Last season, the bull’s-eye wasn’t in sight. This season, it has moved squarely onto the Highlanders’ backs.
Coming into last season the Hazen girls basketball team was traditionally mid-pack Seamount group, starting a freshman and a sophomore, that hadn’t been to state in almost 20 years.
Coming into this season, the Highlanders return with state-tournament experience, and one of the biggest targets for defensive pressure around.
It’s safe to say Hazen won’t sneak up on anyone this time.
“We’ve been preaching since day one we’re going to get everybody’s best game, and we’ve got to respond to it,” said Hazen coach Jeff Bernhardt. “We’re trying to get 11 girls used to playing with each other. They’ve got new roles and big-time expectations.”
Hazen’s on-court leader is sophomore Airashay Rogers. Rogers averaged 19.3 points per game last season and has gained the full attention of opposing teams.
“She’s learning how to play as the focal point of everybody’s defense,” Bernhardt said. “She wants to pass and get everybody involved, they just have to be ready.”
Stepping up to help Rogers on offense is junior Michelle Wnek. Wnek started last year and led the team with 5.8 steals per game. She scored 7.5 points per game last year, but they mostly came in transition.
This year, Bernhardt is asking her to create in Hazen’s offense to relieve pressure on Rogers, as well as maintain her presence as the Highlanders’ defensive catalyst.
So far, she’s averaging 9.2 points and 5 steals per game this season.
Anastasia Pallis is starting as a freshman and playing a big role in Hazen’s front court.
“She’s being asked to fill in for a girl that started for us for four years (Darralita Taylor),” Bernhardt said. “She has the capability of doing it.”
Junior Gabrielle Redwine returns to Hazen to play a big role this season. She played at Hazen her freshman year, then at Renton last season. She is averaging 8.3 points per game so far this year.
Hazen has started 3-3 overall and 2-3 in the Seamount, not exactly what the team was hoping for. Bernhardt said the biggest issue has been maintaining the right intensity level so far and he’s confident the team will get things going as the season wears on.
“We show flashes of being where we all think we are capable of being,” he said. “I’m confident with hard work that we’ll be there at the end.”
Hazen started a tough non-league schedule over winter break Dec. 22 against Liberty. (Results were not available by deadline). The Highlanders will face White River (5-1) in the Les Schwab Christmas Classic Dec. 29.
