There’s no one player that can do everything herself, but junior Katie Peneueta can come awfully close.
At 6-foot-2, the Heritage standout is strong enough to score inside with crafty post moves or by backing down her opponent. She’s also a great shooter and can handle the ball when asked, making her near impossible to guard.
Coming off a gold medal with American Samoa in the Pacific Games this summer, Peneueta also brings something else to Heritage.
“First and foremost, it’s her leadership and attitude on the floor,” second-year coach Jacob Kaler said. “She’s always keeping players accountable.”
After a 6-13 campaign a season ago, Peneueta and the Timberwolves get some needed reinforcement this season. Freshmen Mariah Bibens, a 5-8 guard, and Keanna Salavea, a 5-11 guard, make this a new-look Heritage side ready to shock teams.
With Salavea and Peneueta boasting both size and ballhandling ability, the pressure defenses of the 4A GSHL won’t impact Heritage as much as it did in years past.
“Just being able to pivot and step through a double team and see over people,” Kaler said. “And then on defense using that length, whether in zone or man, to contest shooters.”
Senior Sarah Rosenbaum adds some needed experience for a program headed in the right direction.
“I’m really excited with the group we have going forward,” Kaler said.
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