Prep hoops: Colony girls look to return to state

PALMER — Last season during the ASAA/First National Bank 4A State Tournament, Don Witzel was not where he normally is during the final event of the year Rather than taking a seat on the bench, just as he did in each of the past 13 seasons, Witzel was relegated to a spot in the stands. The 2006-07 campaign marked the first time in 13 years a Witzel-led team missed the state tourney.

“A lot of those kids weren’t varsity players before, so it

didn’t mean as much,” Witzel said late last week. “But the whole fact the streak came to an end, it’s motivation to get back there.”

Even if that Colony squad that was dominated by sophomores didn’t know exactly what it was like to make the state tournament, the team now stocked full of juniors does not want to know how it feels for the traditionally-powerful Colony program to miss the state tournament two years in a row.

“They want to win a region championship and try to compete for a state championship,” Witzel said.

With virtually everyone returning, the Knights should have what it takes to contend for a title.

Colony lost only one varsity player, junior Michaela Stein, who opted not to pursue basketball this season.

Returning is Colony’s lone senior, guard Hayley Hotchkiss, and a pile of juniors.

Witzel said Hotckiss is unquestionably the leader on his team.

“She leads by example, as well as constantly giving everyone else praise,” Witzel said.

Hotchkiss will run the offense from the point sometimes, Witzel said, and at other times the natural shooter will be moved to the off-guard position.

Leading possibly the most talented junior class in the state will be Allie Grazulis.

An impact player since her freshman campaign, Grazulis was moved to the post last season after an classmate Kara Larson suffered an ankle injury. But with Larson back healthy, Grazulis will be able to move back to her natural position, the wing.

With her height — Grazulis is 5-foot-10 — the move outside will be a luxury for the Knights. Witzel will also have the ability to move her back inside depending on the situation.

Colony has another junior, Alex Coon, who prospered in the post in the absence of Larson.

Witzel said Coon has improved defensively, and last year, in the offense that Colony uses, Coon developed the ability to distribute the ball in the paint. Coon and Larson are expected to form a potent team underneath for CHS.

The talent from the junior class is not just on the inside. The Knights also have juniors Maria Bowker, Tara Garrod and Jackie Hamman at the guard position.

Bowker is a three-point threat who has improved on the defensive end, Garrod is a hard-working defensive standout and Hamman is a point guard who is becoming one of Colony’s most consistent jump shooters.

Witzel also noted juniors Andi Lund and Maci Eisenhower, who each could garner quality minutes.

The most improved player on the squad, Witzel said, is Kysha Mallow.

“She’s really developed her ball handling and shooting,” Witzel said.

The Knights also have sophomore Megan Bowker, who has the ability to excel on the defensive side of the court.

The Knights will certainly be tested early in the season. Colony recently went 1-3 at the Best of the West Tournament in Chino Hills, Calif., and on Jan. 8, the Knights will make their season debut in Alaska in one of the biggest games of the season when they host the defending state champion Wasilla Warriors at Colony High School. Later in the month, the Knights will hit the East T-Bird Classic, a tournament loaded with teams expected to be among the top programs in the state.