There are several key points I want to make about this article. First off it is no way reflected on how good the girls did, or how bad the boys did. I want to make a stand on which areas I think we have depth going into new year, and what areas we will struggle in. Key players and stats will be posted.
Backcourt:
Boys: Overall our backcourt should be fairly strong next year. I think Tanner and JJ should bring some sort of offense into our group. The leading assist man in Brandon should keep the point steady, and a new three threat in Derek shall keep the team consistent. Basing off last year, we should be able to score at will from the arc. Will improves, he brings another depth to our team in terms of driving.
Girls: Keeping the backcourt strong was one of the reasons Colfax will have another successful season. Losing only Traci Hart at the two will sting a bit, but not much damage should come from that. Having three girls in Morgan, Rachel, and Brooke at the point will give not only leadership, but a different style of play at every game. With any girl capable of breaking the trap, look for another repeat. Especially with three stroker Brittney.
Wings/Posts:
Boys: The post will be hit heavy with graduation as more teams look to pack the pressure inside. Ryan will endure a storm as he tries to hold up as the only true post on the team. Caleb should be focused on getting better and making a stand to help Ryan down in the post. Of course he can also generate quick points with the three ball. Look for Sam, Justin, Joe, and perhaps Daython to take a bit of the pressure off Ryan.
Girls: The graduation of four seniors took away three solid posts and wings. Kayla Johnson (State 2B player of the year) will be back in force as she looks for a 20 points per game average. She'll get plenty of post help from returning champions Kayleigh, and Emily. Players that can shore up that front line will be Raven, Hannah, and Shaina.
League Outlook:
Boys: This year will be a major down year for the Bi-County 2B. Colfax is the only team not facing graduation hauls, but look for them to contend for a third spot. I just don't see how Colfax can keep up with a deep team like NWC or a scoring machine in Davenport. Five returning players to watch in the league are Morgan Scharf, Daniel Kuiper, Jamie Stevenson, Jarod Gunning, and Rodney Abrahamson.
Five Questions:
1. How will the NWC team deal with losing all but two players off of their varsity?
2. Can Lind-Ritzville be the same team with Colby Olson playing like Cory Whitmore, or will they struggle scoring?
3. Can Colfax contain the late season collapse that doomed them to sixth last year?
4. How bad/good will Liberty be after losing 75% of their scoring?
5. Will a Villanove style offense propel Reardan, or hurt them trying?
Standings:
1. Northwest Christian 19-1 (11-1) State Champions
2. Davenport 16-4 (8-4) 4th at State
3. Colfax 15-5 (8-4)
4. Lind-Ritzville 14-6 (7-5)
5. Reardan 8-12 (4-8)
6. Liberty 5-15 (3-9)
7. Valley Christian 2-18 (0-12)
Girls: It looks as if the Colfax girls are making a larger gap this year from teams like Liberty and Davenport. Is Can anyone beat the girls? Probably not, but you never know whether the race for second seed to districts can get any tighter. Look for a very entertaining matchup at districts. Five players to watch are Bryanna Bailey, Kelsey Arlt, Taz Brooks, Tori Fredericks, and Lauren Schultz.
Five Questions:
1. Can Colfax run the tables and finish 29-0?
2. Out of Davenport, Liberty, and Lind-Ritzville which will make it to state?
3. Can Lind-Ritzville shake the collapse off?
4. How many PPG will Bryanna Bailey score? 20? 25?
5. Will positions 5-7 suffer incredibly from the 1-4 positions?
Standings:
1. Colfax 20-0 (12-0) State Champions
2. Lind-Ritzville 15-5 (8-4)
3. Liberty 16-4 (8-4) State Playoffs
4. Davenport 16-4 (8-4)
5. Reardan 6-14 (4-8)
6. Northwest Christian 4-16 (2-10)
7. Valley Christian 2-18 (0-12)
