosevich 5-10 Sr. in double figures this season. Defense remains Ridgefield’s G Cameron Short 6-0 Sr. top priority. G Matt Gama 6-1 Jr. “Everywhere I’ve gone, F Kade Ramey 6-3 Sr. what’s what we’ve hung our hat F Joe Lindbo 6-2 Jr. on,” Buffum said. “But we’ve got F Wyatt Layman 6-4 Sr. to find a way to get some more F Daniel Tudor 6-1 Sr. baskets. Whether that’s playing a little faster or pressing, taking G Kellen Bringhurst 6-1 Jr. Coach: Jason Buffum (2nd year) MICAH RICE/The Columbian quicker shots or getting offenRidgefield forward Kade Ramey, right, spent the offseason getting stronger sive rebounds, we’ll see.”

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GIRLS: Once again young, Ridgefield rebuilding around trio of returners

he “R-word” is back at Ridgefield. Spudders coach Tom Klutz was in that mode last season, when his team had two seniors and eight sophomores. But in part because of club-sport committments, only three players are back this season. “We’re going to be young again,” Klutz said. “We’ve got that Rword going, rebuild mode.” Thankfully for Ridgefield, the three returning players are 2016-17: 7-13, 2-10. 6th in 2A GSHL both talented and good leaders. Kylie Greenwald was a team BEST STATE FINISH: 4th in 1978 captain and the leading scorer on last year’s team with 9.6 EY LAYERS points per game. Returning All-Leaguers in bold Karli Oliver is a six-foot Pos. Ht. Year forward who scored in double G Devi Dugan 5-5 Jr. figures in two of Ridgefield’s first three games. Devi Dugan, G Kylie Greenwald 5-7 Jr. a guard, returns after averging F Madalyn Chapman 5-8 Jr. 7.1 points last year. F Karli Oliver 6-0 Jr. Without a true post player, F Haley Olchowy 5-7 Jr. Ridgefield plans to push the G Grace Goode 5-6 Fr. tempo this season. F Emma Thulin 5-8 So. “Sure, our basketball is going G Courtney Beyer 5-6 Fr. to be a little down talentwise,” Coach: Tom Klutz (3rd year) Klutz said. “But what I can’t replace is them getting along.”

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Six-foot junior Karli Oliver is one of three returners this season for Ridgefield.

28 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 Union L, 68-12 Nov. 30 at Mt. View W, 54-49 Dec. 5 at Kelso L, 44-12 Dec. 6 Flinders Col. L, 52-41 Dec. 14 at Centralia 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Col. River 7 p.m. Dec. 20 Washougal 7 p.m. Dec. 28-30 Dulcich Memorial Tournament, Astoria, Ore. Jan. 5 at Hockinson 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 Woodland 7 p.m. Jan. 12 R.A. Long 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Mark Morris 7 p.m. Jan. 18 Columbia River 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at Washougal 7 p.m. Jan. 26 Hockinson 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Woodland 7 p.m. Feb. 1 R.A. Long 7 p.m. Feb. 5 Mark Morris 7 p.m.

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BEAVERS

WOODLAND BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Dec. 1 Dec. 5 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 19 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 23 Jan. 25 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 6

La Center W, 78-60 at Castle Rock W, 64-45 at Elma W, 73-25 W.F. West L, 68-45 Kalama W, 59-40 at Rochester 7 p.m. Prairie 7 p.m. Hockinson 7 p.m. at Mark Morris 7 p.m. at King’s Way 7 p.m. R.A. Long 7 p.m. at Col. River 7 p.m. Ridgefield 7 p.m. at Washougal 7 p.m. at Hockinson 7 p.m. Mark Morris 7 p.m. at R.A. Long 7 p.m. Columbia River 7 p.m. at Ridgefield 7 p.m. Washougal 7 p.m.

BOYS: Palmer Dinehart and his teammates ready to push the pace

his fall, Woodland coach Andrew Johnson suggested to Palmer Dinehart that the 6-foot-7 senior run a few miles a week to get his cardio up. So Dinehart joined the cross country team. He finished every workout and competed in every meet. Dinehart entered this season 25 pounds lighter and in the best shape of his life. It showed in Woodland’s opener, when he scored 27 points against La Center. One of two seniors on the 2016-17: 15-7, 9-3. 2nd in 2A GSHL team, Dinehart helps Woodland fill the shoes of graduated BEST STATE FINISH: 2nd in 1984 Bryce Mulder, last season’s 2A EY LAYERS GSHL co-MVP. Returning All-Leaguers in bold Alex Bishop, Tyler Flanagan and Wyatt Harsh bring athPos. Ht. Year leticism that lets the Beavers G Wyatt Harsh 6-1 Sr. push the tempo on offense and G Tyler Flanagan 6-0 Jr. defense. Sophomores Isaiah G Isaiah Flanagan 6-1 So. Flanagan and Trey Hanson also F Alex Bishop 6-3 Jr. should see significant action. C Palmer Dinehart 6-7 Sr. “We are young but talented,” F Trey Hanson 5-11 So. Johnson said. “I know at times G Tommy Lewellen 6-0 Jr. we’ll make bad decisions that F Gabe Garfield 6-3 So. young teams make, but that is the only way you learn and grow Coach: Andrew Johnson (2nd year) as a player and as a team.”

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Palmer Dinehart does a dribbling drill in practice. The senior center is in the best shape on his life after joining the cross country team this fall.

GIRLS: ‘Fun’ team has a solid frontcourt trio, good basketball intelligence

len Flanagan knew early he would enjoy coaching this year’s Woodland team. It was the second day of practice, to be exact. “We were like wow, we’re doing things we weren’t doing until week three or four last year,” Flanagan said. “It’s a really positive group and a really intelligent group. They hustle all over.” Woodland has just two seniors — McKenna Flanagan and Dana Glovick. But sophomores Payten Foster and Nicole Guthrie 2016-17: 13-10, 7-5. 3rd in 2A GSHL have become key members of a frontcourt that has generated BEST STATE FINISH: 4th in 2001 most of Woodland offense in the early season. EY LAYERS Guthrie, Foster and Glovick Returning All-Leaguers in bold combined for 56 points in a Pos. Ht. Year win over Castle Rock. The trio G McKenna Flanagan 5-6 Sr. tallied 51 in a win over Hudson’s G Kaily Christensen 5-4 So. Bay. F Dana Glovick 5-9 Sr. McKenna Flanagan is the team’s best defender and will F Payten Foster 5-9 So. usually be tasked with containF Nicole Guthrie 6-0 So. ing the top opposing guard. G Kelly Sweyer 5-4 So. “Our focus is just to get betG Kaija Olson 5-6 So. ter every day,” Glen Flanagan G Emersyn Finn 5-5 Fr. said. “This is a fun group and Coach: Glen Flanagan (21st year) they love each other. It’s fun to coach them.

