Hopes high for MLHS girls
BOB KIRKPATRICK | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 14 years AGO
The 2011-12 Moses Lake High School Girls Basketball Team. Pictured in front row from left are Courtney Kunjara, Hailee Bishop, Emily Olson, Selina Koon and Caylah Lunning. Back row from left are Kyleigh Gamez, Kaitlyn Stevens, Madi Wilks, Sadie Nielsen and Carina LeFave. Not pictured is Keiley Garcia.
MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake High School girls basketball team lost five seniors to graduation last year.
Gone is the experience and leadership of Jordan Loera, Kayla Bernsen, Magie Munoz, Tasha Gentry and Felicia Sanders, that propelled the team to a 9-3 record (18-7 overall), third place in the CBBN and a second-place finish in the district tournament.
But coach Matt Strophy, now in his 10th season at the helm of the Chiefs program, is confident this year's squad will be just as competitive as last season's group of girls.
"Our team will be able compete with any and all teams in our league," he said. "Attitude and effort will be key factors to our success."
The strength of the team, Strophy said, lies in the understanding of the programs offense and defense and the dedication and desire to continue the Chiefs tradition of excellence.
Consistency, Strophy said, will also be a key factor in the team's ability to be competitive in the league.
"If we consistently shoot 70 percent or better for lay ins and free throws, we will be in every game," he said.
Consistency will also bridge the gap between the veterans and the younger players on the squad.
The teams' weakness, he said, is youth and inexperience of the incoming - returning underclassman.
Leading the way for Moses Lake are the likes of Big Nine Second Team All-League and three year varsity player junior Kyleigh Gamez, three year varsity players junior Sadie Nielsen, and junior Courtney Kunjara, who is a returning starter for the Chiefs.
Strophy said the league is very equal this year talent-wise and expects Chiawana, Wenatchee, Richland,
Walla Walla and Davis to all be competing with Moses Lake for seeding in the district tournament.
The Chiefs will get to see what they are made of as they take the court for their first game of the season when they host the Hanford Falcons Friday night in Moses Lake. Tip off is schedule for 5:45 p.m.
ARTICLES BY BOB KIRKPATRICK
Cd'A city administrator takes buyout
Park director also opts for incentive program to leave post
City Administrator Troy Tymesen and Parks and Recreation Director Bill Greenwood were among the 24 applicants the Coeur d’Alene City Council unanimously approved for the city's voluntary separation incentive program, granting them early retirement.
Key Cd'A personnel eye buyout
24 apply for separation package aimed at reducing personnel costs
Earlier this year, the Coeur d’Alene City Council directed staff to analyze the fiscal impacts of offering an incentive program that would allow employees to apply for a one-time incentive payment in exchange for a voluntary separation within the next 12 months and separating from the city’s insurance coverage.
Coeur Terre Phase 1 gets OK
Many voice objections to 438-acre development
There was nary an empty seat at the Coeur d’Alene Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Tuesday evening, as concerned citizens gathered in anticipation of the committee’s ruling on the Coeur Terre project.