Peninsula hoops among top storylines to watch in winter sports season

Fall sports have officially come to an end for Gig Harbor and Peninsula high schools, which means winter sports are ready to get going. Here are some things to watch as the season unfolds for the Tides and Seahawks.

Can Peninsula boys basketball win league and get to state?

If there was ever a year to do it, this is the year. Peninsula features a senior-heavy roster, led by star guard and Oregon State commit JaQuori McLaughlin. At 6-foot-7, senior center Jimmy Ritchie is a matchup problem for defenders in the post, and the Seahawks have long forwards who can get into passing lanes and give defenses fits.

But it won’t always be easy for the Seahawks. Auburn Mountainview will have something to say about the league title, as the Lions also return a senior-heavy team, which beat Peninsula for the title last season. The two times these teams play each other — Friday, Jan. 8 at Auburn Mountainview and Tuesday, Feb. 2 at Peninsula — will be must-watch games.

The Seahawks were one game away from reaching the Class 3A state tournament last season, losing to Kennedy Catholic in the district tournament. This team has the talent to make a run into the state tournament. If everything comes together, it should be a fun run to watch.

Can the Gig Harbor girls basketball team take the next step?

Megan Murray came in and revitalized the Tides’ basketball program in her first season as head coach. Gig Harbor finished with a 12-11 overall record and a 6-6 record in the Narrows 4A. The Tides had memorable postseason wins over Federal Way and Bethel, before falling to Narrows rival Olympia, 74-60.

Murray has a budding star on her hands in 5-foot-10 sophomore forward Maddie Willett, who showed skill well beyond her years last season as a freshman. Willett can score from outside, drive to the basket, defend and rebound, giving Murray a total-package player who will be a matchup issue for a lot of defenses. Senior guards Tessa Waage and Sydney Bertholf also return, giving the Tides an experienced backcourt.

Can Peninsula wrestling reload?

The Seahawks will miss stud wrestlers Zach Goddard and Luke Holsinger, who were two of the top wrestlers in the state in their respective weight classes. Peninsula finished fourth in the Mat Classic team standings last season. Goddard and Holsinger took second in their weight classes, while then-junior Chance Stolz took third.

The Seahawks return Stolz, now a senior, who has a chance to make some noise and compete for a state title.

This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 1:29 PM with the headline "Peninsula hoops among top storylines to watch in winter sports season."