Girls bring back fast, athletic starters

Having all five starters return to the La Conner High School girls' basketball team should help the program tackle a tough 2024-25 schedule.

"It feels like we've joined the Northwest 1A/2A/3A League this year as we play Ferndale, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Lakewood, Burlington-Edison, Bellingham and Blaine," La Conner head coach Joe Harper told the Weekly News on Saturday.

But Harper sees the tough non-conference slate in positive terms ahead of La Conner's chase for a 2B playoff berth.

"I think this is good for us as we will be challenged against these larger schools and that should prepare us for the postseason should we be fortunate enough to get there," he said.

La Conner will bank on its speed and athleticism during the upcoming campaign.

"We really hope to be fast and move the ball up court with tempo," Harper said.

The Braves open the season at home at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, opposite Ferndale. Junior varsity tipoff is 1 p.m. with the varsity clash to follow.

In addition to the tough non-league schedule, Harper anticipates a rigorous NW2B/1B race.

"Mount Vernon Christian has moved up to 2B this year so both games against them will count in the standings," he said. "They are always a top team in the state, and they are very well coached. Friday Harbor had a fantastic season last year and really challenged us in the three games we played against them. Coupeville will have a senior strong roster and some of those girls just took home a fourth-place trophy at (the) volleyball state (tournament), so confidence is running high with them."

But La Conner, coming off a 13-7 record a year ago, likewise has reason to feel confident entering the season.

"We are very fortunate to have all five returning starters from last year and I think that creates some stability as we move forward," Harper said. "We had a great offseason attending the BnB Camp and we've noticed improvement across the board. I'm excited to see how these young women perform this season."

Among the team's key returners are point guard Shaniquah Casey and shooting guard Maeve McCormick.

"Both players had solid years last year and we hope to build on that momentum going into this season," said Harper. "Maeve has a scorer's mentality and when hot she can take over a game. Shaniquah brings a calming presence to the team and never gets too high or too low."

Newcomers include eighth-graders Isla Jones, Mia Delage and Faith Jenkins who will vie for either varsity or junior varsity playing time.

"All three should be big contributors for years to come," Harper said

The '24-25 Braves will focus on the program's values system of integrity, courage, citizenship, respect and accountability.

"We need to have a team-first attitude and we need to celebrate the success of others," Harper said. "I really like the group we have this year and there seems to be a different feel and attitude around our practices that we need to build on."

Harper hopes his team's marquee schedule and deep roster will attract large crowds to Landy James Gym this winter.

"I would love to see the community attend our games as well as the boys' games this year," Harper said. "It helps to have their support, and the players really feed off the energy of a full house."