After a disappointing end to their season last year, one that many expected to last all the way to the state championship, the Tahoma girl’s basketball team hopes, and expect to fare much better this time around in the playoffs.

The team, constructed of a well-rounded group of players that compliment each other well, sit in first place in the NPSL with an overall record of 13-1. Notable wins include games against Emerald Ridge, Nooksack Valley, Richland, and Mount Si. Perhaps their best universal trait is a propensity for scoring big, and doing it often; eight of their fourteen games have seen them score at least sixty points, with five of 70 or more.

The team’s chemistry and enjoyment of playing with each other is glaring; strong relationships among the coaches and players are blatant, and can only be presumed to contribute to their continued success. No arguing, blaming, or general contemptment is present. The team plays fast and hard, executes sound defense, makes smart decisions, and has fun while doing it. “They always seem to be laughing and smiling, even in the middle of plays”, says Carolina Mozo”. Moreover, expect to see an utter surplus of three point shots being made – their consistent ability to make deep shots is arguably their greatest strength. 

Their toughest test comes in the form of the Camas Papermakers at the University of Puget Sound on January 16th, 2023. Widely regarded as one of the most talented 4a teams in the state, similar to the Bears, the Papermakers will provide the biggest challenge the Lady Bears have faced all season. Rarely will you find a team ranked above the Bears in any publications, however this is an exception. But no one on the team is ready to roll-over. Senior shooting guard Angie Cavanaugh puts it best: “we know we can win, that’s the expectation we have for ourselves”. 

The confidence may appear braggadocious to those who haven’t watched the team for themselves, but any fan familiar with their ability knows that is an accurate, and warranted sentiment.