2020-21: Top 15 high school girls basketball players in South Sound area of Washington state
While the high school basketball season has been pushed to the spring by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association as coronavirus case counts continue to surge in Pierce and King counties and around the state, we’re still talking about high school sports here at The News Tribune.
The South Sound is one of the most talent-laden areas for prep basketball in the state, producing top-tier players who go on to the next level year after year. We covered plenty of games in 2019-20, writing about rising stars, winning programs, underdog stories and more. With all we’ve seen, in addition to talking with coaches around the area, these are The News Tribune’s Top 15 high school girls basketball players in the South Sound ahead of the 2021 season, presented in alphabetical order.
The top 15 girls high school basketball players in the South Sound, presented in alphabetical order.
AUBREY AMENDALA
Tumwater
Guard, 5-6, jr.
She was named the co-MVP of the Class 2A Evergreen Conference in her sophomore season, leading the T-Birds to a 25-3 overall record, a 9-1 league record and the EvCo title. A first-team selection to The OIympian’s 2020 All-Area girls basketball team Amendala averaged 16 points, four assists, four steals and four rebounds. Also named to the Class 2A state all-tournament second team.
PIPER BAUER
Peninsula
Guard, 5-7, sr.
The sharp-shooter formed a formidable 1-2 punch alongside teammate Linsey Lovrovich, and has the Seahawks positioned as the early favorite to win the Class 3A South Sound Conference title in 2021. First-team 3A SSC selection and South Dakota School of Mines commit averaged 15.1 points, 2.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in her junior season.
CATELYN DEAVER
Sumner
Forward, 6-0, jr.
She can play anywhere on the floor for the Spartans, one through five. As a sophomore, Deaver was named to the Class 4A South Puget Sound League first-team, the only non-senior named to the team in a loaded, veteran league last season. Good midrange game and gets into the lane. Praised by Spartans coach Brett McDaniel for her nonstop motor, Deaver was a double-double machine last season, averaging 17.5 points and 11.5 rebounds.
ATREONIA GARNER
Spanaway Lake
Guard, 5-7, soph.
Lauded by Spanaway Lake coach Robert Morrison for her basketball IQ and versatility, Garner lit up the scoresheet in her freshman year, averaging 21 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.8 steals. First-team Class 3A Pierce County League selection can handle the ball, score in bunches and plays tenacious defense.
HOPE HASSMANN
Tahoma
Guard, 5-7, soph.
First-team selection in the Class 4A North Puget Sound League’s Cascade division as a freshman, Hassmann ran the show for the up-tempo Bears at the point guard position. Tahoma coach Peter Smith calls Hassmann a ‘complete player.’ Hassmann, who averaged 19 points, 4.8 assists and 5.9 rebounds in her first high school season, can score from outside, slash into the lane, beat defenders with either hand and sees the court well.
JERSEY HUERTA
Kentwood
Guard, 5-2, soph.
Another freshman first-team selection in the Class 4A North Puget Sound League’s Cascade Division, Huerta averaged 15.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.4 steals for the Conquerors in her first high school season. Kentwood coach Jordan Nero said Huerta took the reins at point guard on day one of practice and never looked back. Gets to the basket with ease, rebounds well for her size and a good distributor and defender.
SHARAYAH JOHNSON
Lincoln
Center, 6-4, sr.
A Class 3A Pierce County League first-team selection as a junior, Johnson was a matchup nightmare for defenders in the post all season. Averaged a double-double for the Abes, with 19.5 points, 11 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
LINSEY LOVROVICH
Peninsula
Guard, 5-9, sr.
Boise State signee was a first-team selection in the Class 3A South Sound Conference as a junior. Bouncy, athletic guard was all over the place for Mike Schick’s Seahawks, averaging 16.9 points, 3.2 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals for Peninsula.
KARA MARECLE
White River
Guard, 5-7, sr.
Named the Class 2A South Puget Sound League East division’s co-MVP as a junior. Three-year starter averaged 13.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists, bringing her career points total to 961. Led the Hornets to the 2A SPSL East title and an appearance in the 2A state tournament at the Yakima Valley SunDome. Good off the dribble, attacks well, strong midrange game and can step out and shoot the three.
ESMERALDA MORALES
Bethel
Guard, 5-4, sr.
Portland State signee was a first-team pick in the Class 3A Pierce County League a season ago, averaging 22 points, 2.3 steals and three assists. One of the area’s most dangerous scorers, Morales was also named to The News Tribune’s 2020 All-Area first-team, leading the Braves to the state tournament at the Tacoma Dome.
ALYSSA SMITH
Bethel
Guard/forward, 5-9, soph.
When healthy, Smith was the third head of Bethel’s ‘three-headed monster’ last season, alongside Tiarra Brown and Esmeralda Morales. The knockdown shooter suffered a brutal knee injury early in the playoffs of her freshman season, but Bethel coach Tim Brown said there’s a realistic chance Smith could return for her sophomore season, now that the 2020-21 season has been pushed to February. Averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists for Bethel as a freshman.
JULIANNA WALKER
Annie Wright
Guard, 5-6, sr.
The Class 1A Nisqually League MVP averaged 34.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists for the Gators last season. Syracuse commit led Annie Wright to a fourth-place finish in the 1A state tournament. Walker has 2,214 points in her three high school seasons. A first-team selection to The News Tribune’s 2020 All-Area team.
JOCLYEN WYATT
Wilson
Guard, 5-10, sr.
The top player on the Rams squad last year returns, coming off a junior season that saw Wyatt average 19.1 points, seven rebounds, three steals and 4.8 assists. First-team selection in the Class 3A Pierce County League as a junior. Denver commit.
BAYLEE YOUNG
Gig Harbor
Guard, 5-8, soph.
Second-team selection in the Class 3A South Sound Conference as a freshman, Young enjoyed a breakout year with the Tides in her first high school season. Averaged 14.3 points, 2.7 assists,4.4 rebounds and 2.5 steals for Gig Harbor while shooting 38 percent from the field. Recognized by Gig Harbor coach Mike Guinasso for her work ethic.
JEWEL YOUNG
Decatur
Guard, 5-6, soph.
First-team selection in the Class 4A North Puget Sound League’s Olympic division, Young was at the heart of helping Decatur’s squad believe in themselves last year. Coach Elon Langston calls Young an ‘alpha female’ who came into the squad and established her dominance from day one. On the floor, can do a bit of everything and thrives as a floor general. Averaged 10 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals for the Gators.
This story was originally published December 4, 2020 at 9:25 AM.
