Basketball Preview: Scarlets weathered transition turmoil
Last year was a transition season for the Scarlets as they shifted from District 14C to 6B. Compounding that transition was the loss of a significant swath of their point productivity from the season prior due to graduation. Adding further insult to injury was that the caliber of competition they faced over the course of the season didn't exactly accommodate the acclimation process either.
Their season opener opponent Seeley-Swan advanced through the Western C Divisional to the State C Tournament. Fellow District 6B opponent Loyola (25-0) went undefeated as it advanced its way to the State B championship before the finale was cancelled early as a pandemic precaution. Class C county rival Charlo (22-2) ran the table through their district tournament before their season ended at divisionals. Arlee would also face off against Class A Ronan before the winter recess.
Mainly comprised of underclassmen with limited varsity level experience, last season's Scarlet lineup was tasked with not only filling the vacant shoes of departed veterans that accounted for scoring among the ninetieth percentile, but would need to recalibrate to counter teams drawn from either bigger schools or larger athletic talent pools. Given the daunting circumstances of their situation, early struggles were understandable. Nevertheless, the team gradually improved as the season progressed so that by the end of the regular schedule they had improved their per game output by double digits from earlier game performances.
Arlee graduated a lone senior in Peyton Lammerding, who posted a seasonal double-triple with century club credentials for both scoring and rebounding. Lammerding now competes in throws competitions with the track and field program at Minot State University.
The present rendition of the Scarlets return three quarters of their scoring productivity. Having now benefitted from the maturing process of a season of seasoning, it is anticipated that they will fare far better this time around. Anchoring the post will be senior 5-11 post Halle Adams, who holds career century club credentials for both scoring and rebounding and was just a few boards shy of cresting the century threshold for rebounding last season.
The backcourt of the Scarlets will draw from a pool of prospects who can both handle the ball, contribute points as well as lock down on defense. Among the most prolific contributors last season who was knocking at the door of crossing the century threshold is sophomore Princess Bolen. Bolen is more than capable of dialing the operator from long distance and completing the call from beyond the arc, having splashed a dozen and a half triples last season. Bolen currently holds a career high 15 when she splashed five triples.
Junior McKirah Fisher was the second leading rebounder with over six dozen boards. Junior Cheyenne Pablo and sophomore Raven Parson both cumulatively contributed multiple dozen points as well as rebounds over the course of last season. A handful of others also saw court time in order to spell those coming off the floor, further accelerating their acclimation and skill development.
The Scarlets are scheduled to open their season at home against Florence on Thursday, Jan. 7, then travel to St.Ignatius on Tuesday, Jan. 12.
Arlee Scarlets
Coach: Missy Tiensvold, 3rd yr (6th yr overall: Mayville State 16-5, San Miguel High)
Assistant: Sue Carney
Departures: Peyton Lammerding, Minot State Track
Returning: senior: 5-11 P Halle Adams; juniors Cheyenne Pablo, Nikki Ironshell, McKirah Fisher and Titania LaPahie; sophomores Princess Bolen, Raven Parson, Xaria Jacobson, Lark Thomas and McKaryss Fisher.