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
#4: Lainey Kimball, Nooksack Valley
#8: Demi Dykstra, Lynden Christian
#10: Hallie Kamphouse, Nooksack Valley
#12: Tana Hoekema, Nooksack Valley
#14: Emmy Hart, Sehome
#16: Adia Newcomb, Lynden
#17: Jemma James, Lummi Nation
#18: Makayla Heaton, Squalicum
#20: Daisy Poag, Lynden Christian
#21: Madisyn Butenschoen, Ferndale
#22: Mallory Butenschoen, Ferndale
#23: Deja Dube, Blaine
#25: Aliesha Solomon, Lummi Nation
#26: Raven Solomon, Lummi Nation
#28: Reganne Arnold, Lynden Christian
#30: Ellie Wolverton, Bellingham