Freshman Frazier handed keys to Peninsula offense

The Peninsula High girls basketball program is going through some growing pains under first-year head coach Shane Patrick.

But the Seahawks already have an eye toward the future, with freshman Belle Frazier named the starting point guard during the summer.

“I was really excited,” Frazier said. “I’m glad to be part of the team. I love the girls, I love the team. It’s a building year. We’re getting there.”

Peninsula (4-10 overall, 1-7 SPSL 3A) will likely benefit from giving Frazier the keys to the offense as a freshman. The 5-foot-10 point guard appears confident on the court, facilitates and scores adeptly and doesn’t appear overwhelmed by the opportunity. Frazier recognizes the balancing act between being knowing her place and also stepping up to lead the team.

“I can’t be a captain or anything yet,” Frazier said. “But I still have to be the leader of the team even though I’m a freshman. Sometimes, they don’t love to hear from freshmen, but you’ve got to do it.”

Along with high-energy sophomore guard Rochelle Lauderbaugh and sophomore center Kirsten Ritchie, the Seahawks have a solid corps of young players to build around. The focus is being patient and improving.

“This is going to be a good program in a couple years,” Frazier said. “By my senior year, we’ll have a really good team.”

Frazier said she’s enjoyed playing for Patrick and believes in the message he’s bringing to the team.

“He’s really great,” Frazier said. “He’s had a lot of patience with us. He has a lot of experience. We should be good to go.”

Peninsula was handed a tough loss at the hands of crosstown rival Gig Harbor High on Monday night, 73-35. Frazier hopes it will be the game that puts the Seahawks into the right mindset going forward.

“I think this is going to be the game that kicks us into gear and gets us going,” Frazier said.

This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Freshman Frazier handed keys to Peninsula offense."