LA CENTER SENIOR point guard Katie Whitten (4) was the Co-Player of the Year in the Trico League last season and she returns to lead the Wildcats this season.
FRESHMAN TAYLOR MILLS (15) is a big reason why there’s a high level of optimism surrounding the La Center girls basketball program this season.
La Center girls basketball coach Herm VanWeerdhuizen isn’t exactly sure what to expect from his team this season, but he’s excited to find out.
The Wildcats head into the high school basketball season with a great deal of optimism, due in part to the return of senior point guard Katie Whitten, last season’s Co-Player of the Year in the Trico League. But, there’s also some uncertainty due to the fact that La Center also is counting on five freshmen this season.
“I just know we’re going to show up and be ready to play,’’ said VanWeerdhuizen, whose team has split its first two games this season. “On paper I like our chances.’’
La Center finished last season with a 16-7 record and was third in the Class 1A Trico League. The Wildcats failed to qualify for the state tournament, something their coach thinks they have the potential to do this season.
In their season opener, La Center routed 3A Fort Vancouver 63-32 behind 21 points and 14 rebounds from freshman Taylor Mills. The Wildcats then dropped a 45-42 decision to Woodland in their second game.
Already this season, Whitten has shown that she is the straw that stirs the Wildcats’ drink. The 5-foot-1 Whitten had seven points and eight assists in the win over Fort Vancouver and then had six points, six rebounds and seven assists in the loss to Woodland.
During the district tournament last season, Whitten reached the 1,000-point mark in her La Center career.
“Obviously, we’re young in some spots so Katie is going to have to take on a new role as our decisive leader,’’ VanWeerdhuizen said. “So far, she’s doing a good job of getting everybody involved.’’
VanWeerdhuizen said Whitten’s strength is her tenacity.
“She doesn’t let her size bother her; she goes 100 miles an hour so there’s no stopping her,’’ he said. “She’s determined to prove to everybody that her size doesn’t matter. She’s intense. I don’t know how many triple-doubles she had last year. She’s a lot of fun to coach.’’
Mills showed in the win over Fort Vancouver that she is going to be a key element in the Wildcats’ success this season. VanWeerdhuizen says the sky is the ceiling for the 5-foot-11 freshman.
“I think it’s unlimited,’’ VanWeerdhuizen said of Mills’ potential. “She can hit the 15-foot jump shot and she also goes to the basket really well. She’s just going to get better and better. She’s a rebounding machine.’’
Mills is teamed underneath with another 5-11 post player in junior Shelby Vermeulen, who had eight points and five steals in the win over Fort Vancouver.
“With Taylor and Shelby underneath, we’re going to be tough defensively,’’ VanWeerdhuizen said.
On the perimeter, Whitten is joined by her younger sister Bethany Whitten, a 5-2 freshman. Bethany had seven points in the win over Fort Vancouver and then hit four 3-pointers for 12 points in the loss to Woodland.
La Center’s starting lineup is rounded out by 5-4 junior Andrea Griffee, who had seven points against Fort Vancouver and nine against Woodland.
The Wildcats are currently without 5-6 junior Ashley Denney, who is nursing an injury. Denney was a starter last season and one of La Center’s best defensive players. VanWeerdhuizen hopes to have Denney back in the lineup in the near future.
Other contributors for the Wildcats this season will be 5-6 freshman Molly Edwards, who scored nine points in the win over Fort Vancouver. Other freshmen include 5-7 Paige Stinson and 5-8 Whitley Seter. Seniors Lacey Grotte and Rachel Moudy are also expected to contribute. Moudy chipped in six points in the loss to Woodland.
VanWeerdhuizen said the Wildcats’ depth is better this season, which leads for increased competition during practices.
“It’s a lot tougher competition when our first group is playing against our second group,’’ VanWeerdhuizen said. “We’re moving people around right now. They all know they have to work for their playing time so that makes a difference.’’
Woodland, a perennial Trico League power, has moved up the 2A ranks this season. VanWeerdhuizen said that leaves Kalama as the favorite to win the 1A league this season.
“It’s going to be Kalama and then everybody else,’’ the coach said. “I would like to think we can give Kalama a run for their money but they’ve got their whole team back and they made it to state last year so you’ve got to respect that.’’
