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 Lampkin is the coach.
Important participants: Maddie Eischen, W/C, SR; Iya Betteridge, G, SR; Savannah Dahl, G, SO; Cali Davis, W, JR; Matea Vernon, G, SR
Prospects: Last season, Forest Grove dominated from the start, winning 12 of its 12 games before finishing third in the Pacific Conference. Several important players from that squad are still involved, which gives Lampkin hope that this year’s squad can contend with the top half of the state once more. 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
Important participants: Mazy Duyck, F, SR; Brooklyn Petrick, W, SR; Baylie Thompson, G, 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 want to turn defense into offense and increase our defensive presence,” he stated. Having started as juniors the previous season, Thompson and Petrick are the team’s mainstays. To help them, players like Duyck, who was instrumental off the bench the previous season, will be moving into the starting lineup. According to Kau, we want to take use of our talented set of players on both sides of the court.
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Liberty Falcons
Season last: 9–16
Melanie Wagoner is the coach.
Important participants: Sydney Pimentel, G, SR; Kennedy Reamer, G, SR; Kaliyah Chronister, G, SR; and Maddy Miramontes, G, SR
Outlook: According to Wagoner, the Falcons will rely on a bunch of guys that have played together for years and have great chemistry. In particular, a group of four senior guards, each contributing unique qualities and abilities. Chronister and Miramontes contribute astute point guard abilities and the capacity to improve their colleagues via innovation. Pimentel is renowned for her speed and shooting prowess, while Reamer contributes hustle plays like timely charges and a talent for grabbing rebounds.
McMinnville Grizzlies
Season last: 22-4
Sean Coste is the coach.
Important participants: Brooklynn Summers, C, JR; Rylie McManus, W, SR; Macie Arzner, G, SR
Outlook: Following a successful 2022 season, McMinnville made progress last season. The outcome was a No. 3 seed going into the playoffs, but the Grizzlies are back in the gym seeking another deep push after an upset loss to Grants Pass in the second round. “With a mix of talented newcomers and seasoned returners, we have the potential for a strong season, playing deep into the playoffs,” Coste stated. He tabbed the offense as a balanced attack and stated that this group is longer and more athletic than ever before. Following an all-state year, Macie Arzner, the Pacific Conference Player of the Year, is returning to lead McMinnville’s snake.
Newberg Tigers
Season last: 10–15
Coach: Lucas Lindell
Important participants: Peyton Lindell, G, JR; Aubrey Case, F, SR; Lydia Gray, W/F, SR
Outlook: Lindell believes his team is prepared to take a big step. The coach anticipates a competitive on-court product even if starting point guard Kuenzi Blubaugh was sidelined due to a knee injury sustained during her soccer season, particularly with Peyton Lindell filling in at guard. According to Lindell, “We are a physically intimidating team that will look to make our money in the paint.” This season, our team’s success will depend on our ability to handle the ball and rebound well.
Sherwood Bowmen
Season last: 16–10
Matt Sanders is the coach.
Important participants: Tenley Bozeman, W/F, JR; Izabella Macris, G, SR; Kylie Yamanaka, G, SR
Outlook: The Lady Bowmen ended the season on a high note after a 2-8 start the previous season that included serious injuries and an unexpected coaching change. Former coach Jeff Anderson resigned on January 8 before Sanders took over. Before losing to the state-champion South Medford Panthers in the second round of the playoffs, Sherwood had won 13 of its previous 14 games during the regular season. Ava Heiden, the star post from Iowa, has graduated, but the Lady Bowmen have new players to get to know. According to Sanders, they will be fiercely disciplined and physical on defense.
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