Warrior girls pursue ultimate prize

December 27, 2005

JEREMIAH BARTZ\Frontiersman sports editor

WASILLA-They're always the bridesmaid, but never the bride.

Every year the Wasilla High School girls' basketball squad seems to run through Northern Lights Conference schedule unscathed, and into the 4A state tournament. But every year, Jeannie Hebert-Truax's squad seems to fall just a little bit short of that ultimate goal.

When it's all said and done, there is another team at the center of the Alaska prep basketball spotlight. There are a couple of runner-up finishes for Wasilla, and last year the Warriors fell to Chugiak in the consolation finals.

Many prep basketball fans can't recall the last time the Warriors didn't win the Region III title. But this season the Warrior faithful want a state championship tattooed into their memory banks.

And once again, the Warriors have a troop capable of winning it all.

The Warriors graduated four seniors, including all-conference post Megan Stearman and guard Jamie Brown, from last season's squad that went 24-4, and finished a perfect 10-0 season in conference play capped by another region title. But Wasilla does return five members of that squad, including three very talented juniors.

Each year the Warrior junior class- led by forwards Hillarie Putnam and Anne Wesser, and guard Ayla Brown - continue to improve, and will be the core of the Wasilla squad this season.

&#8220They're going to be a big part of it. They have a lot of experience playing for me,” Hebert-Truax said. &#8220This is a young squad, but there is a lot of experience.”

Added to that core of talent is Ashley Semler, in her second season with Hebert-Truax's crew, and Sam Parsons, a first-year Warrior and transfer from Chugiak. There is also Jessica Carter, who will help fill the void left by Stearman in the post. Hebert-Truax noted a pair of young players who could help the Warrior cause, sophomore Shelby Fulton and freshman Jenna Johnson.

&#8220(Johnson) is a talented freshman. She'll do whatever I ask,” Hebert-Truax said.

Hebert-Truax said there will not be any major changes to the Warrior philosophy. Wasilla will not try to go out and re-invent the wheel. Wasilla's going to run the ball up the court, and provide a ton of pressure on defense. The Warriors already have shown that in a season-opening 68-23 win over West Anchorage earlier this month.

The Warriors are short, another reason why they will rely on pressure and speed.

&#8220We hope to create a lot of turnovers on steals,” Hebert-Truax said. &#8220”We're going to press until the end of the game.”

A key for Wasilla, Hebert-Truax said, will be their ability to get the ball in the basket. The Warriors can't afford risking a game with a low shooting percentage. Wasilla should be able to score from inside and out. Brown and Semler are threats from the outside. Putnam and Wesser have the ability to excel around the basket, or away from the paint. Despite being only 5-foot-10, Wesser can be an inside force for Wasilla.

&#8220Even though we're short, we still know how to pound the ball inside,” Hebert-Truax said.

Carter could also be key for the Warriors inside.

&#8220She's not going to be a huge jumper, but she's a big physical body inside,” Hebert-Truax said. &#8220She beats people up.”

The 1-0 Warriors began competing today in the Capital City Classic, hosted by Juneau-Douglas High School. The four-team tournament includes Wasilla, Juneau and squads from Carson City, Nev., and Australia.

Contact Jeremiah Bartz at 352-2273 or at sports@frontiersman.com.