After last season’s emphasis on youth, it’s no surprise that all 11 Whatcom County girls teams will be returning a majority of their squads and each figures to be improved heading into this season.
Leading the way is the team that will have the most difficult time improving — undefeated state champion Lynden. Yet having graduated only one starter and one reserve, the Lions could be even better and will be favored to win their third straight Class 2A state title.
But the Lions aren’t alone. The other Whatcom teams that qualified for their respective state tournaments — Lynden Christian and Nooksack Valley in Class 1A and Lummi Nation in 1B — each have multiple all-stars returning and figure to be gunning for return trips to Yakima and Spokane, respectively.
And there are even more. Meridian and Squalicum, both of which fell just short of state berths last season, return almost their entire teams as do Sehome and Ferndale.
While the Trojans will need to crack the stranglehold LC and Nooksack have had on our two 1A state berths, and the Golden Eagles have to break through the WesCo’s 3A district domination, the Storm and Mariners will benefit from the extra state berth available to the 2As.
Even the inexperienced county teams that struggled in the tough Northwest Conference last season — Mount Baker, Bellingham, and Blaine — have several key players back and will present challenges for most of their league opponents.
So while nothing is guaranteed, history tells us it will be another exciting and successful season for our Whatcom girls. Here’s a look at each team:
For a look at this season’s changes, check out New Changes Ahead.
For the upcoming boys preview, check out Boys Preview.
Bellingham Bayhawks
Last season: 6-15 overall, 2-10 in NWC (13th place)
Top returnees: Merritt Jensen (Jr.), Mary Lockhart (Sr.), Avery Manning (Sr.)
Top newcomer: Lucy Holland (So.), Elise Holland (So.)
Outlook: First-year coach Drew McFall takes over at his alma mater and will have key veterans Jensen, Lockhart, and Manning as a foundation to build off. The addition of the Holland twins in the backcourt gives the Bayhawks a more athletic and dynamic lineup that will make a difference in the close games Bellingham lost in the past.
Coach Drew McFall’s quote: “The new Bayhawks will attack every day following our three pillars of Deliberate Action, Accountability, and Precision. Our group fully believes that if we follow these principles, we can compete in this great basketball conference. I look forward to seeing us surprise people with the new Bayhawk culture.”
Blaine Borderites
Last season: 4-15 overall, 1-11 in NWC (15th)
Top returnees: Kate Koreski (Jr.), Aaliyah Bowman (Sr.), Brietta Sandell (Sr.), Marcella Bring (Jr.),
Top newcomers: Natalia Richard’s-Perhath (So.)
Outlook: Last year, the Borderites raised their program from the ashes after only one player was left from the previous season. By recruiting a whole new group of athletes, most of whom were inexperienced at basketball, they did Blaine proud despite not winning a ton of games. This season, almost all of the players are back, including standouts Koreski and Bowman, which will guarantee the feisty Borderites will be improved.
Coach Sean Miller’s quote: “We’re wanting to be high energy and defend with tenacity. We’re excited to set our season in motion. We have intelligent, hard-working players who are eager to improve. It’s not what happens to us; it’s all about how we respond.”
Ferndale Golden Eagles
Last season: 10-10 overall, 8-6 in NWC (eighth)
Top returnees: Jillea Fox (Sr.), Kayla Washington (Sr.), Abbey White (Sr.), Brooklyn Larrabee (Jr.), Heavens Jefferson (Jr.), Kenzie Dawson (Jr.), Kayla Lee (Jr.), Ari Gilday (So.)
Top newcomers: Cree Tom (Fr.), Mia Collins (Fr.)
Outlook: The Golden Eagles successful season was marred only by a first-round district loss. But with only one starter graduating, Ferndale has high expectations thanks to its senior all-star trio of Fox, Washington, and White, and quicksilver point guard Larrabbee. The Golden Eagles will be quick, shoot the 3, and defensive-minded, all of which they’ll need to offset their lack of height especially against Class 3A competition.
Coach Terri Yost’s quote: “We are excited for the upcoming season. These girls work hard, play with heart, and just enjoy being together on the court.”
Lummi Nation Blackhawks
Last season: 23-5 overall, 10-0 in Northwest 1B (first), Class 1B state appearance
Top returnees: Jemma James (Jr.), Ailina Rabang (Sr.), Brianna Metteba (Sr.)
