Wampus Cats looking to 'put pieces together' at state

by Eric Plummer Sports Editor
| February 16, 2012 6:00 AM

CLARK FORK — Welcome to the 1A Division II girls state basketball tournament Clark Fork, your reward is facing defending state champion, top-ranked and undefeated Dietrich Blue Devils in the first round

If you have to face the No. 1 team in the state, it helps to do it with a veteran lineup, and the Wampus Cats starting five boasts plenty of state playoff experience. Brocklynn Thornton, Celeste Komanec, Dimi Kailang and Tessa Vogel have been the backbone of a team that has won one game in the past two trips to state.

The team has high expectations, and went undefeated in North Star League play this season. Komanec knows full well what to expect at Nampa High School today during the first day of the state tournament.

“Aggressive teams,” said Komanec. “You can’t play average at state and win. If we put all the pieces together, I know we can make a difference at state.”

The Wampus Cats (12-7) are nothing if not balanced, with any of five players capable of scoring 15 points on any given night. All have led their team in scoring multiple times on the season, making them difficult to defend.

The Cats also hang their hat on high pressure perimeter defense, with the trio of Komanec, Kailang and Jessica Driver creating a bunch of steals, many of which lead to run outs and easy baskets.

Junior Tessa Vogel has returned from a broken elbow at the start of the season to become one of the Cats’ key players, posting a handful of double-doubles and teaming with Thornton to control the glass.

Claire McMahon

Thornton is the Cats’ top rebounder, and at 5-10 will be tasked with defending Dietrich’s bigs tonight. Dietrich (21-0) is in the midst of a prolific stretch, and win or lose, Thornton and the Cats plan to give the top-ranked team all it has.

“Play up-tempo, upbeat, have everyone working hard,” said Thornton of the keys at state. “If we don’t slump down to any teams, we’ll be fine.”

All tournament games will be webcast live on idahosports.com. Tip off for tonight’s game is 7 p.m.