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Senior captain Dana Glovick, pictured, along with Nicole Guthrie and Payten Foster, is a key member of Woodland’s reliable frontcourt.

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 Hudson’s Bay W, 78-36 Nov. 30 at La Center L, 56-46 Dec. 4 Kalama W, 58-16 Dec. 6 Castle Rock W, 82-20 Dec. 12 at Rochester W, 49-29 Dec. 18 at Hockinson 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 Mark Morris 7 p.m. Dec. 21 Cle Elum* 3 p.m. Dec. 22 Asotin* 12 p.m. Jan. 3 R.A. Long 7 p.m. Jan. 5 Columbia River 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at Ridgefield 7 p.m. Jan. 16 Washougal 7 p.m. Jan. 18 Hockinson 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at Mark Morris 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at R.A. Long 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Col. River 7 p.m. Jan. 29 Ridgefield 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at Washougal 7 p.m. *- Central Washington Tourney

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

1A TRICO LEAGUE BOYS PROJECTED FINISH

Picks by Columbian sports staff

LA CENTER: The Wildcats return one

KING’S WAY CHRISTIAN: Knights are

SETON CATHOLIC: Isaiah Parker is one

STEVENSON: Junior-laden Bulldogs led

COLUMBIA - WHITE SALMON: Eight

CASTLE ROCK: Young team looks to set

of the best backcourt tandems in the area, regardless of classification.

young but talented. They won’t use inexperience as an excuse.

of league’s top guards. Henry Demsky and Matthew Kent can also score.

by do-it-all swing player Isaac Hoidal.

seniors and new coach aim to get Bruins on right track.

new foundation after going 2-17 last season.

MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Brady Metz (31) of King’s Way Christian.

30 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

Riding high after placing 4th in state, La Center is Trico’s team to beat

ome teams would rather sneak up on their opponents. The La Center boys basketball team did that at the end of last season, which saw the Wildcats surge to fourth place in state after placing third in the district tournament. This season, La Center knows it won’t take anybody by surprise. The Wildcats are embracing the role of being the team everyone wants to beat. “There are teams who are going to spend a little more time gameplanning for these guys,” La Center coach Jeremy Ecklund said. “It’s a nice feeling and these guys like that, for sure.” Led by the retuning backcourt tandem of Hunter Ecklund and Avery Seter, La Center knows it has a target on its back. “We have the feeling that everyone wants to compete against us,” Hunter Ecklund said. “We’ve just got to do our best each game.” With a Trico League record of 32-2 over the past three seasons, King’s Way Christian has sat upon the Trico throne in recent years. The Knights have a young squad, meaning coach Daven Harmeling also points to La Center as being the favorite this season. “Seeing the job coach Ecklund has done and the guard play they have, I definitely view them as being in the driver’s seat,” Harmeling said. “They’re a very tough defensive team and have multiple guys who can make shots.” Four of the Trico League’s six teams will advance to the district tournament Feb. 9-17 in Kelso. It’s expected to be a dogfight for those seeds, with every game being significant. After going 12-9 last season, Stevenson has a junior-laden lineup led by Isaac Hoidal. The 6-foot-3 junior is a returning first-team all-leaguer who had 32 points and 11 rebounds Dec. 5 against Goldendale. Lincoln Krog also brings quickness and scoring ability to the backcourt. Seton Catholic also returns a first-team all-leaguer in junior guard Isaiah Parker. Along with returning starters Henry Demsky and Matthew

TJ MULLINAX/for The Columbian

Avery Seter (12) is among six players back from last year’s La Center team that placed fourth in state. The Wildcats embrace the role of Trico League favorite. Kent, the Cougars have three reliable scorers. Returning second-team all-leaguer Bryce Desarmo is one of two seniors on Castle Rock. The 6-foot-2 swing player, along with senior captain Parker Patching, hopes to help the Rockets rebound after going 2-17 last season. Senior guard William Gross leads a Columbia-White Salmon team that has eight seniors. The Bruins have a

new coach in Evan Wiley after winning a combined seven games over the past two seasons. While the Trico League figures to be competitive top to bottom, the title chase points to La Center and a King’s Way team that has reigned for the past three seasons. “Until someone knocks off La Center or King’s Way, they’re the teams to beat,” Seton Catholic coach Phil Kent said.

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1A TRICO LEAGUE GIRLS PROJECTED FINISH

Picks by Columbian sports staff

LA CENTER: The Wildcats return all five

KING’S WAY CHRISTIAN: Defense wins,

STEVENSON: Balanced Bulldogs have

SETON CATHOLIC: Cougars are young

CASTLE ROCK: Two leading scorers are

COLUMBIA - WHITE SALMON: Bruins

starters from team that outscored Trico foes by average of 72-28.

and the Knights have the depth to run opponents ragged.

four players who can score in double figures on any given night.

but have a talented leader in point guard Jasmine Morgan.

back for experienced team looking to bounce back from 5-13 season.

bring nearly everyone back, but are seeking a proven scorer.

NATALIE BEHRING/for The Columbian

La Center senior guard Molly Edwards (10) was among five Wildcats to earn all-league honors last season. All are back.

