Birdtail’s emergence drives North Thurston squad seeking first state tourney bid in 28 years

Tay Birdtail didn’t exactly come out of nowhere.

The North Thurston High School senior has played varsity basketball since her freshman year, averaging double figures from her sophomore season on.

But something changed late last season. Birdtail, who took up the sport in fourth grade but didn’t take it seriously until she got to high school, began to truly understand the game.

Rams coach Jackie Meyer knew three years ago Birdtail’s potential was high, though she would score only 12 varsity points as a ninth grader.

“Tay had a natural raw ability she needed to learn to put into organized game situations with teammates,” Meyer recalled.

Fortunately, something that can be a chore for some athletes drew Birdtail more strongly to basketball.

“I fell in love with the process of training,” she said. “Seeing my progress from freshman year until now makes me want to keep going and practice even harder. I’ll get in the gym and work out two-plus hours on my own, outside of practice. I like to do sprints. I like to lift weights.”

During Birdtail’s junior year, the pandemic-shortened spring 2021 season, the Rams staggered to a 4-8 record, but she led in scoring at 18.4 points per game. More importantly, her game began to flow more naturally.

“She matured and grew up. I’m so proud of Tay,” Meyer said. “We saw her go over that hump. She bought into everything. She realized she could be an outstanding leader, which can be a hard skill to learn.”

Said Birdtail, “My shot, my handles and my court vision have all developed. My defense has progressed. I’m not afraid to shoot and I’m aggressive. I’m not afraid to go up against anyone.”

With the 5-foot-8 Birdtail leading the Rams in scoring (15.9) and rebounding (8.0) and freshman point guard Soraya Olgadez arriving to score 15.2 points per game while also averaging 4.6 assists, the Rams are revitalized.

A team coming off a losing season is a game behind undefeated-in-league Gig Harbor for the 3A South Sound Conference lead with a 12-1 overall record, its only loss a 60-50 road defeat to the Tides. North Thurston is ranked just outside the top 10 in the Associated Press 3A poll and has a legitimate shot at its first state tournament since the 1993-94 Rams appeared for a third consecutive season.

“We learned how to play as a team and share the ball,” Birdtail said. “We’re more confident this year and that definitely makes a difference in our play.”

Birdtail’s physical skills have also risen to a new level.

“She’s always been a good outside shooter, but this year she’s gotten more comfortable driving to the hole,” said Meyer. “She’s having fun playing basketball. You can see her enjoying the game. Her shoulders are a little more relaxed, she’s smiling.”

Birdtail’s leadership has been a plus on a squad with three freshmen and three sophomores.

“It’s been so much fun this year,” Meyer said. “Watching her cheer on her teammates during practice, calling people out in the locker room in a positive way for the good things they did to contribute to the team atmosphere, praising people for how many rebounds they had, how many points they put up or the effort they gave on defense.”’

With strong interest from community colleges and NCAA Division III schools, Birdtail wants to continue playing beyond high school. Meyer thinks she has a lot of upside left to develop at the next level.

“Tay’s only been playing basketball really hardcore for four years,” she said. “It takes a lot to learn the strategy of the game, being able to understand the things the other team is doing. She’s open to learning and she’s picking up a lot.”

Along with her individual workouts, Birdtail plays AAU ball for the locally-based West Academy organization and has traveled throughout the western states during recent springs and summers, something she values for the chance to see different styles of play.

“California players are more flashy as compared to Washington,” she said as an example.

Meanwhile, two of Washington’s better 3A teams will play their rematch Friday night in Lacey when Gig Harbor travels to North Thurston in what may be the biggest girls game of the season in the 3A SSC.