It's why we play the game

Surprise, surprise, surprise... Who would have thought it. The poll for "Who will win the 3A title" ended with Fort Vancouver beginning the voters choice. Humm... Honestly it makes me feel as if I had a lot of readers out of the Vancouver area recently. But either way, 47% of the voters picked Fort. 28% pick the perennial champ Prairie, and 15% went with Camas.

But most of the voters don't play the game, and it's not done on paper, it's on the court that counts, so we'll see. Good luck to all.

The Adventure Begins

Today, November 15th, rain and cold weather in the forecast. It is the first day for winter sports in the state of Washington. Tryouts all over the state, it starts today. Balls a bouncing, and sweat rolling down the faces of kids everywhere. Coaches finally get an opportunity to start working with their kids. Here we go.

The readers have overwhelmingly spoken. They feel that the Skyview Storm will win the 4A league title again. Followed by Evergreen, Heritage and Battle Ground then Union. Well, the voting is fun, but the games aren't played on paper. We'll see. Obviously I feel different. Here we go.

A new survive for the 3A starts today. I think, obviously, again, Prairie will be the favorite. But will the Distict Champion Camas give them a fight this season. How about the new comers Mountain View and Kelso. Lets not for get about Columbia River, Hudson's Bay, and Fort Vancouver. Here we go.

We will be taking a look at the 2A also. Hockinson seems to have a leg up on the rest of the league. But never forget about Woodland. Washougal will be better, and lets not forget about our Longview friends, Mark Morris and R.A. Long. Here we go.

If there are stories, scores and/or information you'd like me to pass along. Please don't hesitate to contact me, we'll be happy to get it out there for ya. HERE WE GO.

Early signing period - signees

Congratulations to Justine Joudrey - Evergreen High School. She signed on Wednesday November 10th to be a Idaho State University Bengal basketball player. Also on Tuesday Justine was nominate as a McDonald's All American.

Congratulations to Melissa Williams - Camas High School. She signed on Wednesday November 10th to be a Eastern Washington University Eagle basketball player.

If there are any other players in the area that sign during this early signing period please let me know. I would be happy to give them the exposure.

P.S. Both of these young ladies (Melissa & Justine) have played with "Premier Elite" during the summer. (a little "pat on the back")

Big non-league games to keep an eye on.

This year's league schedule in the GSHL for both 3A and 4A will be very tight and difficult to follow. Let's hope no bad weather comes and we have to cancel and/or reschedule some games.

For now, here are some of the non league games you may want to go and see. We feel that all league games are worthy of your attendance.

November 30th Kelso at Battle Ground
December 3rd Evergreen at Mountain View
December 4th Skyview at Columbia River
December 6th Skyview at Prairie
December 8th Camas at Union
December 9th Washougal at Camas
December 10th Mountain View at Union
January 6th Evergreen at Prairie

Some teams are playing in some winter break tournaments that will give them some top level competition prior to league games. Prairie is traveling to Wyoming, Evergreen is playing in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Camas and Columbia River will be playing in the Battle Ground tournament, while Kelso will participate in the Mark Morris tournament.

Enjoy the season. Good luck

Southwest Washington Girl's basketball Preview

Reclassification's in the state has hit home hard in SW Washington. Prior to this season, each division, 2A 3A & 4A were all 6 team leagues. Now the GSHL 3A has become a 7 team league, and the GSHL 2A & 4A are 5 team leagues, making scheduling a nightmare. Each team will have 12 league games, with the 2A & 4A playing each other 3 times. Because of this, the district tournament and championships in the 4A have been eliminated. Two teams from the league will go to the regional playoffs, attempting to qualify for the state tournament.

With all that being said, this should be one of the most competitive and strongest GSHL 4A league season in a while. Skyview won the league title, with Evergreen winning the district championship last season. Both teams should be strong this season, with lots of key players from last season returning, and some key new additions. Heritage will be very competitive with the return of their two big post players and a cat quick guard returning, that sat out last season. Battle Ground will be competitive, with the addition of a talented transfer and the return of their talented post. Union will be the new kids on the block, and will be fighting hard to compete with these establish teams.

In the GSHL 3A, Prairie will be the cream of the crop, (ok what's new) with most of last years starters returning, along with the addition of some new big's. Camas who won the district championship over Prairie last season, will struggle with one of their key player suffering an ACL injury, but they still have enough talent to be competitive. Mountain View and Kelso joining the GSHL 3A, coming down from the 4A last season, will fight hard and make the 3A tough. Columbia River, Fort Vancouver and Hudson's Bay may struggle, but can surprise some teams if they don't watch out.

The GSHL 2A should be fairly even. Woodland, Washougal, and Hockinson will fight for the top spots, while R.A. Long and Mark Morris will shock some teams and play well.

Please remember these are all just one persons opinion, a coach trying to write a blog, what's your opinioin?

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME HOOPS

You can feel the tension growing. Anticipation is in the air. Players are starting to stretch out, loosen up, get that bounce in their step.
We are going to try to keep you as informed as possible with what's happening in Southwest Washington as far as girl's basketball is concern. Scores, news, changes, and highlights. Your help will be appreciated. There have been lots of changes and your assistance will be helpful.
Let's get ready, tryouts are just a few weeks away.

2011 Premier Elite grads on their way to the "Next Level"

This was an extremely successful summer college viewing tournament season for "Premier Elite" players. Unfortunately we didn't have the win/lose record we have had in previous years, but the main reason for having the team is to help our local athletes get the exposure for possible opportunities to play at the next level. And to that account, we have had several players get that attention and are on their way.

Congratulations are in order for several players,
Justine Joudrey from Evergreen High School has verbally committed to Division 1, Big Sky Conference, Idaho State University.
Melissa Williams from Camas High School has verbally committed to Division 1, Big Sky Conference, Eastern Washington University.
Shamerica Scott from Evergreen High School will be taking an official visit in October to Division 2, GNAC Conference, Western Washington University.
Katelynn Henson from Camas High School has taken a visit and received an offer from Division 3, Linfied College.
Tori Conley from Evergreen High School is being courted by several colleges including Western Washington University, Linfield College, and others.
Sarah Mason from Skyview High School has receive interest from Puget Sound University, Linfied College and others

Personally, I am very proud to have had the pleasure of coaching these young ladies and providing a fourm for them to show their talents. I believe they are well on their way to successful basketball careers and lives. Good luck.