Dayton Girls Aim for State

DAYTON – Dayton girls' basketball coach Clayton Strong says he knows his team is hungry this year.

Last spring, the Lady Bulldogs qualified for the final round of 16 in the state 2B tournament, but then lost a heartbreaker to White Swan in a game that would have sent them to the final weekend's Hardwood Classic tournament in Spokane.

"The girls are ready to take the next step," Strong said. "That loss was a big disappointment."

The Dayton team returns five of their top seven players from last year.

Senior Madison Mings, a starter last year, is coming back from injuries to both knees. She has been cleared to practice, but isn't expected to return to game play until January.

Also returning are juniors Sidney Andrews and Shayla Currin, who started most of last year, as well as juniors Josilyn Fullerton and Jenna Phillips, who also were key players last year.

Also expected to see considerable playing time this year, Strong says, are senior Kellie Moore and juniors Mia Becker, Kianna Price and Alexus Wanlarbkam.

"We have big junior and freshman turnout this year," he said. Mings and Moore are the team's only seniors.

"Most of the junior girls have played together since elementary school," Strong said. "The teamwork and culture they've developed really shows. That's what helped make the big comeback happen against NW Christian last year."

In the first round of the playoffs last year, the Lady Bulldogs trailed NWC 13-3 after the first quarter and 26-12 at the half. They rallied in the second half to take a 46-45 win.

Four of the team members – Mings, Andrews, Fullerton and Phillips, played last summer on an AAU team in Colfax, Strong said.

Strong sees DeSales as the top opponent in the SE 2B District 9 league this year. "Asotin has three starters back, and they're going to be tough as well," he said.

Strong is being joined by assistant coach Jason Mings this year, who is also JV coach. Also helping out are volunteer assistants Jeff McCowen, Andee Thurston and Michael Field.

Dayton opens its season on Dec. 5 at home against St. John-Endicott. "Our non-league schedule is pretty daunting," he said. "It'll be a good test."