Some teams would rather sneak up on their opponents.
The La Center boys basketball team did that at the end of last season, which saw the Wildcats surge to fourth place in state after placing third in the district tournament.
This season, La Center knows it won’t take anybody by surprise. The Wildcats are embracing the role of being the team everyone wants to beat.
“There are teams who are going to spend a little more time game-planning for these guys,” La Center coach Jeremy Ecklund said. “It’s a nice feeling and these guys like that, for sure.”
Led by the returning backcourt tandem of Hunter Ecklund and Avery Seter, La Center knows it has a target on its back.
“We have the feeling that everyone wants to compete against us,” Hunter Ecklund said. “We’ve just got to do our best each game.”
With a Trico League record of 32-2 over the past three seasons, King’s Way Christian has sat upon the Trico throne in recent years.
The Knights have a young squad, meaning coach Daven Harmeling also points to La Center as being the favorite this season.
“Seeing the job coach Ecklund has done and the guard play they have, I definitely view them as being in the driver’s seat,” Harmeling said. “They’re a very tough defensive team and have multiple guys who can make shots.”
Four of the Trico League’s six teams will advance to the district tournament Feb. 9-17 in Kelso. It’s expected to be a dogfight for those seeds, with every game being significant.
After going 12-9 last season, Stevenson has a junior-laden lineup led by Isaac Hoidal. The 6-foot-3 junior is a returning first-team all-leaguer who had 32 points and 11 rebounds Dec. 5 against Goldendale. Lincoln Krog also brings quickness and scoring ability to the backcourt.
Seton Catholic also returns a first-team all-leaguer in junior guard Isaiah Parker. Along with returning starters Henry Demsky and Matthew Kent, the Cougars have three reliable scorers.
Returning second-team all-leaguer Bryce Desarmo is one of two seniors on Castle Rock. The 6-foot-2 swing player, along with senior captain Parker Patching, hopes to help the Rockets rebound after going 2-17 last season.
Senior guard William Gross leads a Columbia-White Salmon team that has eight seniors. The Bruins have a new coach in Evan Wiley after winning a combined seven games over the past two seasons.
While the Trico League figures to be competitive top to bottom, the title chase points to La Center and a King’s Way team that has reigned for the past three seasons.
“Until someone knocks off La Center or King’s Way, they’re the teams to beat,” Seton Catholic coach Phil Kent said.
Projected finish
(Picks by Columbian sports staff)
1. La Center: The Wildcats return one of the best backcourt tandems in the area, regardless of classification.
2. King’s Way Christian: Knights are young but talented. They won’t use inexperience as an excuse.
3. Seton Catholic: Isaiah Parker is one of league’s top guards. Henry Demsky and Matthew Kent can also score.
4. Stevenson: Junior-laden Bulldogs led by do-it-all swing player Isaac Hoidal.
5. Columbia – White Salmon: Eight seniors and new coach aim to get Bruins on right track.
6. Castle Rock: Young team looks to set new foundation after going 2-17 last season.