Top newcomers: Jordan Reeder (8th)
Outlook: After reaching Spokane for the second straight season last March, the Lady Blackhawks are looking to take the next step and earn their first state trophy since 2009. With all-stars James and Rabang, Lummi Nation has one of the best guard duos among 1B teams, a pair that can dominate a game on both offense and defense. But the key will be the supporting cast led by veteran Metteba and how well their run-and-fun offense and pressure defense can overcome their lack of height.
Coach David James’s quote: “I feel really good about the season. We set up a few tough non-league games, so we’ll find out fast where we’re at. I’m excited to see what this group can do. With most of our key players returning and our girls coming off a strong offseason, I’m looking forward to another good year of Lady Blackhawks basketball.”
Lynden Lions
Last season: 28-0 overall, 13-0 in NWC (first), Class 2A state champion
Top returnees: Payton Mills (Sr.), Rian Stephan (Sr.), Finley Parcher (Jr.), Lexi Hermanutz (Jr.), Degitu Bowler (Sr.), Reese Nyhoff (Sr.), Jules Slayton (Sr.), Rilanna Newcomb (Sr.), Izzie Stephan (Jr.), Aubrey Bassart (Jr.)
Outlook: In post Mills, a University of Hawaii commit, and guard Parcher, the reigning 2A player of the year, the Lions have two of the best players in the state, either of whom can dominate a game. But what makes Lynden a heavy favorite to be the first Class 2A team to win three state titles in a row is its talented depth, all of which returns. Starters Rian Stephan and Hermanutz, who along with Parcher were part of Lynden’s state champion volleyball squad, head an athletic supporting cast that can score in bunches and shut down any offense.
Coach Rob Adams’s quote: “The keys for us will be like every other year. We have to stay healthy like everyone in the state hopes to do. We will have to block out all the outside noise. We will have to be hungry. As always with graduation, we lost two key players from last year’s post-season run, and we will be working to see who slides into those roles early in the season.”
Lynden Christian Lyncs
Last season: 23-4 overall, 12-1 in NWC (second), Class 1A third at state
Top returnees: Ella Fritts (Sr.), Estela Hernandez (Sr.), Sara Van Loo (Sr.), Ellie Pierce (Jr.), Jocelyn Eshuis (Jr.), Tyra Dykstra (So.)
Top newcomers: Grace Russell (Jr.), Jess DeJong (Fr.)
Outlook: Once again, the Lyncs graduated another talented class that collected four top-three state trophies including a state championship. And once again, the Lyncs return a talented, experienced team threatening to make a deep playoff run. Although not as tall overall as last season, LC will be explosive thanks to one of the 1A’s top guards in Fritts and one of the league’s top shooters in Dykstra. With a host of quick and athletic role players who will play Lyncs’ defense, this year’s version will be fun to watch.
Coach Brady Bomber’s quote: “We’re excited for the season ahead. Our team is committed to honoring God and representing our community well with our attitude and effort. Many are coming off strong fall sports seasons, and that success has built a great foundation of confidence and leadership as we head into winter.”
Meridian Trojans
Last season: 15-8 overall, 10-5 in NWC (fifth)
Top returnees: Eden Bernardy (Jr.), Maddy Swanson (Jr.), Taya Benson (Sr.), Kinsley Neal (Sr.), Amelia Koning (Jr.), Kaitlyn Storgaard (Jr.), Sierra James (Jr.), Madyn Cline-Malarz (So.)
Top newcomers: Lola Gibbs (Jr.), Adalyn Noste (So.), Luz Lane (Fr.), Onica Martin (Jr.), Maddie Krumdiak (Fr.)
Outlook: For the past four years, Meridian has been the victim of the district’s two-state-berths limit and the domination of Nooksack Valley and Lynden Christian, finishing third among the 1A powers and falling one win short of state. But the Trojans return almost everyone and under new coach Kayla Bernsen figure to once again be tough, feisty, and in the thick of the battle thanks to veteran starters Bernardy, Swanson, Benson, and Neal.
Coach Kayla Bernsen’s quote: “This year’s team is a scrappy and tenacious group that can use their defensive presence to move through the bulk of the NWC. We are going to find a great challenge at the top of the league, but I expect they will be interesting games. This team is eager and willing to learn, work hard, and have fun. I am excited to facilitate opportunities for them to build their confidence. They have all the pieces of an elite, highly successful team. If we can consistently put those pieces together, we can reach our full potential.”