La Center is clear pick to win, but Trico is wide open after that

MICAH RICE/The Columbian

King’s Way Christian’s new coach Randy Graves.

his much is sure — La Center is the undeniable favorite to win the Class 1A Trico League. After all, the Wildcats return all five starters from a team that outscored league opponents by an average of 72-28 last season. One of those is returning league MVP Taylor Stephens, who averaged 20.6 points per game. Below La Center, things get interesting. “La Center is going to be dominant,” Seton Catholic coach Will Ephraim said. “For the rest of the league, it’s wide open.” Seton Catholic finished second last season at 7-3, but most of that team graduated. All-league sophomore point guard Jasmine Morgan is back,

but the rest of the lineup lacks varsity experience. “Potential-wise, I see us as a No. 2 or No. 3,” Ephraim said. “But how we get there is another story. We have a long way to go.” King’s Way Christian can make a case as a contender for the No. 2 seed. The Knights lost leading scorer MacKenzie Ellertson, but gained three key players who attended other schools last season. “We’re actually going to have a little bit of depth,” Knights coach Randy Graves said. “I think we’ll go eight or nine deep.” That depth will help King’s Way play a pressure defense coached by Brook Trang, a former Prairie player

in the 1990s. Stevenson has a balanced roster with multiple players who can score. Kennedy O’Mahoney is a senior leader who was second-team allleague last season. Sophomore guard Katie Rathgeber averaged 8.1 points in league play last season, but has broken double figures in every game this season. Castle Rock went 5-13 last year with just one senior. The Rockets return their two leading scorers in Nakayla Ehrhorn (16.7 points per game) and Megan Keeling (8.5 ppg). Columbia-White Salmon went 5-11, but return all but two players from last year’s team. The entire roster consists of seniors and juniors.

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

KNIGHTS

KING’S WAY BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Dec. 1 at Washougal L, 73-72 Dec. 5 Tenino W, 59-44 Dec. 8 at Seattle Chr. L, 60-53 Dec. 9 at Olympic L, 67-37 Dec. 13 at H. Bay L, 66-63 Dec. 16 at Evergreen 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at Elma 5:30 p.m. Dec. 22 Woodland 7 p.m. Dec. 28 Cashmere* 3 p.m. Dec. 29 Lakewood* 1:30 p.m. Jan. 3 at Seton Catholic 7 p.m. Jan. 5 La Center 7 p.m. Jan. 9 White Salmon 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Stevenson 7 p.m. Jan. 16 Castle Rock 7 p.m. Jan. 18 Seton Catholic 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at La Center 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at Wh. Salmon 7 p.m. Jan. 30 Stevenson 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Castle Rock 7 p.m. *- Sundome Shootout, Yakima

BOYS: Knights have just one returner, but won’t use inexperience as an excuse

ing’s Way Christian has just one returner from last season. The Knights also have just one senior. But that doesn’t mean coach Daven Harmeling will accept any “rebuilding year” excuses. “It doesn’t matter how many guys we lost or how young we are,” Harmeling said. “That will never be an OK excuse for anything that happens.” The standards are high at King’s Way, which has won the 2016-17: 15-11, 9-1. 1st in 1A Trico Trico League and reached the BEST STATE FINISH: Fourth in 2015 state tournament three years in a row. EY LAYERS This season, twin juniors Returning All-Leaguers in bold Khalfani and Kefentse Cason Ht. Year have stepped into key backcourt Pos. G Khalfani Cason 5-10 Jr. roles this season. Behind the Casons is a group G Kefentse Cason 5-8 Jr. of talented underclassmen. G Brady Metz 5-10 So. Sophomore guard Brady Metz F Bryce Dodge 6-2 Fr. scored 22 points in the season F Justin Frahm 6-0 So. opener against Washougal. F Nate Snider 6-1 Sr. Sophomore forward Justin F Kemper Shrock 6-4 So. Frahm added 17. 6-0 So. Nate Snider is the team’s only G Gage Koenders Coach: Daven Harmeling (5th year) senior. Gage Koenders is the lone returner from last year.

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

A young King’s Way Christian team is looking to juniors such as Kefentse Cason (15) and his brother Khalfani Cason to step into key roles this season.

GIRLS: King’s Way won’t be outworked, deeper roster will help team achieve that

in or lose, King’s Way Christian first-year coach Randy Graves wants his team to make an impression. “We will not get outworked,” Graves said. “When people play King’s Way, they are going to know they are in for a battle. Whether we win by 40 or lose by 40, they will say those girls played clean, they played hard and they played tough.” With 15 players, King’s Way has a deeper roster than last year’s 10-player lineup that had nine underclassmen. 2016-17: 8-11, 4-6. 3rd in 1A Trico Junior forward Hannah Moats is a returning second-team allBEST STATE FINISH: Never qualified leaguer. She’s the new anchor of a team that lost leading scorer EY LAYERS MacKenzie Ellertson to a club Returning All-Leaguers in bold soccer commitment. Pos. Ht. Year Tyra Schroeder, a junior in her G Tyra Schroeder 5-7 Jr. first year at King’s Way, takes G Kira Zook 5-9 Jr. over at point guard. Junior twins Kira and Lacey Zook are new F Hannah Moats 5-8 Jr. arrivals who have bolstered the P Zoe Feldman 5-9 Jr. team. P Lacey Zook 5-9 Jr. King’s Way has a goal of G Abby Cummins 5-8 Fr. reaching its first state tournaF Gigi Conway 5-8 So. ment. Its warmup shirts read G Amber Kolb 5-7 Jr. “188,” the distance in miles MICAH RICE/The Columbian Coach: Randy Graves (1st year) from King’s Way to the Yakima King’s Way Christian junior Hannah Moats is a returning second-team all-leaguer. Sundome.

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32 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 15 Dec. 19 Dec. 21 Dec. 29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 18 Jan. 23 Jan. 25 Jan. 30 Feb. 2

Tenino W, 45-33 Damascus Chr. W, 49-31 at Kennedy (OR) W, 51-39 at Kalama W, 52-20 Fort Vancouver 7 p.m. at Elma 7 p.m. Kalama 7 p.m. Bellingham* 2:15 p.m. at Seton C. 5:30 p.m. at La Center 7 p.m. Wh. Salmon 5:30 p.m. Stevenson 7 p.m. Hoquiam 7 p.m. Castle Rock 5:30 p.m. Seton Cath. 5:30 p.m. at La Center 7 p.m. at W. Salmon 5:30 p.m. at Stevenson 7 p.m. at Castle Rock 5:45 p.m. *- Crush in the Slush, Port Townsend

