A determined Sarah Stauffer takes the ball down the court. Photo by Joan Campbell The Lady Red Wolves’ season came to an end in the second game at the district tournament. For the team and Brad Knowles who is in his first year as head coach, the season ended on a high note.

“When I was hired last summer, I saw that the team was one of the lowest teams in the league last season as far as offensive output,” said Knowles reflecting on the season. “I wanted to change that immediately.”

And, apparently, he and the team did just that. In comparison with past team records, this year’s CHS girls’ basketball team finished third in offense and, during most of the season, the team was first for points scored.

The team has been called the “run and gun” team by coaches in the media. “We like to get the ball and fast break,” said the coach.

“We averaged approximately 10 points more per game this year than last year,” added Knowles. “Next year we intend to build upon that and be first.”

Senior Tasha Hartwig plays strong in her last basketball game at CHS. On February 10, the Cedarcrest team hosted the first round of the district tournament at home. CHS was the Cascade Conference second seed going up against the Northwest Conference’s third seed, Sehome.

The Red Wolves had a one-point lead after the first quarter, then finished down by one at halftime. The third quarter was pivotal, as Sehome increased their lead to 10, mostly due to 8 free throws. The score at the 4th quarter was even, but then Sehome came down for the win, 52-42.

“Sehome’s advantage at the free throw line was a big factor, they went to the line 25 times and made 18, while we went the line only 7 times and made 5,” said Knowles. “I was happy with how we played. [Sehome] tried to press us from the start, but we broke it down quickly, so they just went back into a zone and slowed the pace down. We just didn’t score enough in the second half.”

With the opponent on her heels, Katherine Smith reaches for control of the ball. “Susan Kenney, our season long scoring leader, again led Cedarcrest with 17 points, but unfortunately, in the last minute of the game, she suffered a dislocated shoulder and was lost for any remaining games,” he added.

Cedarcrest then traveled to Skagit Valley College on February 13th, to play Lynden in the district loser out game in round two.

“Without Susan, we knew it was going to be a tougher challenge, but Kalee Fowler and Sarah Stauffer both stepped up and played very well for us as point guards and added 18 points between them.”

Lynden jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but Cedarcrest battled back to get within five points in the middle of the first half, but Lynden’s hot shooting kept them ahead and they defeated Cedarcrest 53-38.

Kendall Kramer pulls away from the defensive line, maintaining control of the ball. All photos thissection by JoanCampbell. “I’m proud of how the girls played hard the entire game and never gave up,” added the coach. “Our lone senior, Tasha Hartwig, had a good game and hit two 3’s in the first quarter that gave us a spark when we needed it. We were out rebounded and that is something we are really going to work on this summer and next fall. We had a good season, 13-9 overall and went to district.”

A Season in Review

Coach Knowles summed up this year’s season as a success. The team overall was strong but needs to work on defensive rebounding. “Our rebounding this season was sub-par, we worked on it a lot but our execution and desire wasn’t there. It will change next year,” he said.

Kalee Fowler controls the ball (at right). Photos by JoanCampbell The coach said the team’s strengths are several. “We can shoot from anywhere, inside or outside. We hit 60 3-point shots this season and we don’t make shot a big part of our offense. Our defense is scrappy and will never let up.”

The Lone Senior

“Tasha Hartwig, our only senior, was so good this season,” said Knowles. “She was hampered by a foot injury mid-season that kept her out of several games but when she came back, she was focused and really wanted to contribute.”

“On Senior Night, she started the first quarter by hitting three shots in a row,” he added. “In our second District game, we started off slow, but in a timeout I told her to start shooting when she was open. She hit two 3’s in a row [that got us] back in the game.”

“Tasha led by example all season. Her work ethic was incredible and she always gave her best,” he said. “We will miss her.”

The 2013 Season

As Coach Knowles and the team wrap up a season filled with highlights, the coach has now set his sights on 2013.

“We were the youngest team at District and we are losing just one senior,” he explained. “Next year, we will run more, rebound much better and be more physical.”

He is confident that the team will prepare for an even stronger season next year.

“We’re a young team and with hard work this summer, we will be back next season stronger and better than ever,” Knowles concluded. “We are already excited about next season.”

Congratulations to the Lady Red Wolves on a strong 2012 Season - and thank you to Coach Prince and photographer Joan Campbell for the great sports coverage!