The La Center has plenty to be excited about this season as the Wildcats go for a fourth Trico League title. (Samuel Wilson for The Columbian)Photo Gallery
The 1A Trico League gauntlet may be one of the toughest in the state this season. With three teams all boasting rosters equipped to make state and beyond, coaches won’t have any rest game planning.
Three-time league champion La Center Wildcats bring back player of the year Hunter Ecklund and a core group of seniors looking to make it a career sweep atop the league.
“As long as Ecklund is at La Center, they’re always going to be a threat,” King’s Way Christian coach Daven Harmeling said. “We’re down to one year left, so I’m looking forward to that.”
King’s Way Christian is coming off a miraculous run to the state title game a season ago, and boasts a deep roster, including stars Bryson and Brady Metz and Kobi Cason.
Then there’s Seton Catholic, which returns a trio of all-league picks (Xavian Rushing, Gabe Anderson and Andy Olson) looking to make it to the Yakima SunDome for the first time in program history.
“It might be the most talented team they’ve had,” Harmeling said of the Cougars. “They’re going to be very good.”
That leaves the rest of the pack fighting for the final playoff spot. “Luckily we have four playoff spots,” Castle Rock coach Hayden Tilton said.
Tilton’s Rockets are extremely athletic with Landon Gardner leading the charge. Wyatt and Adam Partridge are forces in their own rights and former all-league pick Jonny Boissonault returns to the program after a year away.
Columbia-White Salmon and Stevenson have the pieces to be competitive.
Projected finish
Picks by Columbian sports staff
1. La Center — This senior class is a favorite for fourth straight Trico title.
2. King’s Way Christian — There’s few teams in the state with as much depth as Knights.
3. Seton Catholic — The Cougars are going to stun a few teams this year.
4. Castle Rock — Very athletic with a coach who preaches discipline: a good combo.
5. Columbia — Bruins still have work to do to break into top tier.
6. Stevenson — New coach Robert Waymire has work cut out with overhauled roster.
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