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WILDCATS

LA CENTER BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Dec. 1 at Woodland L, 78-60 Dec. 5 Washougal W, 70-63 Dec. 6 at Fort. Van. L, 85-70 Dec. 12 at Ridgefield L, 56-55 Dec. 15 Hockinson 7 p.m. Dec. 19 Morton-WPass 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Toutle Lake 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at Napavine 7 p.m. Dec. 27 Granger* 4:45 p.m. Dec. 28 Lynden Christian* 7 p.m. Jan. 3 Stevenson 7 p.m. Jan. 5 at King’s Way 7 p.m. Jan 9 Castle Rock 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Wh. Salmon 7 p.m. Jan. 16 Seton Catholic 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at Stevenson 7 p.m. Jan. 23 King’s Way 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at Castle Rock 7 p.m. Jan. 30 White Salmon 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Seton Catholic 7 p.m. *-Lynden Christian Tournament

BOYS: Wildcats still riding momentum of winning first state trophy since 1997

a Center didn’t want last season to be over. Not after a postseason run that saw the Wildcats finish in fourth place, the program’s first state trophy since winning back-to-back titles in 1996 and ’97. “As soon as the season was over, they were already back in the gym ready to start working on things,” coach Jeremy Ecklund said. “They were excited. They just wanted to keep going.” Six players are back from last year, including the starting backcourt tandem of Hunter Ecklund and Avery Seter. Both were all2016-17: 19-6, 7-1. 2nd in 1A Trico league, including first-team honBEST STATE FINISH: 1st in 1996, 1997 ors as a freshman for Ecklund. “I’ve been mostly working on EY LAYERS my speed and quickness,” Hunter Returning All-Leaguers in bold Ecklund said. “I know we can get Ht. Year the same as last year, so we’re try- Pos. ing to exceed what we did.” G Hunter Ecklund 5-11 So. The Wildcats will have to G Avery Seter 6-0 Jr. replace Trico League MVP Jake F Matt Bryant 6-3 Jr. Wise. But two seniors, 6-foot-7 F Saige Keep 6-0 Sr. Wyatt Siebert and 6-foot-5 Jack C Wyatt Siebert 6-7 Sr. Hiller, bring physicality and size C Jack Hiller 6-5 Sr. to the frontcourt. G Colby Shaw 6-0 Jr. “We tell (Hiller) to run F Mason Weaver 6-2 Sr. T.J. MULLINAX/For The Columbian through a wall and he will, Coach: Jeremy Ecklund (3rd year) Hunter Ecklund was first-team all-league as a freshman. This year, the guard “Jeremy Ecklund said. “Usually hopes to lead La Center back to the state tournament. he is the brick wall.”

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GIRLS: With every starter back, La Center wants to rise to occasion in state playoffs

or all the success that came with a 23-3 record, last season ended on a down note for La Center. The Wildcats entered the regional round of the state tournament undefeated and hoping to win a state championship. They left Yakima with no trophy, having lost three of their last four games. All five starters are back from that team. They’re determined to rise to the occasion this season. “Last year we played really well in league,” junior guard Taylor 2016-17: 23-3, 10-0. 1st in 1A Trico Stephens said. “But at state we had a mental lapse. It was a huge BEST STATE FINISH: 6th in 2004 learning experience.” Stephens is the reigning Trico EY LAYERS League MVP after averaging 20.6 Returning All-Leaguers in bold points a game. She joins seniors Pos. Ht. Year Bethany Whitten. Molly EdG Bethany Whitten 5-2 Sr. wards, Whitley Seter and Taylor G Taylor Stephens 6-1 Jr. Mills in the starting five, who all earned all-league honors. G Molly Edwards 5-6 Sr. “You can’t be a star without five P Whitley Seter 5-8 Sr. points,” Stephens said. “Those P Taylor Mills 6-2 Sr. five points are us on the floor.” G Alyssa McKnight 5-2 Sr. The team’s identity this year? F Natasha Lewis 5-7 So. “Steals and go,” Whitten said. 5-6 Sr. MICAH RICE/The Columbian G Molly Edwards “It’s all about tenacity on defense. Coach: Herm VanWeerdhuizen (12th Our offense comes from our Taylor Stephens was last season’s Trico League MVP as a sophomore. This year, she leads a La Center team that returns every starter from a team that went 23-3. year) defense.”

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GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 at Col. River W, 47-20 Nov. 30 Woodland W, 56-46 Dec. 5 at Toutle Lake W, 76-17 Dec. 8 at Kelso W, 61-48 Dec. 11 Washougal W, 49-33 Dec. 14 Battle Ground 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Union 7 p.m. Dec. 27 Meridian* 1:30 p.m. Dec. 28 Snohomish* 3:45 p.m. Jan. 3 at Stevenson 7 p.m. Jan. 5 King’s Way 7 p.m. Jan 9 at Castle Rock 7 p.m. Jan. 11 White Salmon 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Seton Cath. 7 p.m. Jan. 19 Stevenson 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at King’s Way 7 p.m. Jan. 26 Castle Rock 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at Wh. Salmon 7 p.m. Feb. 2 Seton Catholic 7 p.m *-Lynden Christian Tournament

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

COUGARS

SETON CATHOLIC BOYS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 28 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 15 Dec. 19 Dec. 21 Dec. 27 Dec. 30 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 12 Jan. 16 Jan. 18 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 25 Jan. 30 Feb. 2

at B. Ground L, 82-35 Adna L, 81-54 Elma W, 70-34 W. Sydney W, 77-74, OT at Heritage 7 p.m. at Kings 7 p.m. at Scappoose 7 p.m. at Tri-Cities Prep 7 p.m. at A. Murphy 5:30 p.m. King’s Way 7 p.m. at Wh. Salmon 7 p.m. Stevenson 7 p.m. at Castle Rock 7 p.m. at La Center 7 p.m. at King’s Way 7 p.m. Montesano 7 p.m. White Salmon 7 p.m. at Stevenson 7 p.m. Castle Rock 7 p.m. La Center 7 p.m.

