La Conner cleans up on hoop rivals at Soap Lake

Short-handed La Conner was able to strong-arm its share of foes at summer basketball camp in Soap Lake.

A makeshift Braves lineup won five games while building team chemistry going forward during a week-long stay in Eastern Washington.

La Conner was hobbled – both literally and figuratively – when Harley Hulbert re-aggravated a knee injury and Scottie Miller and Trey Casey were delayed in arriving due to a crab season opening.

To further complicate matters, Miller, an inside scoring presence, saw limited court time due to a dislocated finger.

Even so, the Braves won a handful of games against a camp field that featured teams from across the state.

“All things considered, despite the injuries, it was a good, solid camp for us,” La Conner head coach Scott Novak said afterward. “We got some wins and started to develop player roles and a team identity for next season.”

More work remains, however.

The Braves’ summer slate features a date with Class A power Mt. Baker and a July 13 home twin bill with Mount Vernon Christian and Coupeville.

Plus there are open gyms scheduled where players can work on individual skills, sessions Novak sees as vital. He believes those workouts can go a long way toward La Conner securing one of three Regional slots out of District next winter.

“There’s an opportunity here,” said Novak, “because in the past we’ve only had one or two Regional berths.”

The Lady Braves were also happy campers coming out of Soap Lake last week.

“We did really well,” Novak said. “There were several close games that we pulled out.”

The most impressive came on the final day against Morton-White Pass, a game that saw La Conner erase an eight-point halftime deficit.

“What’s really great about that,” said Novak, “is that at the end of a pretty intense camp, being behind by eight points is like being behind by double figures. They had to dig deep to get that win. It was a nice way to end camp.”

Novak singled out several Lady Braves for making strides at Soap Lake.

“Ketelina O’Brien and Rachel Drake had very solid weeks for us,” he said, “and Matty Lagerwey really stepped it up with some relentless rebounding.

“The twins, Justine and Joanie Benson,” added Novak, “also played very well, as you’d expect.”

The Lady Braves have a busy July on tap, including the annual Anacortes Summer Tournament.

They also entertain Sultan and Sedro-Woolley on July 17. La Conner hosts Granite Falls and Lummi two days later. Lakewood and Bellingham visit the Lady Braves July 26.

“Again, it was a good week at camp,” Novak said. “I feel real good about how summer is going.”