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SAINT MARTIN’S SAINTS
Coach: Tim Healy, 17th year (194-215 record)
2010-11 season: 15-12. 10-8 in GNAC (5th place)
Returning starters: None.
Projected starting five: PG Jori Skorpik, 5-2, Fr.; SG Angela Gelhar, 5-4, Fr.; Megan Teade, 5-11, Sr.; PF Kelsey Baker, 5-9, Sr.; C Chelsea Haskey, 6-0, So.
Skinny: With Jeff Whitney gone at Central Washington, Healy now becomes the coaching dean of the GNAC. And similar to the 2005 season, the Saints will have to replace all five starters, meaning young players will get a lot of opportunity to make an impression. The big blow is an injury to point guard Britanie Lining (knee), who is likely out for the season. Skorpik, junior Erika Wilson and even Gelhar – a natural shooting guard out of Prairie High School – will share those duties for the time being.
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE GEODUCKS
Coach: Monica Heuer, 11th year (83-208 record)
2010-11 season: 5-20, 3-13 in Cascade Conference (9th place)
Returning starters: C Danielle Swain.
Projected starting five: PG Sami Clark, 5-8, So.; SG Mele Rich, 5-7, Sr.; SF Jessica Edge, 6-2, Jr.; PF Sadee Jones, 5-8, Fr.; C Danielle Swain, 6-0, So.
Skinny: Losing all-conference guard Latrina Woods and all of her production to graduation will have to be replaced by-committee. Swain – one of the top post players in the league - Edge and Clark will be relied on for scoring. What the Geoducks need is for Randi Boseman (knee), who tore a ligament last spring, to run with the point-guard reins, shifting Clark to her more normal shooting-guard role. A young squad should get better as the season progresses.
SOUTH PUGET SOUND CLIPPERS
Coach: Mychael Heuer, 2nd year (0-26 record)
2010-11 season: 0-26, 0-16 in NWAACC West (9th place)
Returning starters: SG Monteaka Norwood and PF Patricia Miller
Projected starting five: PG Aisha Jones, 5-8, So.; SG Kimesha Johnson, 5-3, Fr.; SF McKenzie Raben, 5-8, Fr.; PF Sarah Houchen, 5-9, Fr.; C Renee Wiley, 6-1, Fr.
Skinny: In early Janauary, with the roster whittled down to five healthy players, SPSCC did what it thought was the right thing by forfeiting its season. Heuer – who spent 14 seasons on four-year college staffs – is still learning the ropes, but has recruited a good nucleus of talent. Jones is a do-everything player who will see the ball in her hands a lot. When Norwood and Miller return in December, the Clippers should have eight healthy starter types.
Coming Wednesday: Local men's basketball preview story and team-by-team capsules
