Whatcom Hoops Girls Top 30: #24 Maris Baklund

In a season filled with outstanding players, Whatcom Hoops ranked the top 30 girls. Each day we featured an amazing player in our county and counted down until we got to #1. We hope you enjoyed the countdown as we honored the best of the best.

#24

Maris Baklund, senior, Meridian

WHY SHE’S #23: Baklund is a feel good story and a feel bad story. After an all-league season as a sophomore, the 5-foot-6 guard missed all of last season with a serious knee injury. That she returned as a senior to score 10.4 points a game, shoot 75 percent from the line, and lead the Trojans with 35 3-pointers was remarkable. Unfortunately, although she played every game, she was never 100 percent. Still her courage and leadership made her the team captain and an inspiring example for the younger players and all who watched her play.

COACH BREE PARK: “Maris overcame adversity and had the fortitude to continue playing for her teammates through injury and pain. She is a person of integrity and determination, which was on display this season as she truly loves the game of basketball.”

Links to the Whatcom Hoops Top 30

#1: Devin Coppinger, Nooksack Valley

#2: Grace Hintz, Lynden Christian

#3: Payton Mills, Lynden

#4: Lainey Kimball, Nooksack Valley

#5: Madi Cooper, Sehome

#6: Maddy Barter, Mount Baker

#7: Avery Neal, Meridian

#8: Demi Dykstra, Lynden Christian

#9: Mari Binning, Squalicum

#10: Hallie Kamphouse, Nooksack Valley

#11: Haylee Koetje, Lynden

#12: Tana Hoekema, Nooksack Valley

#13: Kalanie Newcomb, Lynden

#14: Emmy Hart, Sehome

#15: Ellie Ochoa, Ferndale

#16: Adia Newcomb, Lynden

#17: Jemma James, Lummi Nation

#18: Makayla Heaton, Squalicum

#19: Jordyn Vezzetti, Blaine

#20: Daisy Poag, Lynden Christian

#21: Madisyn Butenschoen, Ferndale

#22: Mallory Butenschoen, Ferndale

#23: Deja Dube, Blaine

#24: Maris Baklund, Meridian 

#25: Aliesha Solomon, Lummi Nation 

#26: Raven Solomon, Lummi Nation

#27: Natalie Brewer, Sehome

#28: Reganne Arnold, Lynden Christian

#29: Ashley Lang, Ferndale

#30: Ellie Wolverton, Bellingham

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Jim Carberry of Whatcom Hoops

Author
Jim Carberry is a former Bellingham Herald sports editor and author of several books on Whatcom County prep basketball. Follow him on Twitter @whatcomhoops and visit the Whatcom Hoops Facebook page.