Bonney Lake Girls Basketball Preview: Resilient, Competitive, Unselfish
- The Insider
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The Bonney Lake Panthers girls basketball team enters the 2025–2026 season with something more than optimism, they have belief. Head coach Nick Edens says this group has the potential to make a real run in the SPSL 4A, and possibly, a trip to the Tacoma Dome.
“We have a great blend of young talent and experience,” Edens said. “Azy Jackson and Izzy Meki will lead the way for us as returning SPSL South all-league players. Azy was the SPSL South MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, and Izzy was Second Team All-SPSL South. Behind them is a young but talented core chomping at the bit to contribute.”
A Dynamic Duo Leads the Way
Jackson and Meki, both captains this season, have built their reputations on work ethic and consistency. “Those two are gym rats,” Edens said. “They live, sleep, eat, and breathe hoops. A high school coach is lucky if they have one player like that, we’re lucky enough to have two.”
Joining the senior leaders are upper-class veterans Liz Wylie-Olive and Bella Fulton, who Edens says are ready to make an impact. “This is our season to capitalize on our unique position with Izzy and Azy leading the way,” he added.
Fresh Faces, Fearless Play
The Panthers will also feature two standout freshmen, Selena Johns and Nakiah Barrett, who are already turning heads. “They’ve brought a fearlessness that we had been lacking,” said Edens. “They attack with the dribble, they defend, they rebound, and they just keep pushing. Their energy has rubbed off on the whole team.”
For Johns, the season also brings a special storyline, she’ll be sharing the court with her older sister, Izzy, one of the team’s leaders and emotional anchors.
Chasing SPSL Glory
Bonney Lake finished second in the SPSL South and third overall in last year’s SPSL tournament, but the Panthers have their eyes set higher this winter. “We want to show we should be in that conversation as one of the top teams in our league,” said Edens. “We’re looking to take the next step and make a run at an SPSL championship, and beyond.”
Building a Culture, and a Future
Preseason workouts have set the tone for what the Panthers hope will be a memorable year. “Our workouts have been fun and loose, but also mentally focused,” Edens said. “The girls have been working their tails off while growing closer together.”
Beyond chasing wins, Edens and his staff are focused on growing the game locally, and that starts with giving more girls a chance to play.
Open Tryouts: November 17th, 6–8:30 p.m. at Bonney Lake High School Gym
The coaching staff encourages any student interested in joining the program to come out and give basketball a try. “Now is the time to give hoops a chance,” said Edens. “Our program offers an opportunity to have fun, grow confidence, and represent Bonney Lake with pride.”
Resilient. Competitive. Unselfish.
When asked to describe this year’s team in three words, Edens didn’t hesitate: “Resilient, competitive, unselfish.”
If that’s any indication of what’s to come, the rest of the SPSL better take notice, because the Panthers are ready to make noise this season.
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