JV girls get off to shaky start, finish strong

The Wahkiakum Girls JV basketball team recently completed their season. Despite starting the season with five losses in the first seven games, they finished the season strong, winning seven of nine for a final record of nine wins and seven losses.

According to a report from Coach David Hendrickson, the team was led by sophomore post Rebecka Patching, sophomore wing Ashlee Olson, freshman point Shelby Felton and freshman wing Caitlin Nicolazzi. Patching led the team in rebounds, Felton led the team in steals, Nicolazzi was matched up with opponents best offensive player because of her strong defensive skills and Olson led with her all around smart court sense.

Seniors Chelsea Cournoyer and Alysha Twiet added balance and energy to the guard and post positions respectively.

Sophomore wing Breanna Slape and freshman guard Brittney Rongey brought experience to the mix despite battling the flu bug in the middle of the season.

Rounding out the team were basketball newcomers, sisters Nadia and Yelena Tsybikova. Their persistence and determination earned playing time as the season progressed. Their positive attitudes were great assets to the team.

Olson, Felton and Patching led balanced scoring with 6.7, 6.4, and 6.1 points per game. Rongey and Slape added 4.1 and 4.0 points per game. As a team, the girls averaged 35 points per game with a high of 48 twice.

Strong defence dominated opponents by holding them in the 20s in nine of 16 games.

"This was a very successful season competing in the always tough Central 2B League," Hendrickson said.

"We beat Adna, White Pass, Mossyrock twice, split with Pe Ell and Toutle Lake and lost to Napavine twice. In non-league, we beat Naselle and lost to South Bend once and Rainier twice.

"This team has proved to be a strong foundation with which to build upon. Wahkiakum girls will wear their name proud and hold their heads high."