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2A GSHL Girls Basketball: Washougal has star power, but Mark Morris, others will contend

The Columbian

Published: December 24, 2017, 12:01am

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Washougal's Beyonce Bea high-fives her teammates before the first game of the season against Evergreen High School at Washougal High School, Monday November 27, 2017. (Ariane Kunze/The Columbian) Photo Gallery

There’s little argument that the 2A Greater St. Helens League’s best player can be found at Washougal.

But where will the league’s best team will ultimately reside?

Beyonce Bea, a 6-foot-1 forward, was the 2A GSHL player of the year last season as a sophomore. She averaged 17.4 points per game while leading Washougal to a league championship and a second consecutive state berth.

But it’s a different look at Washougal this season. First-team all-league guard Mason Oberg and starting forward Toryi Midland are now at Union. The Panthers also have a new coach in Britney Knotts.

And even if last year’s team was still intact, Washougal would face a stiff challenge for the league crown from Mark Morris.

The Monarchs have 10 seniors, including first-team all-leaguers in Madison Mosier and Libby Bartleson. Alexis Troy, a second-team all-leaguer, gives Mark Morris three players who averaged scoring in double figures last season.

Woodland could also influence the league title race. The Beavers only graduated one senior from a team that went 13-10 and handed Washougal its only league loss.

“We don’t have a Beyonce Bea or Madison Mosier, but we have a bunch of kids who play hard and like to play for each other,” Woodland coach Glen Flanagan said.

Hockinson also feels it has a chance to get in the mix for a league title.

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The Hawks have four-year varsity starter at point guard in Payton Wangler. She averaged a team-high 13.7 points last season and just one turnover per game.

Senior shooting guard Grace Russell also averaged in double figures. At 6-foot, she is a tough matchup on the perimeter for any team.

Hockinson has adopted the motto Hawk Havoc, which it hopes to wreak on the league this season.

“Being the optimistic guy that I am, I believe we can compete for a league title this year,” Hockinson coach Damon Roche said. “This is the best team chemistry I’ve ever had. We’ve got a lot of speed. We’re going to create havoc.

Columbia River has a new coach and just two seniors, but the Chieftains have several young versatile players that could develop into a strong core for the program.

R.A. Long should be better than last year’s team that went 4-15. The Lumberjacks return several players, including first-team all-league guard Eastyn Reeves.

Ridgefield is young and rebuilding, but has good spirit.