2A GSHL Girls: Rivals step up to challenge Washougal

Most might think Washougal might need to reload after winning the program’s first state championship and graduating dominant post Beyonce Bea. The Panthers say not so fast.

Washougal again enters the season as the league favorites, even if they’re slightly more vulnerable than years past. With three all-league returners (Skylar and Jaiden Bea and McKinley Stotts), the Panthers believe another state-title run could be in the cards.

“We are definitely setting our goals high,” coach Britney Ervin (formerly Knotts) said.

Among the teams chasing the Panthers are Woodland and Columbia River.

The Chieftains have potentially the league’s top player in 6-foot senior Jordan Ryan. With all-league pick Sydney Flores-Tucker expected to return for league play, Columbia River becomes a big threat to Washougal.

Woodland is packed full of athletes, even if they aren’t basketball players by trade. Kaily Christensen and Kelly Sweyer are college softball commits and Nicole Guthrie and Lucy George are future collegiate track athletes. Payten Foster, the team’s basketball-first star, will lead the way.

Beyond the top three, things are wide open. R.A. Long no longer has Eastyn Reeves leading the show, but 5-foot-3 Miranda Lomax is a more than competent point guard. Hockinson lost its best player, sharpshooter Jasmine Shigeno, to injury, but has some young girls eager to compete.

Mark Morris, coming off a winless year, brings in some impressive freshmen. Ridgefield, with Allie Andrew opting to focus on volleyball, will search for its identity under new coach Billy McKinney.

Projected finish

Picks by Columbian sports staff

1. Washougal — The defending 2A champs are still loaded with talent.

2. Columbia River — With Jordan Ryan leading the show, the Chieftains will be near the top.

3. Woodland — Multi-sport athletes with experience winning dot this roster.

4. Hockinson — The defense will keep Hawks in playoff contention.

5. R.A. Long — This Lumberjills team will look a little different than years past.

6. Ridgefield — The Spudders might struggle in a transitional year for the program.

7. Mark Morris — After a winless year, the Monarchs get an influx of young talent.