Wahluke basketball girls loaded with experience

MATTAWA - When a basketball program goes 1-19 and scores only a half-dozen wins in half a dozen years, things start to look bleak.

That's not the case with Brock Anderson's Wahluke High girls. Experience and hope are up. Eleven of the 12 varsity members went to team camp this summer.

The not-so-good news is the loss to graduation of last year's top scorer Lily Ramirez and her 13.0 points per game. The team averaged only 29.

"There is a good influx of new talent, including promising freshmen and potentially some height as well," Anderson said.

One of the keys so far has been the fact that the girls are embracing accountability among themselves, Anderson said. A lot of girls are stepping into expanded roles.

"We have good leadership as well - just a real positive, energetic vibe so far," Anderson said. "Can't wait for Lily to bail us out anymore, or assume Lily will take the ball."

Maripaz Olivarez is a 4-year senior co-captain who averaged 7.0 ppg last year and led the Warriors in rebounding (7.0 rpg) and steals as well.

Gissell Torres started every game as a sophomore a year ago and is considerably more skilled and athletic this year. She's 5-9 and could benefit from the emergence of fellow sophomore Abby Yorgesen, who is 5-11. Yorgesen may allow Torres to play more at the 4 spot instead of post.

Yesica Guzman, co-captain, also returns after starting last year, as does Rebecca Ramirez, who is much improved.