BOYS: Cougars look to make impact by playing to their strengths

hen Phil Kent looks back on last season, one factor often made the difference whether his Seton Catholic team succeeded or fell short. “If you look back at the games we lost last season, we lost because we weren’t playing in the way that’s best for us,” Kent said. “We need to be us.” What is Seton Catholic this season? The Cougars aren’t the biggest size-wise, but a trio of returning starters make for a 2016-17: 6-10, 3-7. 4th in 1A Trico dangerous small-ball team. BEST STATE FINISH: Not qualified Isaiah Parker, a junior, is a returning first-team all-league EY LAYERS guard. Henry Demsky and MatReturning All-Leaguers in bold thew Kent are seniors who can Pos. Ht. Year also be counted on to score. G/F Henry Demsky 6-0 Sr. Seton lost forward Delano Morgan before the season to a G Isaiah Parker 5-11 Jr. broken leg. New arrival Malik G Matthew Kent 5-11 Sr. Williams helps fill that void. F Malik Williams 6-2 Jr. The Cougars scheduled G Luke Pitzer 5-8 So. tough early-season opponents F Zack Cowger 6-0 So. in Class 4A Battle Ground and F Andrew Olson 6-2 Sr. Adna, one of the state’s top 2B F Hayden Miller 6-0 Jr. schools. With lessons learned Coach: Phil Kent (2nd year) from those losses, Seton bounced back to rout Elma.

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Isaiah Parker, left, was first-team all-league as a sophomore. The point guard and returners Henry Demsky and Matthew Kent give Seton Catholic a scoring punch.

GIRLS: Jasmine Morgan leads a young but athletic Seton Catholic squad

f course his team would like to win every game. But with a young team that returns just one starter, Seton Catholic coach Will Ephraim’s focus isn’t just on wins and losses. “It’s all about the experience,” Ephraim said. “I want the girls to have fun, but also I want them to learn how to compete.” Seton Catholic is coming off its best season in the program’s seven years. Ephraim credited that to last year’s veteran group learning how to play together. He hopes to build that same 2016-17: 11-6, 7-3. 2nd in 1A Trico foundation with this season’s young squad. BEST STATE FINISH: Not qualified “We’re more athletic than last year, but young and inexperiEY LAYERS enced,” he said. “By the time Returning All-Leaguers in bold the league season starts, I want Pos. Ht. Year that athleticism to show.” PG Jasmine Morgan 5-9 So. With fewer tall players, the G Michaela Ephraim 5-4 So. Cougars will play less zone G Tui Chetekwe 5-5 So. defense and more press more. F Claire Kirn 5-7 Jr. “Last year, we kept it tight P Cheyenne Badger 5-9 Sr. and made the other team beat us from the outside,” Ephraim G Haley Vick 5-1 So. said. G Emma Watkins 5-0 So. Seton’s lone returning starter F Aislynn Hogan 5-11 Jr. is sophomore point guard Coach: Will Ephraim (2nd year) Jasmine Morgan, a first-team all-leaguer last year.

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MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Seton Catholic point guard Jasmine Morgan earned first-team all-league honors as a freshman. She is the lone returning starter for the Cougars.

34 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

League games in bold Nov. 29 Dec. 2 Dec. 6 Dec. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 Dec. 19 Dec. 27 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 11 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 18 Jan. 23 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 2

at Estacada L, 44-15 Adna L, 59-32 Col. Adventist W, 50-47 Col. River L, 71-25 Hudson’s Bay L, 61-42 at Tenino L, 50-26 at Scappoose 7 p.m. at Tri-Cities Prep 7 p.m. King’s Way 5:30 p.m. Wh. Salmon 7 p.m. at Stevenson 7 p.m. Castle Rock 7 p.m. Tenino 7 p.m. La Center 7 p.m. at King’s Way 5:30 p.m. at Wh.Salmon 7 p.m. Stevenson 7 p.m. at Castle Rock 7 p.m. at La Center 7 p.m.

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1B COLUMBIA VALLEY LEAGUE BOYS

GIRLS

EAGLES

FIRM FOUNDATION KEY PLAYERS C Andrew Rommel 6-3 Sr. F Daniel Kogler 6-5 Jr. F August Helmes 6-1 Jr. G Trayton Maunu 5-10 Sr. F Kaden Richter 6-1 Jr. G Colton Close 5-6 Jr. F Mike Olson 5-11 Sr. Coach: John Stevens (3rd year)

2018 SCHEDULE League games in bold

Jan. 2 at Col. Adventist 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at Oakville 7 p.m. Jan. 9 Naselle 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Three Rivers Chr. 7 p.m. Jan. 16 Wa. School for Deaf 7 p.m. Jan. 18 Columbia Adventist 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at Naselle 7 p.m. Jan. 30 Three Rivers Chr. 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at Wa. Sch. for Deaf 7 p.m.

COLUMBIA ADVENTIST KEY PLAYERS G Nick Squires 6-0 Sr. F Cameron Bean 6-2 Sr. G Hayden Scherrill 5-11 Sr. G Mikey Burdick 5-8 Sr. G Garrett Cocklin 5-9 Sr. G Kenny Garcia 5-9 Sr. F Nick Heinrich 5-10 Jr. Coach: Jay Pierce (11th year)

KEY PLAYERS Taylor Payne Jose Ramirez Cristian Martinez-White Ricardo Pineda John Smart Osvaldo Cruz Juan Ramirez Ramon Varaja Yovany Barragan Abraham Castro

KODIAKS

2018 SCHEDULE League games in bold

Jan. 2 Firm Foundation 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at Naselle 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at Three Rivers Chr. 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Wa. Sch. for Deaf 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at Lake Quinault 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at Firm Foundation 7 p.m. Jan. 23 Naselle 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at Walla Walla 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at Kelso 7 p.m.

WSD

TEAM NOTES The Eagles return all five starters. They are led by senior center Andrew Rommel, who nearly averaged a double-double last season (13.7 points, 9.7 rebounds). Daniel Kogler led the team in 3-pointers last season and, at 6-foot-5, is a tough matchup defensively. August Helmes gives the Eagles a physical presence in the paint.

TEAM NOTES The Kodiaks return 11 players, including reigning league MVP Nick Squires. Six-foot-2 senior Cameron Bean can play multiple positions while Hayden Sherrill is a guard who can score. The Kodiaks are seeking their third state berth in six years, having last qualified in 2016.

KODIAKS

COLUMBIA ADVENTIST F G F G F G F

KEY PLAYERS Ellie Brody Macey Pearson Rachael Reed Mariah Fernando Taylor Boatright Allie Tyler Breanna Ermshar

5-10 Sr. 5-10 Jr. 5-10 Sr. 5-11 Sr. 5-8 Fr. 5-6 So. 5-8 Fr.

