Trisha Lee and Jaime Hall have been almost unstoppable for the
Baler basketball team this year – and they are both juniors.
Trisha Lee and Jaime Hall have been almost unstoppable for the Baler basketball team this year – and they are both juniors.
Lee leads the Balers in scoring, averaging 12.7 points per game this year. First-year varsity coach Tom Dean moved her to the No. 3 position to allow her to be more creative while not having to run the offense. She has 11 three pointers this year but hits most of shots just inside the arch.
“She can do it all,” Dean said. “She can drive, she can shoot and she’s pretty good on defense. She is the leader all the around – both on and off the court.”
Hall (6-foot-1) has improved a lot this year. She has always had a strong post presence and is usually able to muscle her way in for easy points. But she has developed a jump shot that she can hit from 10 or 12 feet out.
“She is the best center in the league,” Dean said. “And she is still improving. In addition to hitting from outside more, she also has a little mini left-hand hook shot.”
Hall’s 55 blocks was one of the best in the area. She also led the team in rebounds (218) and steals (53).
Cortney Almaguer and Mallorie Wilson played the No. 4 spot for the Balers and were named to the Second Team. Each of them brought special qualities to the lineup.
Wilson (6-foot-1), who played her junior year at King City, adds some additional height beside Hall, and Almaguer brings a non-stop intensity level.
“Cortney gives it everything she has all the time,” Dean said. “What she lacks in height, she makes up in moves.”
Honorable mention went to Johni Kiesewetter and Danielle Andrewson, who share the No. 2 guard spot.
“They’re probably the two best defensive players we have on the team,” Dean said. “Dani has a nice little eight-foot jumper. Johni has really improved her shot this year. She is also starting to hit from around the three-point arc. Next year, Trisha is not going to be the only one hitting three pointers. Johni has probably improved the most of anyone on the team.”
Jaime Flores received the sportsmanship award. She leads the team in assists with 44 and is another player who hustles hard and has a good attitude.
