Tigers, Lyncs, Lions make up girls’ basketball top tier
Many of the top players around the league graduated last season, meaning new players are going to have to step up. Who will take the league by storm? It could be the Storm with a championship-caliber coach. LC and Lynden are always good, but is it Burlington-Edison that’s top dog? Many teams have new identities this year but coaches insist this league is still one of the strongest. Only time will tell.
1. Burlington-Edison: After finishing second in the conference last year, the Tigers return their dynamic guard combo of Tyra Lopez and Edie Breckenridge. This speedy team may run its way to a title.
2. Lynden Christian: The Lyncs are going for their third straight conference title this year and chances are they make a good run at it. They may play quicker this year but it’s still based around Kara Bajema.
3. Lynden: Ten returners, one of which averaged 17.3 points per game last year? That’s a recipe for success. The Lions earned a state trophy last year and it’s hard to pick against them getting back.
4. Nooksack Valley: Trips to the state regionals don’t come easily and the Pioneers only look better this year. Stop the two 6-footers in the post and there’s plenty of weapons to beat you elsewhere.
5. Ferndale: Four-year starter Linsey Honeycutt is gone but the Golden Eagles don’t often have losing seasons. Darrien Camarillo is poised to be a breakout star this year and Ferndale should be just fine.
6. Squalicum: Strong returners and a new coach make the Storm a sneaky pick in any matchup this season. Chalae Wolters was a standout freshman and Squalicum is hoping she just keeps getting better.
7. Meridian: When Ryley Zapien was healthy this team was rolling last year and she’ll be key again. She joins a great crop of returners, making this team a dangerous squad, particularly on the perimeter.
8. Sehome: The magic of last season has potential to carry over. The Mariners have a strong post, Sarah Eissess, to build around and with the best bigs graduating last year, she could be poised to break out.
9. Anacortes: The Seahawks have a knack for finishing right in the middle, going near .500 five of the past seven seasons. They graduated their top two scorers but history says they’ll be decent again.
10. Mount Baker: Losing the All-Whatcom County Player of the Year is a tough pill to swallow but Emily Brandland can put this team on her back and there’s some shooters around her that can win games.
11. Bellingham: It was only two years ago that this team went to a state regional. If coach Mark Wright can get these girls believing in their talent, wins will come. Emily Benson will be a big part this season.
12. Blaine: There will be plenty of speed bumps this season but don’t put it past coach Ryan Pike to turn these girls into playoff contenders. There’s some good players waiting to show their skills.
13. Sedro-Woolley: The Cubs have just eight wins in the past four seasons but they seem to find ways to spoil team’s playoff hopes late in seasons, as they did to Meridian last year. They just aren’t contenders yet.
This story was originally published November 28, 2015 at 6:55 PM with the headline "Tigers, Lyncs, Lions make up girls’ basketball top tier."