By Justin Busby
The Orca women finished the pre-season with a 4-5 record, an improvement from where they were last year coming into the first game 0-11. The Orcas sport the smallest line-up in the NWAC with six active players, meaning the starting five players usually play over 34 minutes a game out of 40.
“We have more experienced players but we’re kind of in the same situation in not having enough players.” Coach Kevin Davis said after the loss to Everett, “But we have three returning players that make a big difference.”
Those three players are Dasia Washington, Bella Nigretto, and Linsey Honeycutt. All of them improving their numbers from last year, succeeding in their areas on the court, and spearheading the highest scoring team in the North division.
Washington plays point guard; the heart of the offense, dishing out passes and creating chances for her teammates has her name currently eighth on the assist leaderboard in the NWAC. With her quick feet and awareness, Nigretto dominates the shooting guard position, intercepting passes and stealing the ball off opponents 24 times, as well as providing 14.33 points per game.
Then finally, there is Honeycutt who has been on a tear during the first few games putting up a career high 45 and 44 points against Everett and Shoreline respectively, and additionally grabbing 29 rebounds in the two games collectively.
“I felt like I had a lot of confidence and I was just driving to the basket more than I usually do, I usually stay down low and just wait for the ball,” Honeycutt said when asked about her impressive performance.
With this burst of offensive production, Honeycutt snagged the NWAC Player of the Week award on January 17. Look to see her win this award again as Honeycutt leads the conference in scoring, second in rebounds, seventh in shooting percentage, 16th in blocks, and 19th in free throw percentage.
Whatcom basketball shirts and raffle tickets were given to students and fans watching the game against Everett, as well as $200 Fred Meyer gift cards won by Ryan Ng and Gee Sing for the 3-point contest and hotshot competition respectively.
Whatcom will be hosting double headers against Edmonds on the 25 and Bellevue on the 28 at the Pavilion before a three game away stand.
