It appears that Macie Arzner and the McMinnville Grizzlies will be back at it this winter following a successful 2023–24 campaign. Is there anyone else in the Pacific Conference who can compete with the player of the year?
The following is a quick overview of the girls basketball teams in the Pacific Conference, arranged alphabetically:
Century Jaguars
Season last: 6-18
Edward Littlefield is the coach.
Important participants: Symphony Lawson, G/F, FR; Kiara Green, C, JR; Kami Carmean, G, SR; Mia Brownson, G, JR
Prospects:Despite finishing last in the Pacific Conference the previous season, there is a sense of confidence surrounding the Century program. In short, Littlefield believes that this season is a fantastic chance to reinvent our club. A number of factors are involved. With Green (Hillsboro) and Lawson, who recently relocated from the Chicago area, the Jaguars are deep, led by an outstanding sophomore class, and welcomed two important transfers this offseason. Brownson and Carmean, two important returners, add depth while offering leadership and experience. As we strive to push, play quickly, and sustain unrelenting energy throughout games, Littlefield stated that this depth is essential to our style of play.
Forest Grove Vikings
Last season: 20–6
Daniel Lumpkin is the coach.
Key players:Matea Vernon, G, SR; Cali Davis, W, JR; Savannah Dahl, G, SO; Maddie Eischen, W/C, SR; Iya Betteridge, G, SR
Prospects: Last season, Forest Grove dominated from the start, winning 12 of its 12 games before finishing third in the Pacific Conference. Lumpkin thinks this year’s team can once again contend with the top half of the state because numerous important players from that squad are still in the fold. He stated, “I believe we are a team that can score inside and shoot the ball well.” We have a terrific mix of agility, length, and talent that could make opponents’ matchups difficult. A vital addition to a starting lineup full of upperclassmen is Eischen, a Glencoe transfer.
Glencoe Crimson Tide
Season last: 13–12
Coach: Justin Kau
Key players:Baylie Thompson, G, SR; Brooklyn Petrick, W, SR; Mazy Duyck, F, SR
Prospects: Kau hopes that the influx of youth and enhanced athleticism will help them step it up a level. They are already a formidable defensive team in the half court. We hope to expand our defensive presence, he said, and turn defense into offense. Thompson and Petrick are the backbones of the team, having started last season as juniors. Players such as Duyck, who played a critical role off the bench last season, will be stepping into the starting lineup to aid them. We have an athletic group of players and we are looking to utilize that to our advantage on both ends of the court, Kau said.
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Liberty Falcons
Last season:9-16
Coach:Melanie Wagoner
Key players:Maddy Miramontes, G, SR; Kaliyah Chronister, G, SR; Sydney Pimentel, G, SR; Kennedy Reamer, G, SR
Outlook:The Falcons will be leaning on a group of players with excellent chemistry, said Wagoner, that have played together for years. Specifically, a collection of four senior guards, each of whom bring their own specific traits and skills. Miramontes and Chronister bring savvy point guard skills and the ability to make their teammates better through their creation. Pimentel is known for her quickness and shooting ability, while Reamer brings the hustle plays such as timely charges, while adding a knack for rebounding.
McMinnville Grizzlies
Last season:22-4
Coach:Sean Coste
Key players:Macie Arzner, G, SR; Rylie McManus, W, SR; Brooklynn Summers, C, JR
Outlook:McMinnville took another step forward last season after a strong 2022. The result was a No. 3 seed entering the playoffs, though a second-round upset loss to Grants Pass has the Grizzlies back in the gym once more looking for another deep push. We have the potential for a strong season, playing deep into the playoffs with a mix of experienced returners and talented newcomers, Coste said. He added that this roster is longer and more athletic than ever before, and tabbed the offense as a balanced attack. The Pacific Conference Player of the Year Macie Arzner is back after an all-state season and will be the head of the snake for McMinnville.
Newberg Tigers
Last season:10-15
Coach:Lucas Lindell
Key players:Lydia Gray, W/F, SR; Aubrey Case, F, SR; Peyton Lindell, G, JR
Outlook:Lindell thinks his group is ready to make a leap. Despite losing starting point guard Kuenzi Blubaugh to a knee injury suffered in her soccer season, the coach expects a competitive on-court product, especially with Peyton Lindell stepping in at guard. We are a physically imposing team that will look to make our money in the paint, Lindell said. Our ability to take care of the ball and rebound at a high level will be the difference for our group this season.
Sherwood Bowmen
Last season:16-10
Coach:Matt Sanders
Key players:Kylie Yamanaka, G, SR; Izabella Macris, G, SR; Tenley Bozeman, W/F, JR
Outlook:After a 2-8 start last season that featured critical injuries as well as impromptu coaching turnover former coach Jeff Anderson abruptly resigned on Jan. 8, before Sanders took over the Lady Bowmen finished the year red-hot. Sherwood won 13 of its last 14 regular season games, before eventually falling to the state champion South Medford Panthers in the playoff s second round. Star post Ava Heiden (Iowa) has graduated, but there are new faces to know for the Lady Bowmen who, said Sanders, will be very physical and extremely disciplined on defense.
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