LOWER COLUMBIA COLLEGE
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
SEASON OUTLOOK
Entering his first season at the helm of Lower Columbia College women's basketball program, Coach Lyle Patterson's 1999-2000 Red Devil's have the challenge of playing for a new coach and learning to execute his system at the college level.
The 1999-2000 Red Devil women's basketball team returns a combination of five players from last season's 4th place Western Division team (8-6) and a sophomore transfer. The team also includes six highly recruited freshmen that are making the transition to college basketball. The six sophomores should provide leadership and a winning attitude to the six freshmen joining the program to bring about a winning season.
The Lady Red Devils this year will use quickness to overcome the lack of a big post player. The team expects to be able to exert defensive and offensive pressure on the opponents. They will show a variety of presses and run the ball down the court at every opportunity.
RETURNING SOPHOMORES
Melody Abel is a highly motivated person. She participates on both the basketball and soccer teams, and is also enrolled in a pre-med degree program. She plans to attend medical school after getting her bachelor's degree. As a player she brings great intensity, quickness, skill and determination to the team. Due to injuries last year, Melody only played in the last half of the season averaging 4.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists.
Allison Mattila returns in the forward position. Sharing playing time last season, Allison averaged 6.3 points and led the team with 6.4 rebounds per game. She is a very competitive and a hard worker. She has a nice touch on the ball and should be a tough defender and rebounder. Allison is a three-sport participant that includes volleyball and softball.
Joni Lowe is a very hard working player who has worked hard to improve her defense. Last year Joni averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds. She has a nice touch on the ball and can go to the basket with authority. Her all around play will make a big contribution to the team.
Amanda Johnston is back after knee surgery last year. She is also participating on the soccer team this year. Amanda has great ball handling skills and a good shot. She will see playing time this year at a couple of positions, point and wing.
Wendy Garrison shared playing time last year averaging 5.4 point and 3.3 rebounds. She can really get up and down the court. She has a great work ethic and has worked hard to increase her speed, which is a big help in the running game. Wendy is also an excellent student enrolled in pre-engineering degree program.
Jodi Salmi is a sophomore, but is playing her first year at LCC. She transferred this year from Chemeketa CC where she participated as a freshman. She is a strong player in the post position. She runs the floor well and makes good use of her size. As she becomes familiar with the system, she will give us a big assist in the post.
FRESHMAN
Kari Kondro (Toutle Lake High School) is a freshman with lots of potential. She has a very good outside shot. As she gains more experience she will be a very fine player for the Red Devils. She understands the game and is a solid defender. Kari will make a solid contribution to the season.
Cortney Engelson (Naselle High School) is best described as tough and determined. Though she is far from the biggest player, she more than holds up her end with her defense and ball handling. Cortney's work ethic is an inspiration to the team.
Michelle Magnuson (White Pass High School) is a freshman who plays beyond her age. Possessing great quickness and ball handling skills, she can really go to the hoop! The coaches are counting on her all around skills to defend, rebound and contribute on offense.
Rachel Haataja (Naselle High School) can play any position on the court and has great skill for a freshman player. Her decision to attend Lower Columbia was a very fortunate happening for the women's basketball program. Fans will enjoy watching her play.
Heidi Lorenzen (Dayton High School) comes from Oregon where she was All Star high school player. Heidi is great at running the floor and is strong in the post. The best thing about Heidi is that as she learns the system, she will get better and better.
Jennifer Pettit (Coupeville High School) has a great left handed shot and has a fine touch on the ball. As she recovers from a bad ankle, she will help the front line. She has good instincts for the ball and just needs to get a little stronger.