Hopes high for MLHS girls
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.