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Loggers reloaded for a run at conference title By Kevin Goff Mail Tribune BUTTE FALLS - Losing three starters to graduation would normally spell doom for a team that is fresh off a state-playoff run. But the Butte Falls girls basketball team isn't rebuilding, it's reloading. The Loggers return only one senior to a squad that finished second in the Skyline A League Southern Division and lost two close games at the Class 1A state tournament. Butte Falls does bring back seven girls who started at one time or another last season, including sophomore point guard Brianna Smeltz. Through four games this season, Smeltz is averaging 10 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and six steals per outing. "She does such a great job of setting up our offense," says Butte Falls coach B.J. Rodgers, whose Loggers are off to a 3-1 start. "She's just a tough player." Smeltz took over starting duties from senior Jessica Dunlap last season and hasn't let go. Dunlap, who came down with an illness partway through last season, is now coming off the bench while trying to get back to health. Junior post Krystle Rowley plays on the block but also pops out to shoot the 3-pointer when needed, while sophomore post Sarah Matthews leads Butte Falls in scoring. Sophomore guard Asia Million should also help the Loggers in the open court. "Asia has all kinds of natural abilities," says Rodgers. "She sees the floor well and plays excellent defense." Junior Kayla McKibben and Cassy Bartel, a transfer from Kansas, will also play major roles. To reach the top of the heap in the Skyline A League, Rodgers knows the Loggers must get past such foes as Prospect, defending league champion North Lake and an up-and-coming Triad Christian team. Triad returns standout post Ashley Dubrey, while Prospect counters with first-team all-league guard Sarah Gordon. "They've got a lot of confidence right now," says Rodgers of his squad. "These girls played a tough summer schedule and have really stepped it up." The game plan for Prospect, which was third in the league at 9-3 last year, will be very simple: keep the ball in Gordon's hands. The senior point guard returns to lead a squad that needs guidance and, three games into the season, Gordon fits the bill as a solid team leader. "Sarah will be one of the better guards in the league and in the state," says Prospect coach Don Alexander, whose team is 3-0. "She's already posted some pretty big numbers for us." In the first two games, Gordon scored 15 and 23 points, respectively, then dropped in nine in Game 3 to go along with 10 assists. Hillary Lewis and Lacey Tallman will add stability to a very good back court. "Our guards will be our strength," says Alexander. "Up front is where someone needs to step up." Among those with a chance to shore up the front line is 5-foot-11 Michelle Baker. The senior post played her freshman and sophomore years with the Cougars but left the area to live with her dad in Las Vegas, Nev., during part of her junior season. Sheena Bennett, a junior, is expected to contribute, as are her younger sisters, Brittany and Candace. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.