• FAVORITES: Tahoma, Kentlake.
• CONTENDERS: Kentwood, Auburn Riverside, Mount Rainier.
• SLEEPERS: Kentridge, Auburn.
• LEAGUE OUTLOOK: As competitive as things were in the SPSL North last year, when Kentlake and Tahoma finished tied atop the standings with identical 15-1 marks, this season could be even more of a neck-and-neck, back-and-forth race to the finish with the possibility of other teams jumping into the mix. The fact is, last year the North was flush with relatively young players, most of whom are back this spring. Of the 28 players who were named either first or second-team All-SPSL North, 20 have returned. That number goes up if you include Auburn Riverside senior Jamie Koenig, a first-teamer as a sophomore who missed last season with a shoulder injury. Interestingly, Kentlake and Tahoma lead the way with all-league returners as each bring back six players who were either first or second-team or honorable mention last year. As such, the Falcons and Bears should be battling it out all year. Tahoma might have the edge with first-teamer Sammii Jimenez (2.77 ERA last year) in charge in the circle, though Kentlake’s offense, led by North co-MVP Erin Crowley (league-leading 27 RBIs last year), should be feared. However, Auburn Riverside and Kentwood will each take a step up this spring and could easily wiggle into title contention. The Conquerors were young last season and graduated just two players. The core of Bailey Marshall (13 RBIs), Mackena Sherman (.377 average), Bree Cossey (.444 on-base percentage) and the battery of Bethany Pfaff (4.03) and Allison Newcomb (3 home runs) give the Conquerors as strong of starting point as any team in the league. Meanwhile, the Ravens, with Koenig back in fold along with the returns of first-teamers Hannah Melick and Ashlyn Mundo, have the potential do be playing for the top spot in May as well. Adding to the competitive of the North this year is Mount Rainier, which moved up from the Class 3A Seamount League where the Rams traditionally have been very strong. Mount Rainier takes the place of Federal Way, which won just six league games in its last four years combined. Mount Rainier, which has qualified for state in each of the last two years, had a combined six sophomores and juniors — three apiece — make either first or second-team all-league last spring. … Auburn’s Amber Morrow might be the most feared hitter in the league. Morrow either led the North or tied for the league lead last year in home runs (4), stolen bases (13), slugging percentage (1.022) and on-base percentage (.724). … Kentridge lost several of its top players, including the league’s pitcher of the year in Kelli Suguro, but return enough talent in second-teamer Ashleigh Mate, middle infielder Haley Crusch and pitcher Kayla Andrus among others to be a factor. … Kent-Meridian returns Ashley Sesario and Liz Stone this spring in addition to Molly Kirk, who missed last season with an injury. K-M also should receive a nice boost from transfer Amber Pineda, a pitcher who has all the tools to be successful. The Royals will be aiming to end a two-year long North losing streak.
• NOTABLE: Jessica Glenn, a 2009 Kentwood High graduate who led the Conquerors to an SPSL North title and a state berth, is now an assistant coach at Kentlake. … Thomas Jefferson and Kentlake were the only teams from the North last year to advance to state. Neither won a game in the tournament. … Former league MVP Amanda Fitzsimmons, a 2009 Auburn Riverside graduate, is now playing at the University of Idaho. Fitzsimmons went to the University of Washington directly out of high school.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
NAME SCHOOL POS. YEAR
Erin Crowley Kentlake Outfield Sr.
Notable: Seattle University-bound sparkplug can do it all on the diamond.
Amber Morrow Auburn Catcher Sr.
Notable: First-team catcher flat-out rakes; belted 4 home runs last year.
Sammii Jimenez Tahoma Pitcher Sr.
Notable: Posted 16-5 record a year ago, but also can hit (.423, 19 RBIs).
Hannah Melick A. Riverside Shortstop Sr.
Notable: Heading to the University of Oregon, this first-teamer hit .583 last season.
Reno Whitcomb Jefferson Outfield Jr.
Notable: Her .717 on-base percentage was second best in North a year ago.
Jessie Richardson Kentlake Second base Sr.
Notable: Versatile infielder hit .447 with 20 runs scored.
Ashleigh Mate Kentridge Catcher Jr.
Notable: Second-team all-leaguer is tough behind plate, and hit .407 last season.
Bailey Marshall Kentwood Shortstop Jr.
Notable: She was among the league leaders in RBIs, runs and doubles in 2010.
Lisa Maulden Tahoma First base Sr.
Notable: The anchor to a very good offense, she hit .420 with 32 RBIs last season.
Erika Smyth Kentlake Shortstop Sr.
Notable: Among the league leaders in runs (22), RBIs (14) and average (.442).
Amber Pineda Kent-Meridian Pitcher Sr.
Notable: California transplant has all the pitches to be successful.
CIRCLE ON THE CALENDAR
March 25, Tahoma at Mount Rainier, 4 p.m.: This one should be a good gauge for both the Bears and the Rams.
April 5, Kentlake at Auburn, 4 p.m.: This is a good chance to see two of the league’s top hitters in Kentlake’s Erin Crowley and Auburn’s Amber Morrow.
April 12, Kentridge at Kentwood, 4 p.m.: Good midseason matchup between two teams expected to be in the hunt.
April 27, Kentwood at Kentlake: With one game remaining on the schedule for both teams, playoff seeding could be on the line here.
May 3, Kentlake at Tahoma, 4 p.m.: The regular-season finale. Neither team wants to share a league championship this year. This could be for all the marbles.
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