Wesco 4A at a glance

Defending champions: North—Monroe; South—Jackson

Key storyline: How good can Snohomish be?

The table seems to be set for Snohomish to make a run at the state tournament.

Jackson is expected to be good, though does not have the returning talent they have had the previous three seasons and Monroe, the previous 4A north champion, graduated its best hitter, Melina Seabrook.

The Panthers biggest weapons is senior outside hitter Lanesha Reagan. As one of the best hitters not only in the state, but in the country, Reagan is the unquestioned leader of a team looking to return to state after two consecutive years of disappointment.

As a freshman, the future appeared very bright for Reagan, who helped her team to a fifth place finish at the 4A state tournament, but they haven’t been back since.

“Two years ago injury bugs really hit us hard the past couple games of the season,” Tarin said. “If it weren’t for injuries I believe we would have been in the state tournament and been able to make some noise. Last year we we’re disappointed. We had a lot of chemistry issues and girls just not buying into the team philosophy.”

This year, the Panthers have a good nucleus of young talent to go along with Reagan and Tarin said the issues from a year ago no longer exist. He expects the Panthers to be physically and mentally tough enough to make a run at not only advancing to state, but winning it.

“We believe that we have a good window of opportunity of establishing a name in the volleyball world for Snohomish High School,” he said.

And it doesn’t matter to him or the team who is standing in their way.

“It might be a cliché, but every team to us is a team that is in the way of our goal and what we want to accomplish,” Tarin said. “Whether it be Jackson, Kamiak, Lake Stevens or Monroe it doesn’t matter. Any team is capable of beating us on any night and we know that so we have to be giving it our all because they are going to be giving it their all against us.”

For a look at the new-look Jackson volleyball team, click here.

Players to watch

Lanesha Reagan, Snohomish, outside hitter

Reagan is not only one of the top hitter in the state, but in the entire country. She was voted first-team All-Wesco and second-team All-Area a season ago and Panthers head coach Alex Tarin expects her to improve on that this season.

“I expect her lead the league, and really the state, in hitting categories,” Tarin said. “I expect her to be a strong leader on and off the court. She is already started to do that, just in practice setting the tone.”

Reagan might have been overshadowed a bit in Wesco 4A by Jackson and its star hitters Emmy Allen and Miah Diirell for the past few seasons, but with them gone and Reagan back for her senior year, it could be time for the Panthers to assert themselves among the state’s elite.

“She’s wowed me enough in practice already,” Tarin said. “And it takes a lot to wow me when I’ve seen her for the past three years.”

Tarin said Reagan has increased her physical strength each season, but equally important has been her mental approach to the game. He said he has never seen her more determined and that dedication to go along with her supreme talent should make her the early favorite for All-Area Player of the Year.

Julia Hutchison, Edmonds-Woodway, libero

Edmonds-Woodway head coach Nicole Bordeaux said Hutchison is known for being vocal on the court. She is constantly communicating and encouraging her teammates and giving everything she has.

“As a player she’s one of a kind,” Bordeaux said. “She loves this game more than anybody that I’ve ever coached or played with. Whether it’s in practice, in the offseason or on the court she always gives 100 percent. I’ve never seen her give less than that.”

Her voice on the court and defense are among the 2012 first-team All-Area libero’s strengths.

She is the leader of a large group of returners for the Warriors that have high hopes of advancing to the 4A state tournament this season.

“She’s just a natural leader at heart,” Bordeaux said. “Everybody feeds off of her energy.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.