Looking Ahead: Lynden

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a new series of articles I will be coming out with, looking ahead to how teams will look next season. Here we will continue with the 2A state champion, Lynden HS.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions had not gone to the 2A state title game since 2019 but this Lions team felt different right from the jump. Lynden only lost 1 game all season, to Nooksack Valley, and were awarded the 2nd seed in the tournament. They defeated 7th seed White River, 8th seed Columbia River, then #5 Clarkston in the semifinal round before taking on power house Ellensburg. Lynden won a close one, 43-40, to take home the 2A state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions lost a few key pieces in Haylee Koetje, Mya Vanderyacht, Kalanie Newcomb, and Mallary Villars. They will be bringing back some key players who helped them go 27-1 last year, so they'll be a top team again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["676258"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66725e4f6433e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Finley was just a freshman but she was one of the best players in the entire 2A class last season. She came in right away and dominated for the Lions, fitting the play style perfectly. She is a 6'0" guard who handles the ball at an elite level and can knock down jumpers from anywhere. She is going to continue to lead the Lions deep into games and seasons for the next few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["584239"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66725e4f643be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Payton is a dominate post player who rebounds better than almost anyone in the entire 2A class. She is aggressive down-low and is not afraid to bump players out of the way to get the rebound or get open for an easy look down on the block. She has fantastic footwork and can easily step out to knock down the deep shot. Her and Parcher make one of the top duos in the entire state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other players to watch for:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Kiki York</em> - amazing defender, one of the best in the state. Can guard the 1-4 and hold opposing teams best players to low scoring games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Rian Stephan</em> - tall, lengthy post player who has great athleticism. Can knock down shots if left open, will likely step into bigger role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->