TEAM NOTES It’s a mix of experience and youth Jan. 4 at Naselle 6 p.m. for the Kodiaks. Seven returners, Jan. 9 at Three Rivers 5:45 p.m. includining four seniors are Jan. 11 at Wa. Deaf 5:30 p.m. joined by three freshmen who are Jan. 13 at Lake Quinault 5:30 p.m. already playing on varisty and can Jan. 23 Naselle 6 p.m. expect their roles to grow. FiveJan. 25 Walla Walla 5:30 p.m. foot-10 seniors Ellie Brody and Jan. 30 Three Rivers Chr. 7 p.m. Rachel Reed made for solid and experienced duo. Senior guard Macey Pearson can score, as can freshman Taylor Boatright. 2018 SCHEDULE League games in bold

WSD KEY PLAYERS Ashantay Truong Emma McKinney Annie Kvamme LeAnna Clearbrook Jessane Rogers Kelly Gutierrez Ashley Balcazar May Schaut Etasha Stone Jenifer Tudor Davine Lowe

TERRIERS 2018 SCHEDULE League games in bold

an. 4 at Three Rivers 5:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Ore. Deaf 5 p.m. Jan. 11 Col. Adventist 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Firm Foundation 7 p.m. Jan. 18 Naselle 7 p.m. Jan. 23 Three Rivers Chr. 7 p.m. Jan. 25-27 Phoenix tournament Jan. 30 at Naselle 7 p.m. Feb. 1 Fort Vancouver 5:30 p.m.

TEAM NOTES The Terriers won two of their first three games this season against nonvarsity competition. Kelly Gutierrez scored 12 points against the Oregon School for the Deaf. Ashantay Truong had eight points and seven rebounds and Annie Kvamme added 16 rebounds against the Fort Vancouver C-team.

TERRIERS 2018 SCHEDULE League games in bold

Jan. 4 at Three Rivers Chr. 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at Ore. School for Deaf7 p.m. Jan. 11 Columbia Adventist 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Firm Foundation 7 p.m. Jan. 18 Naselle 7 p.m. Jan. 23 Three Rivers Chr. 7 p.m. Jan. 25-27 Phoenix tournament Jan. 30at Naselle 7 p.m.

TEAM NOTES The Terriers are led by Taylor Paine, who had 21 points and 14 rebounds this season against the King’s Way Christian C-squad. Christian Martinez-White is a returning varsity player can also score. Jose Ramierez had 18 points and 12 rebounds against King’s Way.

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

WRESTLING WRESTLERS TO WATCH HIKARU ABE, SKYVIEW: The senior won the 105-pound

state title last season. Two-time Clark County champ.

ALLISON BLAINE, HUDSON’S BAY: Placed third in state at

130 pounds last season as a freshman. Regional champ.

SIX BUCK, UNION: Placed seventh in state at 152 pounds last season as a freshman.

DYLAN GOODPASTER, EVERGREEN: The senior placed

seventh in state at 170 pounds. Regional champion.

TANNER LEES, WASHOUGAL: The senior was fourth in state at 145 pounds and a regional champion.

SAM MALYCHEWSKI, CAMAS: The senior placed fourth in state at 182 pounds last year. Top contender at 195.

JACKSON MCKINNEY, SKYVIEW: The senior placed second in state at 182 pounds last season. Has committed to wrestle at Oregon State.

DANNY SNEDIKER, UNION: Placed fifth in state at 145

pounds last season as a sophomore. Clark County champion and runner-up at regionals.

RYLAN THOMPSON, CAMAS: The senior placed seventh in

state at 132 pounds despite breaking hand early in season. Third in state as a sophomore, sixth as freshman.

KEY DATES DEC. 29-30 PACIFIC COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS: Top teams from across the Northwest gather at Mountain View for a history-rich event.

JAN. 12-13 CLARK COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS: Local

wrestlers from all classifications vie at Skyview the title of county’s best.

FEB. 9-10

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4A competes in

FEB. 16-17

MAT CLASSIC XXX: State titles are on the

Pasco, 3A in Spokane. 2A and 1A schools stay in Southwest Washington. line in the 30th edition of Mat Classic at the Tacoma Dome.

36 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

PATRICK HAGERTY/for The Columbian

Battle Ground’s James Rogers won a state title at 160 pounds last season despite having a torn tendon in his ankle.

James Rogers is ready to rumble after undefeated sophomore season

othing gave away that James Rogers was hurt. The Battle Ground wrestler dominated the 160-pound bracket at the Mat Classic state championships in February. He pinned two of his opponents; the other two didn’t score a point. Rogers did it all with a torn tendon in his ankle. “I wasn’t one-hundred percent in the postseason,” Rogers said. “Even though I told myself I was, I really wasn’t. I think I grew from that, trying to overcome it.” After going 42-0 as a sophomore, Rogers took his first significant break from non-high school competition since his eighth-grade year. He hasn’t wrestled a match since winning the state title.

Now Rogers is healthy, refreshed and ready to rumble. That’s bad news for anyone wanting the junior’s crown. “I’m super excited to compete,” he said. “I think I’m in the best shape I’ve been since the state finals.” In wrestling, Rogers is carrying on a family tradition. Like Jay Rogers, his father, Rogers is a Greco-Roman national champion, having won the 152-pound Cadet division title in Fargo, N.D. in 2016. “James is far and away above my footsteps,” said Jay Rogers, Battle Ground’s head coach who wrestled at Oklahoma State. “He’s a much better technical wrestler than I was.” Rogers began competing for youth wrestling clubs at age 7. Within three years, he had won statewide freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments.

“He just picked it up really quickly,” Jay Rogers said. Rogers hasn’t decided what weight he’ll wrestle at this season. He currently weighs 178 pounds, but said he might drop back to 160 to defend his title there. Going up a couple of weight classes wouldn’t be a big deal for Rogers. He went up two weight classes between his freshman and sophomore years. While Rogers takes pride in having the title of ‘defending champion,’ he believes his success is due to not being consumed with anything beyond the next match or the next point. “I don’t really think about being undefeated or having a perfect record,” he said. “It’s just about wrestling and doing the best I can do.”

