Kingco 4A Girls Team Capsules

Bothell Cougars

Coach - Dave Gertlar, first year.

Last year - 13-0 league, 24-5 overall. Lake Division champions, KingCo tournament runners-up, district tournament champions, sixth at Class 4A state tournament.

Returning starters (2) - F Jenny Maag, 5-11, sr.; G Amy Lambinicio, 5-8, jr.

Other returning varsity - C Bree Kelly, 6-2, jr.; F Mariah Pallansch, 5-10, sr.; G Shannon Price, 5-6, jr.

Key newcomers - G Michelle Shoucair, 5-7, jr.; F Lindsay Behrens, 5-11, so.; G Ashely Kmiecik, 5-4, so.; C Heidi Corbin, 6-0, so.

Outlook - Cougars must replace league MVP Becki Ashbaugh and Jennae Krell, but don't expect them to fall far. Maag, a second-team all-league choice, provides solid foundation, and plenty of quickness and confidence returns from last season's run to state semifinals. Pallansch should emerge and defense will be good, as always. How well the Cougars adjust to third coach in three years is critical.

Eastlake Wolves

Coach - George Crowder, second year (4-16).

Last year - 3-10 league, 4-16 overall. Fourth in Lake Division, eliminated in KingCo tournament.

Returning starters (3) - G Jamie Nelson, 5-9, jr.; G-F Stephanie Thompson, 6-0, sr.; G Tracy Thompson, 5-5, sr.

Other returning varsity - G Jordan Bass, 5-6, jr.; G-F Britni Keller, 5-8, jr.; G Aleks Grinberg, 5-2, sr.; P Kiea Arispe, 5-10, sr.; G Lyndzie Langton, 5-4, sr.; P Terrell Kopkas, 5-10, jr.

Key newcomers - G Kellee Roberts, 5-2, jr.; F Ashlan Pidgeon, 5-5, so.; P Edytte Key, 6-3, so.; P Cecily Way, 6-0, so.

Outlook - Wolves return three starters but have limited varsity experience beyond them. Nelson, the league's second-leading scorer last season, earned second-team all-league honors. Thompson is a solid secondary scorer. With only one player taller than 6 feet, Wolves will struggle against league's premier teams but should qualify for league tournament. Making district would be great year.

Franklin Earthquake

Coach - Tanya Washington, fifth year (63-30).

Last year - 7-6 league, 12-11 overall. Third in Lake Division, sixth in KingCo tournament, eliminated in district tournament.

Returning starters (2) - G Yolanda Dixon, 5-6, sr.; P Felisha Oliver, 6-2, sr.

Other returning varsity - G Crystal Blue, 5-6, sr.

Key newcomer - F Netalie Metcalf, sr.

Outlook - One of league's most physical teams last season, Earthquake should be competitive with all but the elite again this season. The primary scoring responsibility will fall to the super-quick Dixon, a third-team all-league selection last season. Oliver gives 'Quake an inside presence, but newcomers will have to fit in fast. District tournament a possibility again.

Garfield Bulldogs

Coach - Anna Rabel, first year.

Last year - 0-13 league, 1-16 overall. Fifth in Lake Division.

Returning starters - none.

Other returning varsity - P Kamilah White, 6-1, jr.; F Rachel Alexander, 5-8, jr.; G Ellie Happel, 5-5, jr.

Key newcomers - G Stephanie Moniz, 5-8, so.; F Jessica Wilkerson, 6-0, so.; G Maxie Jamal, 5-4, jr.; G Jesse Edwards, 5-3, sr.

Outlook - Rabel comes to Garfield from Ballard. Bulldogs are rebuilding in her first year, however. No starters return and only three players with varsity experience are back. Their biggest strength is quickness. Their goal is to improve upon last season, but victories will be hard to find in this very good league.

Inglemoor Vikings

Coach - C.J. Sealey, third year (28-20).

Last year - 10-3 league, 17-11 overall. Mountain Division co-champions, third in KingCo tournament, second in district tournament, 1-2 at Class 4A state tournament.

Returning starters (3) - G Sara Best, 5-6, sr.; F Denise Hagen, 6-2, sr.; P Brina Chaney, 6-5, jr.

Other returning varsity - W Sarah Short, 5-8, sr.; P Katy Cooper, 6-1, sr.; G Charissa Thompson, 5-8, jr.

Key newcomer - C Egan Metcalf, 6-2, jr.

Outlook - Last season was a breakthrough for Vikings, who qualified for state for the first time in 10 years and advanced to the quarterfinals. It won't be a surprise if they return to state. Best and Chaney will cause plenty of problems on defense and be the cornerstones on offense, too. But there is plenty of size, depth and experience around them. Viks believe they can win.

Juanita Rebels

Coach - Sam Lee, first year.

Last year - 2-11 league, 4-16 overall. Fifth in Mountain Division.

Returning starters - none.

Other returning varsity - G Jill Miller, 5-6, sr.; P Emily Porter, 6-0, sr.; W Allison Hoppe, 5-6, sr.; W Desiree Zaccaria, 5-10, jr.

Key newcomers - W Kelsey Moore, 5-9, jr.; P Jessica Brosy, 6-0, jr.; P Carissa Wolkey, 5-10, so.; G Heather Christoff, 5-5, so.; W Sheena Davison, 5-7, so.; F Erica Parks, 5-10, so.

Outlook - Rebels in rebuilding mode in Lee's first season. No starters return. They don't have much size and haven't won enough to establish much confidence. Lee, a long-time select coach, hopes to change that with his aggressive approach. He has some quickness to work with. Making the league tournament from super-tough Mountain Division would be an accomplishment.

Lake Washington Kangaroos

Coach - Roger Hansen, seventh year (128-43).

