Team Preview
Written by: Brandon McIntosh
With only two seniors back this season, the Kendrick Tigers, led by Ron Ireland (fifth season), will be leaning on the quick maturity of the talented freshman class and senior Harley Cope.
Cope is the only returner back with significant experience being a First Team All-Whitepine selection at the 1A D2 level. Cope is long and athletic. With the offense the Tigers run, just throw the ball up for Cope and watch her score. She is extremely smart on positioning and will be garnering plenty of attention this season.
Cope hopes to have the support of her freshmen class. The combination of the playing style of this class and Cope fit perfectly into the vision of Ireland. For the first time in awhile, Kendrick looks to be stronger in the ball handling department, which Cope will enjoy giving her more opportunities.
Kendrick will have a few question marks and kinks to work out, but they have all season to do so as long as they are ready for Districts. They will be doing battle against Nezperce, who looks to be the favorite, Deary, Highland, and Logos. Logos is much improved and tall, which could give some trouble to the smaller Kendrick guards and have trouble getting the ball into Cope. Look for Ireland and his team to figure out and smooth out these speed bumps and battle until the end.
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