In an amazing season filled with outstanding players, Whatcom Hoops is ranking the top 30 girls. Each day we’ll feature an outstanding player in our county and count down until we get to #1. So join us daily as we honor the best of the best.
#2
Payton Mills, senior, Lynden
WHY SHE’S #2: A cornerstone for the Lynden dynasty, the 6-foot-2 senior was one of the top posts in the state and perhaps the most versatile. She could power inside for layups or shoot the 3-pointer with a guard’s soft touch, start a fastbreak with an outlet pass or dribble though a press, all while content to average 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 55 percent from the field and 76 percent from the line. The University of Hawaii commit was chosen for the annual Northwest Shootout featuring top seniors from Washington and Oregon (she had 20 points, five 3-pointers, and 7 rebounds in Washington’s victory), and was named the Washington State Girls Basketball Coaches Association’s Class 2A player (senior) of the year and to VarsityWA’s 2A all-state first team, the 2A all-state tournament second team by both the tourney media and Eli Sports Network, and, of course, the all-Northwest Conference first team.
COACH ROB ADAMS: “Payton has been one of the most consistent players for us the past three seasons. As teams game-planned around her, she was able to still impact the game night in and night out.”
NOTE: Thank you to the coaches and to Tyler Anderson of WhatcomPreps.com for season stats.
Links to previous Whatcom Hoops Top 30
#3: Rebeca Soares, Mount Baker
#4: Ella Fritts, Lynden Christian
#6: Grace DeHoog, Nooksack Valley
#7: Ailina Rabang, Lummi Nation
#9: Tyra Dykstra, Lynden Christian
#11: Brooklyn Larrabee, Ferndale
#13: Payton Bartl, Nooksack Valley
#16: Jordy Reeder, Lummi Nation
#17: Merritt Jensen, Bellingham
#19: Addison Kettman, Squalicum
#21: Kayla Washington, Ferndale
#22: Mary Lockhart, Bellingham
#26: Ellie Pierce, Lynden Christian
#27: Jocelyn Eshuis, Lynden Christian
#28: Tiana Thompson, Squalicum
#29: Brianna Metteba, Lummi Nation
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