Now, some prognostication on the upcoming season:
In looking at raw numbers, Hidden Valley is is stunningly good shape - they return every single varsity player from a team that went 12-2, including several battle tested players with solid experience over multiple seasons - a returning unanimous all-leaguer (Southern) and the concensus league #2 GK (Henner - who should not at all be distraught in trailing 1st team all-stater Unruh), along with scoring punch from Misner, Flick, and Powell. HV will return a JV program in 2005 and continue to develop depth for future seasons.
Phoenix should do well, too, returning their core group and getting back Megan Burr, a promising youngster lost to a knee injury very early. Replacing the top 3a GK in Oregon would be a concern for most programs, but I feel we have good prospects.
North Valley lost some big names, but keeps several, too. Kayla Wilhelm will continue to threaten game in and game out. And the Knights should have a solid chance to return to postseason play.
Henley will need to find at least 6 solid replacements, and history indicates they will. The Hornets should be in a battle for a state berth.
St. Mary's has always endured losses of personnel with seemingly little depth available (they have never had a JV program), but they always find a way to keep in that crucial middle of the pack or higher, and thus are in a position to win and be in when the league playoffs arrive.
Cascade Christian was dealt a blow with the forfeits, dropping them from the league playoffs. And then graduation takes four all-leaguers. Time will tell, and we do still play every game, but fate looks to be dealing CC a tough hand for 2005.
Mazama and Rogue River split with one another and each garnered a win by forfeit. Both will lose some personnel in June, but both have made progress. The league, despite playing more total games, scored fewer total goals than 2003 - in part because RR and Maz were much closer to the pack than in previous seasons - in part because Illinois Valley wasn't in the pack at all. Watching several Mazama players in an exhibition game against New Zealand, I know they have the potential to put some very talented girls on the field. Can they get enough around them to move into the next tier? And Rogue River is growing into a program with a JV team - that will pay off soon - maybe 2005? maybe 2006? But soon.
Should be a good year.
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