The Tahoma High girls basketball team has kicked the early season into high gear, picking up a couple of victories and planning for many more.

With 10 returning players, coach Keith Wasberg said after losing the opening game 59-51 to Nathan Hale, a nonleague contest, the team has come together and played well.

The Bears have won three of five following the opener, losing to Auburn Riverside 62-42 Dec. 8 at home and falling Tuesday to Kentlake 61-49. Both the Ravens and Falcons are undefeated at this point.

Since the Auburn Riverside game, the Bears have beaten two South Puget Sound League 4A North Division opponents. The team took Thomas Jefferson High 67-59 at home Dec. 12 and beat Kentridge 66-32 on the road Dec. 10.

Wasberg stated by e-mail one of the highlights of the early season is the play of senior Erin McCaslin, “hitting at least four threes in four of our five games, averaging 18 points.”

The coach also pointed to the play of junior Lauren Hamberg who helped lift the team over Renton, “and has keyed our improved team defense with her communication and activity.”

Sierra Haverfield, a senior, has also been a key to the team’s early success on defense.

Katie Buskey has led the team in scoring in all the league games. She had solid numbers in the assist and steals category and Wasbery noted she hit the go-ahead free throws in the win against Thomas Jefferson.

Wasberg said the team plays an up-tempo, transition game.

“We’ve got kids who can shot and score,” Wasberg said. “Our team defense is good and we want to try to force some turnovers.”

Reach Dennis Box at dbox@maplevalleyreporter.com or 425-432-1209 ext. 5050.

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