Sophomore Annika Hill has a chance to step into a key role for Ridgefield, which lost most of last year's offense. (Joshua Hart/The Columbian)
It’s easy to hear the excitement in Ridgefield first-year coach Billy McKinney’s voice.
The former junior varsity coach for the Spudders isn’t worried about seeing 37 points per game graduate or depart from last year’s 12-10 squad. He experienced firsthand a budding group of young players on his JV team, and he’s ready to see them take on varsity competition.
“If we can put this together, we’re going to be phenomenal,” McKinney said. “We’re still a little behind, but once we catch up, we should be rockin’ and rollin’.”
Karli Oliver and Devi Dugan graduated from last year’s team and Morgan Harter and Allie Andrew opted to focus on volleyball. It leaves the door open for plenty of fresh faces to take on big roles.
Juniors Mackenzie Dewey and Grace Goode are expected to be top contributors. Senior Emma Thulin adds some experience and junior Courtney Beyer will get heavy minutes. Sophomores Audrianne Chapman and Annika Hill could be difference-makers as well.
“Once we implement an identity, you’ll see it,” McKinney said. “We have kids who can shoot, kids who can run the floor. … Our transition game is going to be ridiculous.”
McKinney is also looking forward to a nonleague slate that includes Tumwater, King’s Way Christian, La Center and 2B power Wahkiakum.
“That’ll toughen us up for league,” McKinney said. “It’s real exciting.”
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