Prairie girls have same lofty goals

Every year is a new beginning with some new faces but the Prairie girls basketball team always has the same, lofty goal.

“It’s always high,’’ said Prairie coach Brett Johnson when asked about his expectation for this year’s Falcon team. “We think we can accomplish some stuff. Of course, we want to win district and I think we can go pretty far at state.’’

Johnson’s Falcons posted a 21-4 record last year, his first as the team’s head coach. Prairie advanced to the final 16 teams but lost to Bishop Blanchet – which went on to finish second at state – and the Falcons were kept away from the Tacoma Dome and the round of the final eight.

As is seemingly the case every year, Prairie boasts a solid returning nucleus this season in junior guard Cherita Daugherty, senior guard Lindsay Asplund and senior forward Emily Peters. The Falcons lost their first game of the season, to Camas, but have bounced back with three straight wins, including a 62-53 victory Friday over district-rival Battle Ground.

Johnson says his team has played a little better in each of its games this season.

“Each game it’s getting a little better,’’ Johnson said. “The good part is we’ve got 16 more games before we go to the playoffs.’’

Johnson said it’s taken his team a few games to adjust to life without Nicole Goecke, the leader of last year’s team. Prairie’s coach said the key for the Falcons on offense is moving the basketball.

“We know it’s going to take a team effort,’’ Johnson said. “Last year, I think they relied on Nicole to keep the energy up. This year, I think they know it’s going to take everybody.’’

Johnson is relying heavily on seven returning players from last year’s team. Daugherty is definitely one of the keys after finishing in the top two on the team a year ago in scoring, rebounding and assists. She had 10 points in the win over Battle Ground.

“Cherita runs the point so naturally that takes pressure off the other players,’’ Johnson said.

Asplund has already committed to play next season at Corban University.

“Lindsay will bring her experience to the team along with her quickness and aggressiveness,’’ Johnson said. “She has the most experience on the team and her leadership qualities are imperative. Lindsay, along with Emily, gets the girls going in the direction they need to go in order for Prairie to be successful.’’

Peters had 19 points in the win over Battle Ground and she might be off to the best start among all the Falcons this season.

“Emily has been taking a more active role in being a voice on the court,’’ Johnson said. “Emily brings size to our team and an outside shot which is much improved.’’

Sophomores Natalie Whitesel and Jozie Tangeman each had 11 points in the win over Battle Ground.

“Natalie has a great basketball mind and is able to get to the spots and help other girls get to spots on the floor that will help her and the team be successful this year,’’ Johnson said.

Tangeman and sophomore Grace Prom are two of Prairie’s top shooters.

“Grace and Jozie are only sophomores but (they) play an integral part in our scheme,’’ Johnson said. “Grace and Jozie are exceptional shooters and have fundamentals way beyond their years.’’

The other returning player for Prairie this season is senior Jamie Phares, who Johnson said brings quickness to his team.

“Jamie is a natural athlete and probably will be the defensive stopper for us,’’ the coach said.

Phares had nine points in the win over Battle Ground.

The Tigers were led by senior Jossilyn Blackman, who had 19 points. Junior forward Kylie Smith added 12 points for Battle Ground and junior Alena Jarvis had 11.