Defending Class 1A girls state basketball champion Seattle Christian exhibited its excellent elements for 2009-2010 super success while running its overall season record to 6-1 in a 66-27 non league home demolition of Class 2B SeaTac League Tacoma Baptist on Tuesday night. SCS has only lost to Class 4A Kentlake.

“We have a little different look this year,” stated Warrior head coach Bob Kickner. “We graduated five seniors and our younger players are just now starting to blend. We’ll be faster this year and not depend so much on the big girls inside. On defense, we’ll attack with pressure and on offense we’ll take the ball down court faster. Team captains Kara Kogle, Katie Collier and Lexi Petersen will be our main core. Katie will be a strong rebounder and Lexi is quick on the court.”

Right from her opening lay up off Collier’s opening game tip off, Petersen demonstrated her blazing speed as part of the Warrior offensive and defensive domination. Petersen darted inside and outside for 13 first quarter points while Seattle Christian combined steals and rebounding for quick transitions in the speedy and quick passing SCS offense on the way to a 20-9 lead after one quarter.

With the shorter Crusaders unable to match the Warriors’ consistently on either end of the court, Seattle Christian was able to extend playing time for younger and less experienced players while also trying different player combinations and game sets in the absence of Kogle, who was nursing a rolled up ankle.

Petersen’s standard three-point play touched off an 11-0 Warrior run to open the second half for a 41-18 margin that continually grew until the final score established the biggest margin in the game.

“We’re a fast team,” explained five-foot, eleven-inch junior guard Petersen, who finished with 23 points. “We all get along really well. Last year’s experience in games also helps. The fact that teams will be gunning for us just makes us play harder.”

Collier used her 6-2 frame to score 18 points and recover 10 rebounds.

“This team has speed and great heart for the game,” proclaimed the sophomore post player. “We’ve bonded as a team. I’m able to look at the court better and my passing is better.” 

Coach Kickner took time to look ahead.

“This was just another step toward being a good team in February,” concluded Kickner. “There were lots of minutes for our younger players to gain growth.”

For SCS, sophomore Catie Shelton notched nine points in concert with the eight points of junior Maddie Harris.

The 2009-2010 Seattle Christian player roster includes Katie Collier, Ashley DeOrnellis, Kelly Jansen, Jessica Johnson, Carissa Doyle, Catie Shelton, Alayna Gleason, Carmen Terhune, Kara Kogle, Maddie Harris, Lexi Petersen, Hannah Sasaki and Jillian Corliss.

Assisting head coack Kickner are Chris Glynn and Lindsey VanderPol. Autumn DeOrnellis is the team manager.