Last year - 8-5 league, 13-10 overall. Second in Lake Division, fourth in KingCo tournament, eliminated in district tournament.

Returning starters (4) - P Laura Girolami, 6-1, sr.; G Genea Long, 5-7, sr.; P Annie Holmgren, 6-0, jr.; G Briana Duerr, 5-8, jr.

Other returning varsity - P Kelly Cole, 5-8, sr.; G Katrina Lee, 5-8, sr.

Key newcomers - W Cathrine Kraayeveld, 6-3, jr.; W Jennie Rondel, 6-2, jr.; G Diana Sciola, 5-6, jr.; G Shannon Burke, 5-6, jr.; W Jill Martin, 5-11, so.

Outlook - Consider last season, the first in eight in which Kangs didn't qualify for state, an aberration. This team, with additions of Kraayeveld (a transfer from Bellevue Christian) and Rondel (missed last season with a knee injury) should get there. Should be excellent defensively, diverse offensively, and the league's deepest team. Watch out.

Redmond Mustangs

Coach - Jeannine Ewing, 10th year (159-69).

Last year - 9-4 league, 17-8 overall. Third in Mountain Division, fifth in KingCo tournament, eliminated in district tournament.

Returning starters (4) - G Bree Barnes, 5-7, sr.; G Lisa Milne, 5-7, sr.; P Emily Ashbaugh, 6-4, jr.; G Petra Dumm, 5-10, jr.

Other returning varsity - F Brianna Risch, 5-11, jr.; W Emily Tarr, 5-10, sr.; F Paige Benjamin, 5-11, sr.

Key newcomers - F Kim Campbell, 5-11, so.; G Melissa Scott, 5-7, so.; G Sharon Jones, 5-7, so.; G Brandy Gordon, 5-5, so.

Outlook - Four solid starters return. Ashbaugh, the most highly recruited player in Ewing's tenure, and Benjamin, who is going to Washington on a volleyball scholarship, give them dominant frontcourt. Guards are also excellent, particularly once Barnes returns from knee surgery. Lack of floor leadership and depth hurt the past two seasons. If they find both, look out.

Roosevelt Roughriders

Coach - Bill Resler, first year.

Last year - 10-3 league, 20-5 overall. Mountain Division co-champions, KingCo tournament champions, eliminated in district tournament.

Returning starters (2) - G Lindsey Wilson, 5-9, sr.; F Devon Crosby-Helms, 5-11, jr.

Other returning varsity - G Rachel Nord, 5-8, sr.; G Amanda Ostrom, 5-6, sr.; G Jade White, 5-10, sr.; G Piper Nims, 5-10, jr.; G Tammy Hartung, 5-6, so.; W Meghan Miller, 5-8, so.; W Emily Watson, 5-8, so.

Key newcomers - none listed.

Outlook - Teds lost Enjoli Izidor to Stanford, but they should be strong again in Resler's first season. Point guard Wilson, who has signed with Iowa State, dominates games. And the bulk of last season's varsity returns. They are quick, but have no players 6-0 or taller. Still, a return to the district tournament is definite possibility.

Woodinville Falcons

Coach - Carol Rost, second year (10-11).

Last year - 3-10 league, 10-11 overall. Fourth in Mountain Division, eliminated in KingCo tournament.

Returning starters (4) - F Katie Wilson, 6-0, jr.; F Megan Johnson, 5-8, sr.; G Deanna O'Hara, 5-7, sr.; G Lindsay Brown, 5-4, sr.

Other returning varsity - P Beth Grove, 5-11, sr.; F Tristen Johnson, 5-10, sr.; F Hafeeza Rashed, 5-11, jr.; P Ronda Campo, 6-0, jr.; F Rachel Laitala, 5-8, sr.

Key newcomers - G Kari Morris, 5-6, so.; F Darcia Donnelly, 5-7, jr.; G Jessie Morris, 5-4, sr.

Outlook - Woodinville's dramatic improvement last season, when the Falcons increased their victory total from 2 to 10, probably can't be matched. But they should be better and might challenge an elite team on occasion. Four starters and five reserves return. Wilson earned second-team all-league honors and Grove earned honorable-mention recognition. Reaching district tournament a possibility. ------------------------------- 15 players to watch

Player, school Ht. Yr. Comment .

P Emily Ashbaugh, Redmond 6-4 Jr. Most recruited player in

program history . G Bree Barnes, Redmond 5-8 Sr. Talented guard for title

contenders . G Sara Best, Inglemoor 5-6 Sr. May be league's best

perimeter defender . P Brina Chaney, Inglemoor 6-5 Jr. With Enghusen gone,

Viks' middle is hers G Yolanda Dixon, Franklin 5-6 Sr. Quick guard kickstarts .

Earthquake G Briana Duerr, Lake Wash. 5-8 Jr. Must play well for

Kangs to be great . P Laura Girolami, Lake Wash. 6-1 Sr. Skilled inside player

for Kangs .

W Cathrine Kraayeveld, LW 6-3 Jr. Scores in and out for

league favorites . F Jenny Maag, Bothell 5-11 Sr. Good leader, player for

young Cougars . G Genea Long, Lake Wash. 5-7 Sr. Excellent defender

keys Kang D . G Lisa Milne, Redmond 5-7 Sr. Dynamite transition

player tough on D . G Jamie Nelson, Eastlake 5-9 Jr. Second-team all-league

as sophomore . W Jennie Rondel, Lake Wash. 6-2 Jr. Missed last season with

knee injury . F Katie Wilson, Woodinville 6-0 Jr. Will be one of league's

premier posts . G Lindsey Wilson, Roosevelt 5-9 Sr. League's best player

going to Iowa State .