At this point, high school gyms aren’t enough for Bethany Montgomery. She wants to play on the big stage.
That’s likely next year when she begins her college basketball career at Eastern Washington University, but first, there’s the little matter of taking the Wilson Rams to the Class 3A state tournament.
“I always want to play against better competition and on a bigger stage,” Montgomery said. “In life, you have to move on, and move on to better things.”
Now in her fourth year as a varsity point guard, Montgomery has become bigger and better herself.
“She’s a tremendous offensive player, and has truly worked hard on the defensive end,” Rams coach Michelle Birge said. “She still hasn’t reached her full potential, which is scary if you think about it.”
Montgomery leads a septet of seniors that has been a solid force in the Narrows League for the past few years – but unable to take the final step. The Rams made it to the second round of the 2010 state tournament, and didn’t advance past regionals last year.
“We haven’t reached the goals we have wanted to reach,” said Birge, who is in her fifth year with the Rams. “Some minor things have always gotten in the way, but this group is hungry and really ready for our last shot to do what we know we can do.”
Montgomery was more succinct.
“It’s depressing,” she said.
Montgomery, who was an all-league selection in 2011, added that the Rams’ inability to succeed at state has given them perspective.
“We have some of the top players in the area, but we fall short every year, so obviously talent doesn’t get you there,” she said. “We have to go out there and play.
“It’s now or never, and we all understand that.”
The Rams have gotten off to a 2-0 start, including a 20-point win over 4A Narrows powerhouse Bellarmine Prep last week.
Birge said Montgomery has been key in those wins.
Her natural skills have become even more dominant with an added focus on conditioning.
“Now, she can go longer periods of time,” she said, adding that Montgomery scored nine points in two minutes against Bellarmine and has 29 so far this season. “She’s athletic, she’s quick and she can be very explosive, offensively, for us.”
Montgomery, who started playing basketball in fifth grade and also plays for the AAU Wolves, said that her single focus has been playing college basketball.
“I knew I had the talent; I just knew I had to work hard,” she said. “Now, when I move on to the next level, I’m going to get better and be the best I can be there.”
Montgomery said it is bittersweet knowing this is her last season with the Rams.
“Playing for Wilson has been great,” she said, “but when it’s over, it’s over, and it’s on to the next thing. That’s just how life works.”
Montgomery said that she was glad to sign her national letter of intent with the Eagles last month.
“Thank God I got that out of the way, and I don’t have to worry about it,” she said. “I can just focus on school and basketball.”
Birge said she wasn’t surprised when the Eagles came calling.
“My conversations with Bethany all along were that someone is going to want her to play both ends of the floor,” she said. “So she worked hard this summer on defense, and picked up a Division I scholarship.”
Montgomery, who has a 3.8 grade-point average, plans to work toward an MBA and hopes to one day own her own business where youths can play sports and get academic assistance.
But she’s adamant that she won’t be coaching her clients.
“My AAU coach told me I’d make a horrible coach,” she said with a laugh. “I have such high expectations ... I’m intense.”
CLASS 3A BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW
POWER RANKINGS
1. Lincoln
Top-five program adds Ahmaad Rorie; 3A title?
2. Foss
Not ready to concede lead dog role in city.
3. Wilson
Rebuilding? Young talent means reloading.
4. Enumclaw
Most physical and experienced in SPSL 3A.
5. Lakes
Lots of personnel movement, but still talented.
SPSL 3A
Crystal Ball (2011-12 records)
1. Enumclaw (7-15)
2. Lakes (14-8)
3. Auburn Mountainview (13-10)
4. Decatur (18-7)
5. Bonney Lake (10-12)
6. Peninsula (3-17)
Fab Five
G/FTony Chynoweth6-3Sr.Enumclaw
A premier perimeter scorer who does not take a bad shot. Is that possible?
GKeith Green5-10Sr.Auburn Mountainview
Only 135 pounds, he is very quick, creative and decisive in the Lions’ attack.
