Eagles deal with changes, build around sophomore Emily Graver | Girls basketball preview

Published 10:45 am Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Changes are afoot at Lindbergh.

The Eagles’ girls basketball team has the unenviable task of replacing one of the Seamount’s best players over the past three seasons, in post Marcissa McMillan.

McMillan led the team in scoring (21.2 points per game), rebounds (18.2) and blocks (5.6) last season.

“It’s going to be tough replacing her,” said Lindbergh coach Allen Dodson. “Those are big shoes to fill and right now we don’t have someone to fill them.”

Luckily, the Eagles have one of the Seamount’s best young players ready to grow into that role: Emily Graver.

Graver, a sophomore, led the team in steals and assists last season. This year, she’s averaging 14 points per game through four games.

Dodson is in his first year as head coach after five as an assistant at Lindbergh, and he recognizes Graver as the team’s engine.

“We go as she goes, as simple as that,” he said.

Forming a core with Graver are Adaje Ellison, Ashley Hilde and Kaylee Magat.

Hilde didn’t play much last year Magat sat out last season, so the two bring more change to the Eagles. The seniors will fill out most of Lindbergh’s backcourt. Hilde is averaging 7.8 points per game so far, Magat 5.

Ellison, a junior, plays center. “We’re looking for big things from her,” Dodson said.

Lindbergh has struggled to an 0-4 start, facing some of the Seamount’s toughest teams so far. The team has lost just once by more than seven points, to Mount Rainier, 67-33 Dec. 4.

“We’re still learning how to be aggressive and attack,” Dodson said. “We just try to get out and run with teams.”