La Center Girls Basketball: Wildcats want to rise to the occasion at state

For all the success that came with a 23-3 record, last season ended on a down note for La Center.

The Wildcats entered the regional round of the state tournament undefeated and hoping to win a state championship. They left Yakima with no trophy, having lost three of their last four games.

All five starters are back from that team. They’re determined to rise to the occasion this season.

“Last year we played really well in league,” junior guard Taylor Stephens said. “But at state we had a mental lapse. It was a huge learning experience.”

Stephens is the reigning Trico League MVP after averaging 20.6 points a game. She joins seniors Bethany Whitten. Molly Edwards, Whitley Seter and Taylor Mills in the starting five, who all earned all-league honors.

“You can’t be a star without five points,” Stephens said. “Those five points are us on the floor.”

The team’s identity this year?

“Steals and go,” Whitten said. “It’s all about tenacity on defense. Our offense comes from our defense.”