12/01/09

Melissa Williams muscles up to the basket for the Camas High School girls basketball team. Dan Trujillo/Post-Record

Friendship, desire move Camas girls

By Dan Trujillo
Post-Record staff

After reaching the regional tournament for the first time in 30 years last season, the Camas High School girls basketball team wants to see the words "state" on its school banner for the first time.

Leading the charge are seniors Caitlin Bower, Kelsi Krill and Haley Smith, and juniors Katelyn Henson and Melissa Williams. Head coach Kent Thomas said the girls are more motivated after the long awaited ride to regionals ended in the first round.

"We believe we are a better team than last year. The only question is, 'can we prove it?'" he said. "The bar has been raised. The school and the community expects more, so we expect more."

The Papermakers put a lot of time in the gym during the off season, and the results can be seen in the energy on the court. Williams proved she could play all five positions on the court, and still score points. The 6-foot junior gave up on soccer to focus all of her attention on basketball.

"She's one of the best players in Southwest Washington, if not all of Washington," Thomas said. "Melissa has also matured. She's more comfortable stepping onto the court and leading the team."

What Williams discovered is how much she loves basketball.

"Part of it is the girls I play with, and part of it is the game," she said. "I just enjoy shooting around whenever I can. I had a blast playing basketball all summer. No complaints here. I've been waiting for this for a long time."

Henson emerged as a solid contributor for Camas last season. Thomas calls her the 'x-factor.'

"If she plays to her potential, we're going to be very good," Thomas said.

Bower and Smith got the opportunity to start last season, and took advantage of it. Thomas expects bigger things from both of them. He also has high hopes for Krill, who is the all-time leading field goal percentage leader on the team.

"She doesn't just do it for us on the court. She also provides great leadership off the floor," Thomas said. "You can't replace the senior leadership she provides."

Read the rest of the story in the Dec. 1 issue of the Post-Record

http://www.camaspostrecord.com/cprsports2.cfm