Winter prep preview | Coupeville girls basketball

There is no shortage of experience in the backcourt for the Coupeville girls basketball team this winter.

Of six returning letter winners, five are guards, led by three-year starters Cassidi Rosenkrance and Katie Smith. They will be joined in the rotation by Taya Boonstra, Jai’Lysa Hoskins and Lauren Escalle.

The other letter winner, 5-8 Bessie Walstad, will handle the post duties, along with key newcomer 5-9 freshman Hailey Hammer.

Coach Jackie Bykonen said, “I expect extremely strong play from Cassidi and Katie. Cassidi has had a great first week, and Katie will be equally strong. We would like to utilize Katie from the high and low post position as well.  Bessie and Jai’Lysa should also be more comfortable and have put in significant time this summer.”

In addition to experience as a strength, Bykonen said, “The girls know each other more on the court and have gotten more competitive with one another.”

Lack of size can be a problem, Bykonen said.

Bykonen expects her club to play hard every game and compete with anyone: “They just have to believe that they are capable.”

The coaching staff is stressing basketball IQ this year and knowing what to do in game situations.  Bykonen said assistants David and Amy King “have developed various assessments to teach the girls basketball terminology and what to do in various situations that will be critical in close games.”

The season begins at home Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. with Meridian.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.