In an incredible season filled with outstanding players, Whatcom Hoops is ranking the top 30 girls. Each day we’ll feature an amazing player in our county and count down until we get to #1. So join us daily as we honor the best of the best.
#3
Payton Mills, sophomore, Lynden
WHY SHE’S #3: With her resume, it’s hard to believe Mills is still just a sophomore. The 6-foot-2 post already is a two-time all-NWC first-team choice, the MVP of the Class 2A state tournament last month after leading the Lions to the state title, and a Tacoma News Tribune second-team all-state choice for all classifications, and first-team Class 2A all-state by Scorebook Live. She could dominate around the rim with her soft touch or go outside and sink 3-pointers when needed, averaging 14.2 points on 58 percent from the field, 81.5 percent from the free throw line, and a league-leading 42 percent on 3-pointers. Oh, and she led the Lions with nearly 8 rebounds a game and was one of the best inside defenders in the league.
COACH ROB ADAMS: “For our program to reach its full potential, Payton was asked to do less offensively and more defensively. She accepted this challenge and bought into the overall success of our season would be around her becoming a more complete player.”
Links to previous Whatcom Hoops Top 30
#5: Lainey Kimball, Nooksack Valley
#7: Ella Fritts, Lynden Christian
#8: Tana Hoekema, Nooksack Valley
#10: Mallory Butenschoen, Ferndale
#11: Grace Hintz, Lynden Christian
#12: Jemma James, Lummi Nation
#13: Emmy Hart, Sehome
#14: Tabby DeJong, Lynden Christian
#16: Brooklyn Fuller, Meridian
#17: Jillea Fox, Ferndale
#18: Deja Dube, Blaine
#21: Makayla Heaton, Squalicum
#22: Kiki York, Lynden
#23: Allison Shumate, Lynden Christian
#25: Natalie Van Liew, Mount Baker
#26: Ailina Rabang, Lummi Nation
#27: Mary Lockhart, Bellingham
#28: Kayla Washington, Ferndale
#29: Caitlyn Richardson, Squalicum
#30: Kaylee Anderson, Nooksack Valley
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