Ben Murphy

Sports Scene

Tri-Valley West championships have become common for the Valley Lutheran girls basketball team in recent years. Seventh-year head coach Tom Roeckle hopes his team can make feats like last year’s district and regional championships commonplace as well.

“Team chemistry will be huge,” Roeckle said. “Lock down defense is our bread and butter. We really aren’t looking to repeat, we’re looking to get better.”

Back from last year’s quarterfinal team are seven letter-winners, including seniors Sarah Appold (post), Devyn Clark (guard), Kara Engelhardt (guard), and Sarah Treiber (post); and juniors Becca Scherting (point guard), Samantha Shafer (post), and Alli Fischer (guard).

“Scherting is our quarterback,” Roeckle said. “We will get great team play from Appold, Shafer, and Fischer.”

To fill the void of losing four seniors from last year’s squad are five juniors: Brandi Bartelt (guard), Mikaela Yurgens (wing), Libby Bradley (post), Madison Diehl (guard), and Kenzie Allen (guard).

“The experience should be helpful, but it’s a new year with a new mix of girls,” Roeckle said.

Last year’s team finished with a 23-2 record, falling to University Ligget School 65-62 in the Class C quarterfinal.