Northport Girls Basketball Reloads With Youth

“We graduated three key seniors, so replacing them will be tough,” head coach Erik Stark said. “We are getting younger, smaller, more explosive, and athletic. I hope this translates into more up tempo offense and aggressive defense.”

Roster numbers remain strong for the program, with 12 players turning out. 

“We have 12 (players), which is pretty good for us, but five of those are eighth graders,” Stark said. “Only two seniors, no juniors.”

The Mustangs will rely heavily on returning players stepping into expanded roles, according to Stark. Sophomore Kate Beardslee headlines that group.

“Kate Beardslee will be the engine that makes it go,” Stark said. “She has been playing point guard for us the last two years and will transition into more of a forward role using her 5 ft., 10 in. frame to rebound and help defensively inside.”

Senior guards Kylie Colton and Persephonie SteMarie are expected to carry leadership responsibilities on both ends of the floor.

“Both grew a lot last year as starters, and I expect them to be even better this year,” Stark said. “They can both shoot the long ball and attack the rim and finish in traffic. They both have been working hard on ball handling and shooting to make the most of their senior year.”

Sophomore Ariel Currigan returns healthy after a knee injury shortened her season a year ago, while freshman Brooklyn Wilson enters the program after what Stark described as a strong offseason.

The Lady Mustangs will be without junior Rori Jensen as she recovers from a foot injury. That absence may open the door for Northport’s eighth-grade class – a group Stark believes could be pivotal in the program’s future and present.

“It’s weird saying this, but our eighth graders could be the key,” he said. “Guard Ruthie Heberling and 5 ft., 10 in. forward Liesel Stark are the most ready to help now. Virginia Quilter, Janie Kellum and Bella Cope have looked great this first week of practice and should be pushing for some time off the bench as the season progresses.

“In short, the future is looking really good, but we want to be competitive now too,” he added.

As for the Northeast 1B League landscape, Stark expects a tightly contested winter.

“Well I think Inchelium is still the team to beat. They looked really fast on both ends this summer,” he said. “I expect Republic and Selkirk to be really good as well. Curlew has Annika Baker, an MVP caliber talent and I think Cusick will be improved, and newcomers Columbia and Nespelem will make it interesting.

“With all the changes this year, I expect us to be a second half team (just like last year going 10-5 down the stretch and playoffs) as we learn new positions and get the young'uns some experience,” Stark added. “As always, there should be a lot of close and tough games in the ol Northeast 1B.”

Stark said the sport means something special in rural communities like Northport – and the Mustangs are ready to take pride in representing theirs.

“I really feel that basketball is life in 1B athletics,” he said. “Fans gather to eat cheap hot dogs, share war stories of great endings, and to remember the legends of the past as well as look forward to new ‘Boone Street Barn’ dreams.

“To me, basketball is the heart of rural Eastern Washington and it’s about to wake from a long summer's nap,” Stark said. “Right now, everyone is in first place and has legitimate hopes of playing in Spokane in March. Go Mustangs!”