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With nearly 40 all-league players returning among the ranks of Mid-Columbia programs, this could be one of the area's most impressive collections of talent in recent memory.
With a strong influence from club programs, at least one team from each class reached the state semifinals on the west side in 2009. None were crowned champion, but that could change this season.
In the CBBN 4A, Richland returns four all-league players and should return to its familiar role atop the standings. The Bombers weren't expected to do much last season but a strong base of underclassmen -- including midfielder Sam Lee and forward Bria Caldwell -- anchored a return to the district title game.
"We graduated 10 seniors but the core of the team is back," said Richland coach Sara Elfering. "We've got a lot of good girls waiting for their turn to step up into a starting role."
Right behind them will be Chiawana, led by first-team forward Erin Huisingh, who recently signed with Concordia. Carmen Avila, a goalkeeper with club experience, will take over for Kora Bales in the net.
Moses Lake raised some eyebrows at the CBBN district tournament, falling one game short of regionals, and returns three all-league second-teamers. Wenatchee and Eisenhower will also challenge for playoff spots. Davis is a darkhorse that could surprise.
The CBBN 3A should be a closer race, with four teams that could vie for the league championship at year's end.
Kamiakin graduated much of its starting lineup after reaching the Final Four last season. The Braves, however, have some impressive talent back in first-team midfielder Kristyn Bohlander (9 goals, 10 assists) and forward Mallory McDowell, who was sidelined last season with a torn ACL.
Southridge nearly reached state for the second time in school history but lost at the regional tournament. The Suns have the area's top scorer back in Heather Johnson (24 goals), and she's only a junior. Ingrid Stein filled some big shoes in goal last season but made a splash, earning second-team all-CBBN.
Hanford may be the league's best surprise after finishing 5-9 in the CBBN in 2009. The Falcons return two all-league players in forward Kie Johnson (7 goals, 6 assists) and midfielder Cari Exarhos. They also got a boost of 20 freshmen this year, most of whom are club players.
Watch out for dangerous West Valley, which reached the 3A Final Four last season. The Rams return four all-league players, including top-10 scorer Ashley Richardson (16 goals). Eastmont also returns Taylor Reynolds (19 goals).
Pasco will take a step back this year after dominating the CBBN for the last several seasons. The Bulldogs graduated 13 players, including five all-leaguers, from last year's squad. But coach Justin Carey is encouraged by a big freshman turnout.
Kennewick gets a new coach in Matt Kessie, an assistant to Dwight Brayton last season. Look for the Lions to force the issue more on offense this year, as top defenders Megan Young and Stephanie Wilson will be brought up to start the attack.
In the CWAC, Prosser junior Helen Petersen (32 goals) led the league in scoring as a freshman and sophomore. With six goals in her first game this year, expect more of the same in 2010. She and all-league defender Brooke Adams will lead the Mustangs' push for a league title. Othello returns first-teamer Lindsay Garza (22 g), the CWAC's third-leading scorer last year, and should contend in the North Division.
The SCAC combined its two divisions into one league last season, but this year powerhouse LaSalle moves up from the B ranks to become a full-fledged member of the league. Connell, which reached the Final Four last year, is in a rebuilding phase, according to coach Hugo Garcia. But the Eagles return the league's top goalkeeper in Maci Whitby.
Kiona-Benton, under SCAC co-coach of the year Marty Martinez, is poised to make another run to state and could challenge LaSalle for a league title. The Bears have an impenetrable back line led by all-leaguer Daisy Metcalf as well as top returning scorer Bailey Schroeder (17 goals). Royal and Wahluke should should have no trouble earning district playoff spots.
