Three seniors to lead Royal girls basketball

ROYAL CITY - Three seniors with seven years of varsity experience combined will lead the Royal High basketball girls in 2014-15.

The Knights hope to improve on last year's 5-win season with an appearance in the district tournament.

They will open against Kittitas on Saturday, Dec 6, at home. They will travel on Tuesday, Dec. 9, to Warden and host Highland on Friday, Dec. 12.

The three keys seniors are Flor Araujo, Kailee Harris and Jacky Guadarrama.

Harris is a three year varsity player. She is one of the posts, with a soft touch around the hoop.

"I expect her to control the paint this year," Coach Phil Daubel said.

Araujo is a four year starter. She is coming off a 2nd team All league SCAC East season last year.

"Flor really needs to step up and be the leader of this team this year," Daubel said. "She has the most experience of any of our players."

Guadarrama is a three-year varsity starter. She is one of the most tenacious defenders.

"Jacky plays all out and brings the intensity for the team every night," Daubel said.

There are three other returners. Guadalupe Guadarrama is a sophomore. She can play inside and out. She gives me maximum effort at all times.

Jennifer Ledezma, sophomore, is another girl that can play inside and on the outside. She is a good athlete.

Staci Hebdon, sophomore, is going to play guard. She is one of the better ball handlers Daubel has had at Royal. She has good court sense.

Newcomers expected to contribute include sophomore Savanna Buster. She can also play in the post and on the wing.

Sophomore Sophia Rodriguez is a post. She is a smart player and can finish around the basket with either hand.

McDarra Von Stein, sophomore is starting the season injured. She has a stress fracture that could keep her out 4-6 weeks.

Daubel expects Von Stein to contribute in the post. She can run the floor well and gets after every loose ball.

"Our goal this year is to compete for a playoff spot," Daubel said. "It's going to be tough, with some excellent teams on our half of the league. We know we have to get better every day in practice. We have a good core group returning, but some of them are really going to have to step up for us to accomplish our goals."