Photo: The five Roughrider seniors look to end their outstanding careers with one last trip to the state tournament. Left to right: Kenzie Moses, Teanna Clark, Lindsay Smith, Becca Manson and Makkhia Stevens.
By Oly Archibald
PORT ANGELES — Four years ago, Roughrider girls basketball coach Mike Poindexter was as delighted as an Ohio State football coach welcoming a flock of blue-chip recruits on signing day. He brought in a large freshman class that looked every bit like future champions.
Those freckle-faced freshmen are now five seasoned seniors — and they’re poised to make this season one of the most memorable yet.
Across their first three years, the Roughriders have posted a 48–25 record. Poindexter has never shied away from big-name non-league opponents, regularly scheduling regional powers like W.F. West to toughen his squad. The Riders have reached the state Sweet 16 all three seasons and made the trip to Yakima last year.
Last winter, Port Angeles finished second in the Olympic League behind Bainbridge — then earned sweet revenge by beating the Spartans in the district championship game.
This year, the Roughriders enter as heavy favorites to win both the league and district titles. Bainbridge lost four starters, including league MVP Bella Ramirez. The Spartans do return two six-foot-plus posts and remain well-coached, but the Riders still hold the deeper, more talented roster.
Six-foot senior Lindsay Smith, who averaged 16 points and eight rebounds last year, is arguably the district’s most gifted player. With many games expected to be lopsided, her scoring could easily climb above 20 points a night depending on how long Poindexter keeps her on the floor.
Senior guard Teanna Clark, at 5-foot-7, may be the best all-around athlete in the district. She averaged nine points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists last season — and fans should be ready for a steady stream of Clark threading no-look passes to Smith on the low block.
The entire 10-player varsity roster looks bigger, faster, and stronger. Junior Morgan Politika, who averaged four points last season, has noticeably improved her footwork and ball control — helped in part by the soccer season that sharpened the footwork of four Riders who played on the state tournament team.
The coaching staff is also high on 5-11 sophomore Maddie Walton, who is expected to take a major leap forward.
Senior Becca Manson became a regular on KONP’s postgame shows last year thanks to her well-timed clutch shots. Senior guard Makkiah Stevens delivered a huge performance in the district win over Eatonville, and Poindexter says she may be the team’s most improved player.
Senior guard Kenzie Moses gives Port Angeles a needed three-point threat, especially against zone defenses.
Sophomore forward Sariah Doherty, at 5-foot-9, brings muscle to the paint. She averaged four points last season and is projected to have a breakout year.
Cross-country standout Storey Schmidt, a 5-10 sophomore, has moved up to varsity and is showing stronger footwork and on-court toughness. The Riders also get a boost from the return of 5-9 sophomore London Bourland, who missed last season.
Roughrider fans should circle two marquee non-league matchups: this Saturday at three-time defending state champion Neah Bay, and a December home showdown with Southwest Washington 2B powerhouse Onalaska.
Expect dominant basketball from a Port Angeles team with a strong shot at finding itself back in Yakima in March — this time competing for hardware.
Port Angeles head coach Mike Poindexter enters the season with the Roughriders ranked No. 10 in the state in a preseason poll.
Bowling:
North Mason topped Port Angeles 5-2 yesterday. Zoey Van Gordon led the Riders with games of 169 and 188. Lucy Townsend rolled a 148 and a 197, and Brooklyn McKnight posted a personal best of 180. Port Angeles hosts Bremerton on Thursday.
Boys Basketball:
The Port Angeles Roughriders boys team opens its season tonight at Fife with a 7:00 tip-off — and you can hear the game live right here on KONP Newsradio.