Wasilla senior scores chance to play at Washington college

WASILLA — Injury cut Willow Drorbaugh’s senior season of high school basketball short. But Drorbaugh now has an opportunity to extend her career.

The Wasilla High School senior has signed her National Letter of Intent to attend Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, Washington, and play women’s college basketball for the NAIA Knights.

“I’m pretty happy for her. Wenatchee will be a good fit for her,” Wasilla head coach Jeannie Hebert-Truax said.

Drorbaugh was one of eight Wasilla High athletes recognized during a senior signing ceremony at WHS last week. Alia Donley committed to Lane Community College to play soccer, Ally Hull inked an intent to play both hockey and soccer at Concordia University in Wisconsin, Olivia Matson signed to play women’s hockey at Aurora University, Andraia Bella will play volleyball at Southeastern Community College, Ceil Dunleavy announced her intent to compete in track and field at Portland State University, Kaylyn Kelly was recognized for her chance to play women’s basketball at UAF and Brayden Schachle was recognized for his chance to be a part of the diving team at the University of Wisconsin.

For more on Donley, Hull, Matson, Bella and Dunleavy, see a future edition of the Frontiersman. For more on Kelly and Schachle, see frontiersman.com/sports.

Drorbaugh appeared in 15 games as a senior before suffering a season-ending knee injury during a road trip to Barrow. Hebert-Truax said Drorbaugh has been on the Wenatchee coaching staff’s radar since last season. Hebert-Truax said she’s glad to see Wenatchee maintain interest in Drorbaugh, regardless of injury.

“I’m glad to see someone pick her up. It’s nice to see Wenatchee take advantage. She’ll be a good asset for them,” Hebert-Truax said.

Drorbaugh enjoyed a solid start to her senior season, before the injury. She hit a pair of three-pointers in two of her first five games of the season, and scored a season-high 17 during a win over East Anchorage. Drorbaugh worked as Wasilla’s first player off the bench, and helped the Warriors in a variety of situations, Hebert-Truax said.

“She brings intensity, a little step up. We knew, we would not have a let down,” Hebert-Truax said.

Hebert-Truax said Drorbaugh has developed a solid three-point shot, especially from the corner, and can drive to the basket. The longtime Wasilla mentor said the senior makes good decisions, and knows when to shoot and when not to shoot.

Hebert-Truax said Drorbaugh was the first player off the bench for a Wasilla squad that earned its second straight state title in 2016-17, but would have started for most other teams. Regardless of her role, Hebert-Truax said Drorbaugh embraced the concept and continued to compete for playing time.

“She’s got that tenacity, that sticktoitiveness,” Hebert-Truax said. “She’s going to try to get better. She (keeps) at it. I like that about her.”

Hebert-Truax said she sees Drorbaugh at the shooting guard and small forward positions at the college level.

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