Mount Baker Mounties
Last season: 7-15 overall, 2-13 in NWC (14th)
Top returnees: Rebeca Soares (Jr.), Reace Brown (Sr.), Rian Harkness (So.), Kalyn Abitia (So.), Aurora George (So.), Samiya Powell (Sr.)
Top newcomers: Violet Fox (Jr.)
Outlook: After taking their lumps with one of the league’s least experienced lineups last year, the Mounties will still be young but figure to be much improved with the majority of the team returning. Leading the way again will be Soares, one of the best posts in the league and perhaps the best in the 1A ranks. Brown is a nice compliment down low and Fox, who is back at Baker after starring for the Mounties as a freshman, will be a nice addition to the backcourt.
Coach Tiffany Ramirez’s quote: “We’re looking to build on the foundation we created (last year). It’s been exciting getting back in the gym with the girls and seeing their growth. We’re looking forward to seeing the progress we make this season.”
Nooksack Valley Pioneers
Last season: 17-9 overall, 10-4 in NWC (fourth), Class 1A state appearance
Top returnees: Grace DeHoog (Sr.), Payton Bartl (Sr.), Chayleigh Davis (Sr.), Natalie VanLiew (Sr.), Raegan Burke (Jr.), Kaitlyn Biondolillo (Jr.), Natileah Harmon (So.), Lisette Flores (So.)
Top newcomers: Mikaela Swaffield (Fr.), Kyla Newhouse (Fr.)
Outlook: With almost everyone back from the young squad that battled its way back to state last March, the experienced Pioneers will be among the favorites to again return to Yakima. Nooksack will be led by senior starters DeHoog, Bartl, and Davis — the last link to the Valley’s two state championship teams — but this squad is big, quick, and deep at every position.
Coach Shane Wichers’s quote: “We have eight returners so we’re hoping we can pick up where we left off last year and be a better team by the end of the year than we were last year. The girls are working hard and I like what I’ve seen so far. The league is tough, and we need to take it one game at a time and grow and learn together.”
Sehome Mariners
Last season: 8-14 overall, 6-9 in NWC (tied for 10th)
Top returnees: Kate Schroeder (Jr.), Taylor Turrell (So.), Aspen Barge (Sr.), Elyse Panagos (Jr.), Gwen Gates (Sr.), Keira Reeves (Sr.), Amber Hartford (Sr.), Nora Kingsley (Sr.)
Top newcomers: Lily Jude (Sr.)
Outlook: The young and inexperienced Mariners took their lumps last year but the growing pains that came from so many close losses will benefit them this season. With the entire team returning, Sehome will be one of the most improved squads in the NWC, and with two of the league’s toughest all-around players in Schroeder and Turrell leading the way, expect the Mariners to be in the Class 2A playoff hunt.
Coach Kim Stensgar’s quote: “We are very excited to compete in the Northwest Conference against some of the toughest basketball teams in our state. We did not graduate anyone from last year’s team and will look to the strong leadership of our six seniors. We hope to continue to improve, enjoy working hard together, and be battling for a playoff spot deep into February.”
Squalicum Storm
Last season: 13-10 overall, 9-6 in NWC (tied for sixth)
Top returnees: Jolie Paz (Sr.), Lexi Robbins (Jr.), Tiana Thompson (Jr.), Addison Kettman (Jr.), Kai Perez (So.), Carli Kiesau (Jr.)
Top newcomers: Audri Keisau (Fr.), Avery Kettman (Fr.)
Outlook: It’s hard to believe that despite again being one of the youngest teams in the league with only one senior, the Storm return almost everyone and figure to be the battle for a Class 2A state berth. They are athletic and skilled with Robbins and Thompson leading the talented junior class and Paz and Addison Kettman providing inspirational leadership. Their fast-pace offense and pressure defense will be even more aggressive with two tall freshmen pushing the veterans. The only setback is a season-ending injury to starter Carli Kiesau.
Coach Caden Mee’s quote: “I’m excited about the foundation this group is building. This team is built on character and connection. They push each other, hold each other accountable, and care just as much about who they are as people as who they are as players. The future of this program is bright, and this season is a big step toward where we’re headed.”
