Seton Catholic's Hannah Jo Hammerstrom (Joshua Hart/The Columbian)
In Phil Kent’s first year with the Seton Catholic girls, the school’s athletic director is hoping the Cougars quickly form an identity. For Kent, that starts with character.
“We are a first-class team and we treat our opponents like brothers and sisters,” Kent said.
From there, the Cougars will pride themselves on defense. With a rotation that goes 12 deep, Seton will press, trap and contest every opportunity. There are no easy buckets when playing the Cougars.
“If we don’t play defense, we’re going to have a tough time in our league,” Kent said. “My goal is that we are the most ferocious defense in the league.”
The Cougars certainly have some weapons to make that happen. Everything starts with all-league returners Jamine Morgan, a 5-10 senior, and Emma Watkins, a 5-4 senior.
Fellow seniors Michaela Ephraim (5-5), Katie Willis (5-9) and Jerrica Pachl (6-0) will set the standard.
“Our seniors are a first-class group of girls,” Kent said. “Their job is to teach the juniors, sophomores and freshmen what it means to be a varsity high school basketball player.”
Sophomore Maddie Willis (5-6) and freshman Hanna Jo Hammerstrom (5-8) should also factor into the rotation heavily.
The Cougars finished 6-14 last year and placed fifth in the Trico League. They have not made the playoffs since 2017.
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