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GYMNASTICS GYMNASTS TO WATCH

Mountain View senior Nina Evans practices a floor routine. She is the returning 3A/2A Greater St. Helens League gymnast of the year.

SARAH ELLIS, COLUMBIA RIVER: Senior battled back from

injury to win the 3A/2A state champion on the balance beam and placed seventh on the vault, earning her second All-Region gymnast of the year honor.

MORGAN FITZER, COLUMBIA RIVER: Senior earned first-

team all-3A/2A GSHL honors last season on the vault, second team on the bars and honorable mention on the floor exercise.

ARIANE KUNZE/ The Columbian

EMILY MATTSEN, HERITAGE: Senior placed seventh at the 4A state meet on the vault, placed third at district in the all-around and was a second-team all-4A GSHL pick.

SHAE MCGEE, CAMAS: Freshman is off to an impressive

start to her prep career, posting an all-around score of 36.7 in an early-season meet. Part of many new faces on Camas team coming off a runner-up finish at state last season.

LOGAN NELSON, UNION: The sophomore earned secondteam all-4A GSHL honors on the bars as a freshman and has posted a 9.1 on floor exercise this season.

JAX PURWINS, CAMAS: Senior was third at the 4A state meet on bars and fourth in all-around. A first-team all-4A GSHL pick, she was the district all-around runner-up.

KEY DATES JAN. 13

WINTERFEST: Columbia River High School

FEB. 3

DISTRICT EXTRAVAGANZA: Battle Ground

hosts the meet, bringing together all of the gymnastics programs in Clark County for a midseason showcase.

hosts the 4A and 3A/2A district meets as gymnasts compete for berths to the state meet.

FEB. 15-17 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: State meet at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall.

High school competition refreshes Nina Evans’ love for sport

hen Nina Evans joined the Mountain View gymnastics team before last season, coach Cristi Westcott said she was a broken gymnast. “It’s not uncommon with kids who have been involved in gymnastics as long as Nina has,” Westcott said. “But we’re sure glad she’s here.” After nearly a dozen years of the demanding schedule of club gymnastics, Evans had developed a back injury that threatened to end her participation in a sport that had been a major part of her life since she was 4 years old. High school gymnastics offered a chance to keep her career going. And it reinvigorated her love for the sport. “Club gymnastics can be so demanding, so stressful,” Evans said. “Even though you are part of a team in club gymnastics, the main focus is getting better as an individual. But in high school gymnastics, it’s more about the team, supporting each other, making friends and having fun.” In club gymnastics, Evans would practice five hours a day for five days

a week. By comparison, high school gymnastics teams practice about 5-6 hours a week. That schedule provided less stress to her body and more time for interests outside the gym, and others inside it. She’s active in student leadership at Mountain View and works as a youth gymnastics coach at Northpointe Gymnastics. But what she enjoys most about her newfound free time is spending it with friends and family. And her family on the Mountain View gymnastics team is growing. “Last year, we only had seven girls on the team,” Evans said. “But this year, we’ve got 16. That makes it more fun, and louder, too.” Westcott said Evans has played a role in the team growth. “We have a lot of newbies, first-time gymnasts, on the team, and some of them could be intimidated when they see someone like Nina, who has been doing this so long,” Westcott said. “But that’s not the case. Nina is a big help. She’s very encouraging to her teammates, saying ‘You can do this.’ I think it’s that coach’s mentality she

gets from coaching the kids. It’s like we have three coaches out here — me, my assistant and Nina.” Despite her years of experience, Evans was unsure how she would fare in high school gymnastics or how her body would react. But she went on to be selected the 3A/2A Greater St. Helens League gymnast of the year, advancing to the state meet on vault and bars. “The first day of the state meet is the stressful day,” Evans said. “You’re thinking ‘Am I going to fall on the bars, or am I going bobble on my landing and not advance.’ Once you’re in the finals, it’s just go out there, have fun and see what happens.” What happened last year was a third-place finish on the vault and a fourth-place medal on the bars, helping her earn Columbian All-Region honors. Now, she’s using last year’s success as a springboard for bigger things this season. “I made it state in two events last year,” she said. “So my goal is to make it in three events this year, maybe four. Oh, and hopefully get more teammates at state, too.”

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

BOWLING BOWLERS TO WATCH KERISSA ANDERSEN, EVERGREEN: Returning 3A state

champion and All-Region bowler of the year. Her 198.3 average over six games led Plainsmen to state title.

MADI BASH, PRAIRIE: The senior, who was first-team allleague last season, rolled 204-205 on Dec. 1

JESSICA DUFRAIN, EVERGREEN: The senior placed eighth at the 3A state tournament last season. Has a high game of 247 this season.

REAGAN LOREY, HUDSON’S BAY: The senior placed second at 3A state championships with 196 average over six games. Led Eagles to second place in state.

MADISON MOLLAHAN, COLUMBIA RIVER: The senior is

returning 2A GSHL bowler of the year. Finished ninth at state last season as Chieftains placed third as team.

TIFFANY TUCKER, SKYVIEW: The senior placed third at 4A district tournament last year, qualifying for state.

KEY DATES JAN. 26

FEB. 1-3

DISTRICT EXTRAVAGANZA: High school

bowling takes over Allen’s Crosley Lanes in Vancouver for the 2A, 3A and 4A district tournaments.

STATE TOURNAMENT: It’s a three-day strike-

fest at Narrows Bowl in University Place. 1A/2A individual competition is Day One. 2A baker games and 3A, 4A individual competition is Day Two. 3A, 4A baker games round out Day Three.

