Gracie Brammer, right, will be one of four sophomores slated to start this season for Hockinson. (Steve Dipaola/for the Columbian)Photo Gallery
Hockinson is young. It’s inexperienced. And that might not be the worst thing for the Hawks.
“I wonder if what they don’t know might not hurt them,” sixth-year coach Damon Roche said. “They’ve got a lot of grit, a lot of juice and a lot of positive energy.”
The Hawks will start four sophomores and a junior. Sharpshooting Jasmine Shigeno tore her ACL in June. She will miss the season. First-off-the-bench Molly Romanchok, too, is no longer with the team.
Still, Roche is excited for the young group.
“This is the most athletic group I’ve ever had,” he said. “We want to get out and run. We’ll press and trap. We have to do what we can do.”
Sophomore Gracie Brammer will take over point-guard duties. Sophomores Kylie Ritter and Addie Chappelle, too, add speed and a defensive focus to the team. Junior Lillie Mueller is the veteran among the starting five.
“We’re probably going to run the ball through her,” Roche said. “She sees the floor well and has the experience to take control and keep calm on the floor.”
Hockinson also boasts two sets of twins: Addie and Delaney Chappelle and Kylie and Ellie Ritter.
“Maybe there’s something there I can tap into,” said Roche, who is looking toward the future. “Even if we just limp into the playoffs, that would help experience-wise. If we can brew up some confidence with these young girls, who knows?”
Morning Briefing Newsletter
Get a rundown of the latest local and regional news every Mon-Fri morning.
