Wampus Cats primed for another run at state tournament
Pictured clockwise, from bottom left: Tabitha Van Buren, Zara Palmer, Tessa Vogel, Brocklynn Thornton, Claire McMahon, Dimi Kailang and Celeste Komanec. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)
CLARK FORK — The bad news is that the Clark Fork girls varsity basketball team has only seven players to start the season, which tips off tonight when the Wampus Cats host Mullan in the four-team North Star League Tournament.
The good news is that all seven players return with varsity experience, including three games at the state tournament last winter, and know full well what it takes to get there.
Head coach Dexter Vogel hopes his young charges, which include just one senior, gained valuable experience as each played minutes at state.
“The girls saw that it takes some work to produce any kind of results down there,” said Vogel, who likes how his team is getting along as it sets out to defend a North Star League title. “They seem to want to do well together, and we don’t have what you would call a superstar kid.”
Juniors Brocklynn Thornton and Celeste Komanec led the Wampus Cats in scoring at the state tournament, and each return with another year’s experience. Vogel believes Thornton’s size at 5-foot-10 and improved footwork will make her a force in league play, and loves how Komanec is seeing the floor.
Joining them in a young starting five will be senior shooting guard Zara Palmer, and sophomores Dimi Kailang and Tessa Vogel.
“Dimi likes to penetrate and will create opportunities for herself to score,” said Vogel of his point guard. “And Zara shoots the ball well when she gets set up.”
Juniors Claire McMahon and Tabitha Van Buren will see extended minutes on a short bench. Vogel is expecting every one of his players to contribute offensively.
“I’m hoping we have a well-rounded group for scoring. We can’t rely on one or two players, we all have to step up and play,” said Vogel, who felt his team was as good as any at state last year. “Once we get going, I feel we have by far the best team in the league.”
Clark Fork hosts Mullan tonight, at 7:45 p.m. at Clark Fork High School. Lakeside and Wallace will play in the first game of the North Star League tournament, which tips off at 6 p.m. The losers will play for 3rd place on Saturday at 1 p.m., while the winners will play at 2:45 for the championship.