Yeah, I know it’s well into softball season, and basketball is a fading memory. But, I’m taking the opportunity during a relatively slow period to point out some of our female B-ball talent.

First, let me say that if you’re not on the list, it doesn’t mean you aren’t a good player, or I don’t like you. In fact, I left off several really good players that I think very highly of. But, there can only be 12 players on the “Dream Team,” and I’m picking not just on talent, but the ability to fill a role.

The team:

Post players

Kai Braren (12), Butte Valley

Kady Porterfield (11), Butte Valley

You could say these two athletic six-footers are Siskiyou County’s twin towers. Both of these players are strong rebounders, proven scorers, can run the floor, and have a good sense of the game. Braren can also pop out and hit the 3-ball. I’ve heard rumor that Porterfield can hit from long distance as well.

The versatile ones

Annaleisa Nadig (12), Etna

Sierra Skeen (12), Weed

Jaylene Phillips (12), Yreka

Amanda Amesbury (12), Mt. Shasta

This group can play pretty much wherever you need them. For the Dream Team, they’d be primary at the wing, but I wouldn’t hesitate to put Nadig, Skeen, or Philips in the post—they’ve all been there at one time or another. And, if I’m looking to press or play an up tempo game, there’s a good chance that Skeen and Philips would find themselves playing some post.

Nadig is a very strong rebounder and has a knack for picking up the 3-point play. She is also probably the best shooter in terms of percentage in the county (stats aren’t available for all players), and is deadly from beyond the arc.

Skeen could probably play any position on the court. She’s quick, and a good shooter from anywhere.

Phillips is likely the second fastest player on the team. She can score inside or outside.

Amesbury is a proven scorer and a good ball handler.

Ones and twos

Taylor Hansen (12), Mt. Shasta

Emily Loogman (11), Etna

Tandy Thackery (11), Etna

Beth Holguin (12), Butte Valley

Hansen has great knowledge and understanding of the game. She’d be my point guard.

Loogman is lightening quick with both her feet and hands. If you need a steal to win the game, she’ll come up with it.

Thackeray is another one who has great game knowledge, but she’s on the team to drain the trey.

Holguin earned her way on the team by her sheer determination to win, as evidenced by her effort down the stretch in Butte Valley’s section championship win.

Too talented to leave off

Paige Finley (12), Etna

Katie McIntyre (11), Dunsmuir

Strong and fast, Finley is 100-percent effort, 100-percent of the time. There has to be a spot for her.

McIntyre is an excellent athlete that has the ability to make good things happen with her quickness.

If you’re wondering where the guys’ Dream Team is, Josh Oates from the Siskiyou Daily does his all Oates team for the boys. With a tweak or two, I’m pretty much in agreement with his picks. So, I don’t see any point in doing my own. Oates doesn’t, to my knowledge, pick a girls team.