38 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

Southwest Washington is a sweet spot to be a high school bowler

hy is high school bowling in Southwest Washington so good? Like the pocket between the head pin and its neighbor, Clark County is a sweet spot for bowlers to strike. From Vancouver to Hazel Dell to Battle Ground, the communities are the right size for the local bowling alley to be popular with young families. Yet, the area is large enough for aspiring bowlers to find leagues, coaching and top-notch equipment. “In the small towns, it’s all about the big team sports,” said Hudson’s Bay coach Pam Brisby. “Kids who don’t fit into that, this gives them somewhere to go. We’re large enough that those girls have somewhere to go.” Brisby has coached since girls bowling arrived in Clark County as a WIAA-sanctioned sport in 2007. Since then, local teams have won seven state championships. Individuals have won five state titles and finished runner-up five times. Last season was one of the best. Led by individual champ Kerissa Andersen, Evergreen won the Class 3A state title. Hudson’s Bay, behind runner-up Reagan Lorey, placed second. In having bowled competitively since she was 9, Andersen is typical of the area’s top bowlers. Local bowling centers such as Allen’s Crosley Lanes, Husted’s Hazel Dell Lanes, Big Al’s and Tiger Bowl host junior leagues for adolescent bowlers. “The number of kids who are bowling in league has gone up so much,” said Julie Pagel, who has coached Fort Vancouver for five years. “There were times when we struggled to field a varsity team. Now we have 36 kids, which is crazy.” For the best bowlers, there are incentives beyond competition and camaraderie. Some colleges, mainly small schools in the Midwest and East, offer bowling as a scholarship sport. Wylicia Faley, a state champ for Battle Ground in 2012 and 2014, went on to bowl for Midland University in Nebraska. Shannon Bliquez (Ever-

ARIANE KUNZE/The Columbian

Led by defending state champion Kerissa Andersen, right, Evergreen is out to defend its Class 3A title. Local teams have won seven state titles since 2007. green) is a freshman on the Maryville University bowling team in St. Louis. Bailey Peters (Fort Vancouver) competes for Wilmington University in Delaware. “Now that there’s scholarship money for colleges, I think it’s really bringing up the game for everybody,” Evergreen coach Robyn Bailey said. “Look at what the team scores were when we started to what they are now. Sometimes, it can be double. Some of these girls carry 200 averages.” But there has always been an element of high school bowling that welcomes everyone, regardless of skill. There are crazy cheers, silly

props and a club-like atmosphere. “We all get along really well with each other,” said Andersen, the defending state champ from Evergreen. “We don’t let drama get between us. We have pizza parties, a tie-dye shirt party. It’s all fun.” That camaraderie extends between Clark County teams each year at the state championships near Tacoma. “When Battle Ground won state, Evergreen was rooting them on,” said Bailey. “Even though we compete against each other, there’s that camaraderie you can’t get rid of. That’s kind of the bowling family.”

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BOYS SWIMMING SWIMMERS TO WATCH JOSH BOTTELBERGHE, COLUMBIA RIVER: The senior set

Class 2A state meet records in the 200 freestyle and 100 breastroke. The reigning All-Region swimmer of the year, he has signed to swim at Notre Dame.

JADEN KIM, CAMAS: A sophomore, he placed second in state last year in the 100 butterfly.

FINN MCCLONE, CAMAS: The senior placed fifth in state in the 100 backstroke and seventh in the 100 free.

ROB MEAD, COLUMBIA RIVER: The senior was last year’s state champion in the 100 freestyle and was runner up in 100 backstroke.

ISAIAH ROSS, WASHOUGAL: The junior set a district meet record in the 500 freestyle last season. Placed third in the 200 freestyle and fourth in the 500 freestyle at the state championships.

ERIC WU, CAMAS: The junior broke a 12-year-old district meet record in the 100 breastroke. At state, he finished third in the 200 individual medley and fifth in the 100 breastroke.

ILIA ZABLOTOVSKII, EVERGREEN: Has already swam state

qualifying times in 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

KEY DATES JAN. 13

KELSO INVITE: Thirteen Clark County

JAN. 27

SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON INVITE: Mark

teams are among 18 to gather for one of Southwest Washington’s largest regularseason meets. Morris in Longview hosts a meet that gathers nearly every team in the area.

FEB. 9-10 DISTRICT MEETS: State berths are on the line at 3A-4A meet in Kelso and 1A-2A meet in Longview.

FEB. 16-17 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: The state’s best swimmers gather at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way where champions will be crowned.

Mark Kim is a two-time state champion in the 500 freestyle and 200 freestyle.

MICAH RICE/The Columbian

Kim, Camas go to great lengths in effort to repeat as state champs

he Camas boys swimming team knew early it was going to be a great day. It wasn’t just when Mark Kim repeated as 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle state champion that the Papermakers began making waves at the state swimming championships in February in Federal Way. Senior Finn McClone remembers the 500 freestyle “B Final,” the slower of two final heats. Austin Fogel, then a sophomore, won despite being a half body length behind in the final 50 meters. “Even though it wasn’t a lot of points, you saw that your teammate had done well,” McClone said. “You think, now I have to do well to support the team.” Camas rolled to its first boys swimming state title not just because of its three individual state titles and one relay championship. Swimmers up and down the roster overachieved. McClone and Chris Xia, who entered seeded 20th or below in the 100 freestyle, swam their way into the finals. All three relay teams finished third or better.

For Kim, winning the state team title was as big a thrill as twice repeating as an individual champ. “Sophomore year, when I took the 200 and 500 titles, it wasn’t really complete,” Kim said. “I wanted everyone to share in the experience of being on top.” This season, Kim wants everyone to share in the experience of defending a title. The Papermakers return state finalists in Kim, McClone, Xia, Fogel, Jaden Kim and Eric Wu. Camas aims to bring the same spirit into this season that boosted it at the state championships. “We were coexisting as a team,” said Wu, who finished third in the 200 individual medley and fifth in the 100 breaststroke. “We’ve known each other for a really long time. A lot of us have been swimming since we were 6 or 7 years old.” But swimming for Camas doesn’t mean everyone is in the same pool together all the time. Many balance practice for different clubs with their high school team. For some, that can mean two hours of practice in the

morning, another two hours in the afternoon, plus running, weights or other dryland training. “We don’t swim with each other year round,” Fogel said. “So when we do swim together, we’re always cheering each other on.” The Papermakers will try to replace Tom Utas, who graduated after winning the 50 freestyle state championship. But they have a bona fide leader in Kim, a senior who last month received a “letter of assurance” to swim at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. It guarantees a spot on the team once he completes the academy’s rigorous application process. Kim recalled the buildup to last year’s state meet. It’s a rush he hopes to repeat, along with gathering his third state titles in the 200 and 500 free. “All the training of the past four months had led up to that one day,” Kim said. “We were all pulling everything together. That was really exciting.”

The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017

40 The Columbian, Sunday, December 17, 2017