Girls basketball season preview: It’s a year for growth in the Metro League

Posted by Admin December 11, 2024 Basketball

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It’s been a little while since the Metro League’s Jesuit and Beaverton stood as two of the top girls basketball programs in the state. But this winter will see Metro League teams building for future success and potentially bringing the level of play up back to the state level.

Here is a brief preview of every girls basketball team in the Metro League, listed in alphabetical order:

Aloha Warriors

Last season: 2-22

Coach: Kyle Baca

Last season: Coach did not respond to inquiry.

Outlook: Coach did not respond to inquiry.

Beaverton Beavers

Last season: 16-9

Coach: John Naro

Key players: London Bologoff, F/C, JR; Alexia Braden, W/F, JR; Ruby Foord, W/F, SO; Dara Oluwafemi, G, SO

Outlook: The Beavers struggled early in Naro’s first season as coach, but won 11 of their last 13 regular season games to ensure a 10-2 league record. This year’s team is young, complete with a mere three seniors, but the hope is that the late-season surge can carry over into momentum early this winter. Naro’s group welcomed the additions of Westview transfer Oluwafemi and Sunset transfer Foord this offseason. They’ll need all the help they can get as the Beavers have a preseason gauntlet. Beaverton faces South Medford, Jefferson, Benson, Willamette, McMinnville and Tualatin, and will appear in two tournaments.

Jesuit Crusaders

Last season: 20-8

Coach: Jason Lowery

Key players: Audrey Bayless, G, SR; Amani Lubrano, G, JR; Sophia Costarella, G, JR; Reese Filkins, W, JR; Ceanna Forney, C, FR

Outlook: The Crusaders’ roster has turned over significantly since a senior-heavy group led Jesuit to a No. 1 seed in the state tournament two seasons ago. Jesuit even lost its grip on the Metro League last season, falling to second behind Southridge. The talent is notable, however, and with another year under their belts the Crusaders could be right back in the fold at the top of the league. Bayless will run the show as senior captain, with a strong junior group of Lubrano, Costarella and Filkins next to her. Furthermore, Lowery said the 6-foot-4 freshman Forney will have an immediate impact down low.

Mountainside Mavericks

Last season: 8-16

Coach: Laurie Evans

Key players: Berlynn Carlson, F, SR; Kylie Fisher, F, SR; Izzy Shandy, G, JR; Geovanna Darlington, G, JR

Outlook: The Mavericks are looking to rebound after winning just two league matchups last season. Evans said this year’s group has “strong senior leadership” from four upperclassmen and are solid across the board. The addition of the Division I signee Carlson should help too. Carlson, who transferred from Liberty, is a versatile forward who, according to Evans, can score “inside and out.” Fisher is back after an all-league junior season as well.

Southridge Skyhawks

Last season: 22-6

Coach: Michael Bergmann

Key players: Sara Mangan, G, JR; Addie White, F, JR

Outlook: The reigning Metro League champs have gone from the league’s most experienced team, to one of its youngest in the course of one offseason, having graduated six off last year’s team. The Skyhawks boast just two seniors this year, but it’s the juniors Mangan and White that will lead the way. Mangan was a revelation as a sophomore, blossoming into one of Class 6A’s top guards. White, meanwhile, will anchor the team inside with her size and playmaking ability. “(We) have a good ability to spread the floor this year and let some people go to work,” said assistant coach Zach Hamilton.

Sunset Apollos

Last season: 13-13

Coach: DeVarieous Sly-Clay

Key players: Kalli Gallagher, G, SO; Rosa Martinez-Escobedo, G, SO; Mia Cremer, F, SO; Jazzy Johansen, W, FR; Mya Miguel, G, SR; Adara Freiboth, W, SR

Outlook: Sunset’s identity as a team has yet to be fully fleshed out, said Sly-Clay, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After finishing in the middle of the state with a .500 record a year ago, some on-the-fly reinvention could be just what the Apollos need to catch opponents off guard. “This group is young,” the coach added, “but they are hungry. … I think we will surprise some people with our willingness to fight and compete.” A nice mix of under and upperclassmen could be helpful in a return trip to the playoffs for Sunset.

Westview Wildcats

Last season: 12-14

Coach: Yukiko Flennaugh

Key players: Claire Masury, G, FR; Mady Ready, G/F, FR; Annika Taylor, F, JR; Avery Nelson, G, JR; Leah Elms, G, JR

Outlook: The Wildcats won’t have any seniors on this year’s team, but with five freshmen, the newly-hired Flennaugh said “the future is bright.” Several of those first-year players, notably Masury and Read, should see significant minutes immediately, aiding in their development. Westview lacks height, said Flennaugh, but the team chemistry is strong and there is a nice group of juniors looking to guide the program and the freshmen along with it.

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