Being scrappy: that’s a major goal for this year’s Sequim girls varsity basketball squad to become successful, said head coach Joclin Julmist.
Graduated from last season’s team are two-time Olympic League MVP Jolene Vaara and center Dani Herman, who were essential components to Sequim’s system, but Julmist looks to rely on some returners while encouraging post players to rise up.
“Our guards will be really successful,” he said.
That includes Gracie Chartraw and Bobbi Mixon, keys to last year’s offense, along with Kylie Winter, whom Julmist is trying more at point guard.
“Kylie is doing a good job of playing the point and she’s gotten a lot better, so we’re expecting her to help us out a lot,” Julmist said.
Chartraw is recovering from an injury from last year, but Julmist believes she can be Sequim’s best scorer when on the court, particularly because she has a good shooting form.
The Wolves are also trying to spread the ball around more, particularly to Libby Turella.
“We’re trying to get Libby involved a lot this year,” Julmist said. “She does a lot for us defensively and with rebounding. She sacrifices her body and plays really good defense, and she can shoot the ball too if she gets going.”
A good barometer for the season ahead has been open gym sessions in the offseason, but Julmist said varsity players were either injured or had other commitments.
With only a few post players, Sequim will rely on Hailey Wagner and others for rebounding.
“We don’t have the height so we’ll be focused on boxing out, being scrappy,” Julmist said.
“Everybody needs to help out on the boards because we don’t have a dominant person to take care of that for us. It’s a job by committee.”
This year’s Olympic League teams feature multiple big post players, so Julmist said it’ll be a struggle.
“We’ve just got to continue to build their confidence,” he said.
“It’s a good group of kids. I’m appreciative of the families that allow us to coach them. We’ll see where it goes, but I think we’ll be able to compete with a lot of teams.”
Joining Julmist and assistant coach Darren Stephens this year on the bench is 2023 Sequim graduate Hannah Bates, who led the team her senior year in assists and 3-pointers.
Sequim girls basketball
Head coach: Joclin Julmist (fourth season).
Assistants: Darren Stephens, Hannah Bates.
2023-2024 results: 13-7, district finalists.
Strengths: Experienced returning guards in Bobbie Mixon and Gracie Chartraw.
Weaknesses: Not a lot of size inside. Everyone will be expected to help on the boards.
Projection: Postseason definitely a possibility. Team didn’t get a chance to play a lot together during open gym sessions, so much gel quickly.
Roster: Bobbie Mixon, Hailey Wagner, Taylor Heyting, Libby Turella, Gracie Chartraw, Kiley Winter, Raimey Brewer, Clare Turella, Nevaeh Owens, Rilynn Whitehead, Indi Mixon, Kaiya Robinson, Finley Rapelje.