G/FJordan Johnson6-4Sr.Lakes
Above-the-rim, do-everything standout who really gives Lancers energy.
GDerek Lund5-9Sr.Bonney Lake
No team will rely more on one talented player – Lund – than the Panthers.
FJason Young6-2Sr.Decatur
Next go-to guy up for perennial playoff contenders – and league champions.
Circle the Calendar
Jan. 22, Enumclaw at Lakes, 7 p.m.
NARROWS 3A
Crystal Ball (2011-12 records)
1. Lincoln (18-9)
2. Foss (17-8)
3. Wilson (20-4)
4. Timberline (7-13)
5. Mount Tahoma (4-16 in Narrows 4A)
6. North Thurston (18-7 in 2A EvCo)
7. Shelton (2-18 in Narrows 4A)
Fab Five
G/FDonaven Dorsey6-5Jr.Timberline
Come watch – a star waiting to make a highlight-reel play on every possession.
FTre’Shaun Fletcher6-6Sr.Lincoln
Smooth as silk on the perimeter, Colorado signee almost too unselfish.
GAhmaad Rorie6-0Jr.Lincoln
Another point guard with high scoring capability; California commit.
GIvy Smith Jr.5-8So.Wilson
With seven underclassmen seeing playing time, he leads youth movement.
FDezmyn Trent6-4Sr.Foss
Not mean, just ultra-competitive — and can dominate a game in many ways.
Circle the Calendar
Jan. 15, Lincoln at Foss, 7 p.m. CLASS 3A GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW
POWER RANKINGS
1. Wilson
Virtually all seniors; ready for Tacoma Dome run?
2. Enumclaw
All are 5-foot-7, interchangeable – and good.
3. Lakes
Same question – can Lancers harness talent?
4. Auburn Mountainview
Senior Aly Carr example for young group.
5. Timberline
Sasha Weber gone, but four starters return.
SPSL 3A
Crystal Ball (2011-12 records)
1. Enumclaw (15-8)
2. Lakes (20-6)
3. Auburn Mountainview (20-6)
4. Bonney Lake (7-16)
5. Peninsula (3-17)
6. Decatur (7-13)
Fab Five
F/CTyanna Barton5-11Sr.Lakes
Rodericka Ware is back to score, but Barton’s inside presence sorely needed.
GHannah Calvert5-6Sr.Enumclaw
Last person she thinks about asking to score – is herself. Pure point guard.
G/FAly Carr5-8Sr.Auburn Mountainview
Ex-point guard now needs to be primary scorer for junior-heavy Lions.
GKatie Holland5-5Sr.Enumclaw
When game is on the line, Hornets usually find their dependable shooter.
FMekenzie Voellger5-9Sr.Bonney Lake
Nothing about game is real fundamental, but her motor endlessly runs.
Circle the Calendar
Jan. 22, Lakes at Enumclaw, 7 p.m.
NARROWS 3A
Crystal Ball (2011-12 records)
1. Wilson (20-4)
2. Timberline (15-9)
3. Lincoln (5-14)
4. Mount Tahoma (10-9 in
Narrows 4A)
5. North Thurston (17-6 in 2A EvCo)
6. Foss (2-16)
7. Shelton (1-19 in Narrows 4A)
Fab Five
GKiera Allen5-4Sr. Timberline
Was Sasha Weber’s partner in crime; now this steals machine runs show.
CTia Briggs6-1Sr.Wilson
A reliable inside force who not only scores, but settles Rams down.
GKaysha Fox5-7Sr. Wilson
Frenetic-paced offense needs a heady distributor, and she fits the bill.
FPrecious Hunkin5-8Sr. Lincoln
Leader of formidable Abes’ frontcourt whose scoring will be needed.
GBethany Montgomery5-9 Sr.Wilson
Dynamic scorer who easily is the most terrorizing and athletic player in league.
Circle the Calendar
Jan. 25, Timberline at Wilson, 7 p.m.
todd.milles@thenewstribune.com todd.milles@thenewstribune.com
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.