PRAIRIE COACH KYLE BROOKS, shown here in a photo from last season, returns for his 16th season guiding the Falcons’ program. Brooks and his staff expect their team to compete for a league title and a trip to the state tournament this season.
BRUSH PRAIRIE – In his 15 years as head coach at Prairie High School, Kyle Brooks has guided many teams into the playoffs. The veteran coach sees no reason why this season should be an exception to that rule.
In fact, Brooks said he and his coaches and players have their eyes set on the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League (GSHL) championship.
Brooks said he and his staff “are optimistic that this year’s squad has strong potential to compete for a GSHL title and to make a strong run in the state playoffs.’’
Prairie’s coaching staff includes assistants Jimmy Tuominen, Ben Ziegler, Jon Warner, and Steven Bjornstad.
The Falcons finished last season with a 10-14 record and made a late playoff run in the regional tournament. Prairie will be led this season by three co-captains – Michael Stockbridge, Palmer Goecke, and Greg Bernash.
Stockbridge is a 5-foot-9 senior point guard who Brooks said specializes in “unselfish team play and incredible hustle. He returns as a two-year starter and he sets a strong model of leadership for his teammates.’’
Goecke is a 6-3 senior combo guard who averaged 11 points a game last season. He also has started the last two years.
The 6-6 Greg Bernash returns as a GSHL All-League first-teamer player from a year ago. Bernash averaged 12 points a game last year.
“He is an exciting player to watch and he returns as one of the top players again this season,’’ Brooks said.
Prairie returns to other starters from last year’s team – 6-7 center Dwayne Stewart and 6-3 junior Seth Hall.
“Stewart has been a defensive standout and he led the team in charges last season with 14,’’ Brooks said. “Hall has been a very complimentary guard who is capable of putting the ball on the floor and shooting the 3. Both of these guys have improved in the offseason and will have a big impact on the team’s overall success.’’
Prairie also returns Ethan Rouse from last year’s team. Brooks said the 6-4 junior forward “has a knack for being around the ball and he is a good team player in the half court.’’
Adding to the Falcons’ considerable size is 6-6 junior Ronnie McPherson, who had a team-high 15 points in a season-opening loss to Union. He was an all-league player as a sophomore.
Other players expected to contribute this season include Chase Lund, a 5-9 senior guard, and Matthew Kogler, a 6-6 sophomore center who will also compete for minutes.
“Kogler is one of several players with a very bright future inside the paint,’’ Brooks said. “Expect him to improve daily and make a strong contribution. He is fast learner and he has a ton of potential.’’
Brooks said the Falcons have four “talented and promising” swing players that should also make strong contributions – sophomores Braiden Broadbent, Kaleb Locke, and Logan Reed and freshman point guard Kameron Osborn. All four should gain valuable experience this year.
Brooks said the Falcons will play a tough non-league schedule highlighted by two Holiday Tournaments. Prairie will travel to Tacoma to play in the Curtis Holiday Tournament and then travel to Gillette, WY, to play in the Energy Classic.
