REDMOND MUSTANGS
• Coach: Andre Barashkoff, 1st season
• Last season: 6-10 in 4A Kingco Crest Division, 9-11 overall
• Turnout: 25
TOP RETURNERS
• Sr. Stacey Kimball, PG/SG: Experienced returner and scoring threat will run the floor for the Mustangs.
• Sr. Jordyn Ohrt, post: Tallest on the team at 6-1, Ohrt is a third-year returner isn’t afraid to get physical in the paint.
• Sr. Mikayla Walker, guard: Superb defensive player also shines on Redmond’s golf team.
KEY GAMES
• Tonight vs. Eastlake, 7:30 p.m.: Redmond’s rivalry with the Wolves continues with their Kingco Crest Division home opener. Will be a good test to see if the Mustangs can perform under pressure in front of a packed house.
DID YOU KNOW?
New coach Andre Barashkoff has been coaching prep sports for over two decades, including both slowpitch and fastpitch softball, and basketball coaching gigs at Bishop Blanchet and Edmonds-Woodway High Schools as well as Northwest University.
COACH’S CORNER
“Our season outlook is unknown. We will strive to compete in every game against any opponent. On paper, we are a bottom dweller, but that is why you lace ’em up and play. Let’s see who we can surprise … we always want to beat Eastlake.” – Head coach Andre Barashkoff
THE OVERLAKE SCHOOL OWLS
• Coach: Sara Wilcox, 3rd season
• Last season: 9-5 in 1A Emerald City League, 12-11 overall
• Turnout: 13
TOP RETURNER
• Soph. Davis Scilley, guard: Lone returning varsity player for the Owls will be depended upon for leadership in a tough rebuilding year.
KEY NEWCOMERS
• Fr. Lauren Bazley, forward/post: At 5-10, she is the only real threat for the Owls down low.
• Frs. Mariel Frank, Katie Hill, guards: Pair of freshman guards look solid and hopefully will develop and continue to improve as the season progresses.
• Jr. Jimena Sanchez, guard: Impressive first-year player will add speed and aggressiveness to the roster.
KEY GAME
• Friday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m. at Bellevue Christian: The Owls take on a well-coached and solid Vikings’ program. This game will be a test and will show what it will take to be competitive in the Emerald City League.
DID YOU KNOW?
Head coach Sara Wilcox graduated from Pacific Lutheran University where she played two years of Varsity basketball for the Lutes.
COACH’S CORNER
“We are very young… (but) I am optimistic about our season for a variety of reasons. First, the team chemistry is already in place. I have young girls who are anxious to learn the game and learn how to become more confident with their skills. They listen and then follow through on the corrections that the coaches make. Second, we have a handful of very quick players. This allows us to play defense in a way that is upbeat and scrappy. Third, this group of girls is excited to be aggressive. They work hard without even being asked. This is a rebuilding year, but I wouldn’t do it with any other group. They are outstanding.” – Head coach Sara Wilcox
THE BEAR CREEK SCHOOL GRIZZLIES
• Coach: Greg Cheever, 1st season
• Last season: 8-3 in Sea-Tac 2B League, 1st place, 15-8 overall
• Turnout: 15
TOP RETURNERS
• Jr. Nikki Peterson, guard: Tri-captain and floor leader is versatile and can play anywhere on the court.
• Jr. Morgan Rial, forward: Tri-captain does all the little things to make the team successful.
• Jr. Kendall Engelstone, forward: Tri-captain will drive the team with her high energy level and determination.
• Jr. Maddie Magee, forward: High-jump state champion has tremendous attitude and drive for success, as well as a killer vertical.
KEY NEWCOMERS
• So. Alyssa Jenson, guard: Good shooter and ball handler will provide needed scoring.
• Fr. Kristina Engelstone, guard: Point guard that will run the team, she has excellent court vision and passion for basketball.
• Fr. Catherine Fernandez, forward: At 6-foot-2, an excellent post presence that the Grizzlies have for three more seasons.
KEY GAME
• Friday, Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m. at home vs. Evergreen Lutheran: Will be a pivotal matchup down the stretch, as the Eagles are well-coached and always turn out a strong, talented team.
DID YOU KNOW?
This year marks Coach Cheever’s first-ever girls’ basketball coaching assignment. Cheever was an assistant with the boys’ program at Issaquah from 2000-06, head coach of the Skyline Spartans from 2006-08 and assistant to Scott Moe at Bear Creek from 2008-10.
