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
Rebeca Soares, sophomore, Mount Baker
WHY SHE’S #3: Rarely does a newcomer to the ultra-competitive Northwest Conference live up to the hype, but the skilled 6-foot-2 transfer from Brazil sure did. Despite being double- and triple-teamed and being asked to do more ball-handling and press-breaking than any other NWC post, she dominated the paint on both offense and defense with her excellent hands, timing, and strength. One of only two Whatcom players to average a double-double, Soares averaged 17 points on 51 percent shooting from the field, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and more than 1 block a game. She was named to the all-NWC first team and only the lack of tournament exposure prevented her from more all-state recognition.
COACH TIFFANY RAMIREZ: “She is a really great player to be able to coach. It’s been a unique situation finding out what motivates her and where her boundaries are when it comes to what she can take. She’s been so easy to build relationships with — both with coaches and players. She works hard every day at practice and is starting to really find that leadership role and voice.”
NOTE: Thank you to Tyler Anderson and WhatcomPreps.com for season stats.
Links to previous Whatcom Hoops Top 30
#4: Ella Fritts, Lynden Christian
#5: Allison Shumate, Lynden Christian
#6: Grace DeHoog, Nooksack Valley
#10: Danya Dykstra, Lynden Christian
#11: Ailina Rabang, Lummi Nation
#15: Kiki York, Lynden
#16: Kate Shintaffer, Nooksack Valley
#17: Tiana Thompson, Squalicum
#19: Payton Bartl, Nooksack Valley
#20: Brooklyn Larrabee, Ferndale
#21: Kayla Washington, Ferndale
#23: Rian Stephan, Lynden
#26 Merritt Jensen, Bellingham
#27: Chayleigh Davis, Nooksack Valley
#28: Loretta Murphy-Kangas, Squalicum
#29: Brie Smith, Blaine
#30: Addison Kettman, Squalicum
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