Palmer High graduates play in NWAACC hoops title game

PALMER — It took recovering from two major knee injuries, but Jaimi Cox finally had the chance to play for a title.

Cox was one of a pair of former Palmer High girls basketball players who played for a Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges women’s basketball championship earlier this week. Cox, a 2010 graduate of Palmer High, along with 2008 PHS graduate Ashley Swetzof, hit the court for the Yakima Valley Yaks in the title game at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Wash., last Wednesday.

Even though the Yaks suffered a slim 60-59 loss to the Columbia Basin Hawks, playing in the big game came after a long battle with injuries for Cox.

“It was definitely exciting to go from two years out to playing in the championship game,” Cox said by cellphone from Yakima, Wash.

Cox scored six points and grabbed five rebounds in the game. Swetzof added five points, including a three-pointer.

Cox was a starter throughout the season for the Yaks, who finished the regular season 23-8 overall and 10-4 in conference play. It was her first full season since her junior year of high school.

Cox tore a ligament in her right knee in a game during her senior year at Palmer High. As a freshman at Yakima, Cox tore a ligament in her left knee.

“I made it through the whole preseason. It was a week before our first preseason game,” Cox said.

The Yaks won the NWAACC title that season. Even though she was sidelined, Cox said it was a fun experience. And Cox was thrilled to be on the court as Yakima made another attempt at the title.

“It was awesome to be able to play and contribute,” Cox said.

Columbia held a strong 42-27 lead at halftime, but the Yaks charged back during the second-half outscoring the Hawks 32-18.

In 31 games, Cox averaged five points, three rebounds and two steals per game. Swetzof played in 30 games, averaging six points, three rebounds and two steals per game.

After missing her freshman season of college with the injury, Cox said she could be eligible for another season, but is unsure if she’ll return to the court.

“I’m kind of in limbo. I love it, but there are other things that are more important than basketball,” Cox said.

Sarah Houchen, a 2011 Palmer High graduate, also is playing in the NWAACC. Houchen is a freshman at South Puget Sound. She appeared in 24 games for SPS, which finished 6-19 overall and 3-13 in conference play.

Leisl Brown, a 2011 graduate of Wasilla, is a freshman at Peninsula College. Brown appeared in 27 games for Peninsula, which was 17-11 overall and 11-5 in conference play.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.