Previewing Issaquah

The hometown representatives, Issaquah, were the highest-finishing team in the Washington State 3A classification last year.

PHOTOS BY GLENN NELSON
ISSAQUAH EAGLES

Hometown: Issaquah, Wash.
Head Coach: Kathy Gibson
Last Year: 23-6, Washington State 3A Runners up
First-Round Matchup: St. Elizabeth, Dec. 27, 4 p.m.

Overall
This is a smallish but mobile team that likes to pressure on defense and shoot the three on offense. It is younger than the team that twice nearly beat nationally ranked Chief Sealth last season. The Eagles have not had much practice time the past week-plus because of the major wind storms that knocked power out in the region.

Playing Style

Amanda Harms

Issaquah can hurt opponents in transition, either on Aubrey Jensen runouts or Alyssa Shoji pushing the ball in a more conventional fast break. The Eagles run basic sets on offense and usually are disciplined in their execution. They will run quick hitters for their three-point shooters, of which there are many. Shoji is the team's best breakdown ballhandler, though senior Amanda Harms and even sophomores Erin Nichol and Alexa Smith can operate in one-on-one situations. Defensively, Issaquah usually is in player-to-player matchup, though it also will run some 2-3 zone, in which it is very quick to the ball. Previously, the Eagles pressured to create turnovers, but this year their pressure generally eats clock and helps keep the bal outside the lane. They can be active on the offensive glass, but can have problems on the boards against teams with size.

Key Players

Alyssa Shoji, 5-6 junior: She runs a team as well as any point guard anywhere. She stays in front of ballhandlers on defense and is a difficult-to-pressure ballhandler who can penetrate, throw great passes and has a nice step-back jumper that helps compensate for her lack of size.

Amanda Harms, 5-6 senior: With her long wingspan and explosiveness, Harms plays several inches taller. She can be deceiving and disruptive on defense, and has a nice three-point stroke and can attack off the dribble on offense.

Aubrey Jensen, 5-6 senior: She is a high-motor player who can hit big shots with her exagerated one-handed jumper, fly in for the odd rebound, penetrate, run out and make things happen on defense.

Alexa Smith, 5-11 sophomore: She is the team's post player by default because of her height, but is a big sleight and truly is a forward or wing. Smith has good athleticism, can put the ball on the floor and shoot it from the wings.

Erin Nichol, 5-10 sophomore: Another high-motor player, Nicol flies around the court on defense and underneath the glass. She uses change-of-pace well to attack the rim off the dribble.

---

Discuss This on Our Message Board:

Click Here

---