Pre-Season Predictions: Top Teams in 2A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>he high school school year is set to begin in a few weeks, which means the basketball season is on the way! Here are a handful of 2A teams to keep an eye on for the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lynden HS</strong>: 2024 State Champions - The Lions won their first state title since 2020 last season and that was mostly in thanks to a fantastic younger group of players. Mallary Villars, Kalanie Newcomb, and Mya Vanderyacht were some players who were seniors and provided experience and leadership for the team. [player_tooltip player_id='584239' first='Payton' last='Mills'] is a top sophomore in the state, being able to shoot it from anywhere and dominate the post too. [player_tooltip player_id='676258' first='Finley' last='Parcher'] was arguably the best freshman in the state last year and showed to everyone she is ready for the big stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ellensburg HS</strong>: 2024 State Runner-Up - Ellensburg will once again be a top team in the 2A class since 4 of their 5 starters are returning. Brooke Revet is the lone starter who won't be back due to her graduating. There was only 1 other senior on the team and she didn't see much playing time. With [player_tooltip player_id='928120' first='Bella' last='Standish'] having a phenomenal freshman year last year, Ellensburg is in good hands for the future. Jamison Phillip, [player_tooltip player_id='592524' first='Layne' last='Rogel'], [player_tooltip player_id='592523' first='Alana' last='Marrs'] will all be seniors and ready to finish their careers with a state championship. All 3 are all-state level players and are able to carry this team far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prosser HS</strong>: 2024 Semi-Finals - Prosser had a future superstar come onto the scene last year in [player_tooltip player_id='928852' first='Herbie' last='Wright']. The 6'0" 2027 graduate displayed abilities to lead the team while being the main option and was able to adjust quickly based on what the defense gives her. [player_tooltip player_id='1126657' first='Alexis' last='Gomez'] is the lone senior who was starting last season so with [player_tooltip player_id='928021' first='Deidra' last='Phillips'], [player_tooltip player_id='590249' first='Lay'lee' last='Dixon'], and [player_tooltip player_id='591484' first='Adriana' last='Milanez'] also returning, Prosser will be right in the mix. Lay'lee is a three level scorer who shoots the ball well from deep and Deidra is a player you don't want to catch fire or she will make you pay in many different ways/</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clarkston HS</strong>: 2024 Semi-Finals: Clarkston will be missing some key pieces from their squad last year but are returning enough talent to make some noice once again. Kendall Wallace, Eliose Teasley, and Alahondra Perez are some starters who won't be coming back but with [player_tooltip player_id='590243' first='Ella' last='Leavitt'] returning and being a fantastic glue piece, she'll have a pivotal role on the team. Jaelyn McCormack-Marks is the 5th starter from last year and her defensive presence will be back once again. She is a lock down defender who change games for this Clarkston team. [player_tooltip player_id='591768' first='Lexi' last='Villavicencio'] will be entering her senior year and should see an increase in productivity, maybe even being a starter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Archbishop Murphy HS</strong>: Placed 6th in 2024 - This Archbishop-Murphy team is in a very, very good spot. They will see their top 2 scorers in [player_tooltip player_id='515021' first='Brooke' last='Blachly'] and [player_tooltip player_id='592428' first='Ava' last='Marr'] return along with dynamic scoring guard [player_tooltip player_id='659458' first='Taylor' last='Cushing']. Blachly is one of the most complete, well rounded players in the state and is poised for a MASSIVE junior year after dominating the AAU scene. [player_tooltip player_id='688518' first='Ashley' last='Fletcher'] was a starter as a freshman last year and did a great job at finding her role and excelling in it. With 3 other class of 2027 players on the bench (Celine Wright, Kani Charm, Killea Pablo) who could have big roles on the team, the Wildcats are in a prime spot for a big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deer Park HS</strong>: 1A State Runner-Up- Deer Park is making the jump up to 2A after a big season last year, losing to Nooksack Valley in the state title game. Deer Park is a well rounded disciplined team who plays together so well. Emma and [player_tooltip player_id='928125' first='Ashlan' last='Bryant'] will once again lead the team. Both girls can handle the ball at an elite level and can both really let it fly from deep. The sisters have amazing chemistry and know where the other will be at all times on the court. They will compete at the 2A level with their style of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->