Community Sports
Gig Harbor girls basketball: Injuries don’t stop strong start
The Gig Harbor girls basketball team got off to a fast 4-1 start, even after a hard-luck offseason in which two starters suffered season-ending knee injuries.
Coach Mike Guinasso’s team was only one win away from the 2022 Class 3A state tournament before losing in the regional round to Kelso. His team was primed to repeat as South Sound Conference champions after only losing two seniors from a 16-6 team.
The 2022-23 Gig Harbor Tides girls basketball team. Megan Roberts
A tough summer for the Tides
Two 6-foot underclassmen joined the team for 2022-23, and a run to the state tournament looked inevitable.
But the summer was unkind: senior Baylee Young, a second-team All-SSC performer, tore her ACL in summer AAU play.
A couple months, junior Abbie Hunter did the same. Both will miss the season.
Do expectations change after those injuries? Not much, according to Guinasso.
“Our team goals are actually still very high this year even with the injuries. We have a really good group of girls that work really hard together, we just need to improve a little every day,” said Guinasso, the South Sound Conference coach of the year last season.
The team still has two returning first-team all-league players. The duo of senior power forward Riley Peschek and junior guard Taylor Schwab have been on fire early this season. Peschek is averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game and Schwab is averaging 18 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Tides senior power forward Riley Peschek is averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds a game for Gig Harbor. Photo courtesy of GH Hoops. Gig Harbor High School girls basketball
Early results
The Tides started the season on the road with a 64-7 demolition of Washington High School. Guinasso tried to slow the tide and insert his subs, but they continued to score and the margin widened.
The Tides then overpowered league foes Yelm and River Ridge. Peschek had 23 points to lead Gig Harbor to a 65-35 win over Yelm, then Schwab poured in 25 points in an easy 69-23 win at River Ridge.
Gig Harbor’s first loss came against 4-0 Class 4A school Glacier Peak of Snohomish, 54-40.
A team often learns more from a tough loss than a win over a weak opponent.
“Glacier Peak was our first test this year,” Guinasso said. “They are a solid team who runs their stuff well. It for sure gave us some things to work on, but we held them close in the first half and then they went on two runs we couldn’t match. Other than that I felt we played them close.”
Taylor Schwab lines up a 3-pointer in a game played last year. Gig Harbor High School girls basketball
Gig Harbor stayed unbeaten in league with a 51-36 win at Central Kitsap on Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Guinasso emphasizes aggressive defense and precision offense.
“We would like to be really disruptive on defense and our man to man has looked OK for how early we are in the season. Offensively we need to have good possessions that aren’t necessarily slow but where we move the ball and execute,” Guinasso said.
The Tides and North Thurston are probably the favorites to win the SSC. But the conference standings show Peninsula on top at 5-0 with Timberline close behind at 4-1.
Starters
Riley Peschek | 5-foot-11 senior
Peschek is the Tides’ interior threat on offense who uses her physical style and competitive nature to succeed. She is also a scorer from 17 feet and in who combines a soft jumper, post moves and explosive drives. Peschek likes to defend and is a tough, in traffic rebounder. She averages 18 points and 10 rebounds and is a three-sport athlete, who also plays soccer and fastpitch.
Taylor Schwab | 5-foot-9 junior
Schwab combines excellent balance, form and quickness into a package that has proven hard for opponents to contain. She has a silky jumper from long range and a cross-over that leaves defenders reaching. She averages 18.3 and will probably raise that average even as opposing coaches game plan to contain her. If she continues to improve she may threaten Brynna Maxwell’s career scoring mark at Gig Harbor.
Alex Ferrier warms up before a district playoff game last year. Gig Harbor High School girls basketball
Alex Ferrier | 5-foot-7 junior
Ferrier was the first player off the bench for the Tides last year. Guinasso describes her as an “all around good player.” In one game this year she had 14 points, 5 assists and four rebounds. Those are the type of games Gig Harbor will need from her to share the scoring load with Schwab and Peschek.
Olivia Paul | 5-foot-7 senior
Paul is an experienced player who can share ball-handling duties, pressure opposing guards and fire from long distance when necessary. Last year against River Ridge, she set a school record with 11 three pointers. Paul spreads the defense, allowing penetrating lanes for other Tides to exploit.
Finley Wyman | 6-foot sophomore
Wyman provides good size and is an aggressive rebounder. She will play an important role for the Tides as a low-post defender and rim protector. She steps into the role left vacant by Hunter’s injury. Guinasso feels comfortable with her on the floor and will look to develop her into a force.
Gig Harbor senior Olivia Paul owns the Tides single-game 3-point record with 11 made in one game. Photo GH Hoops Gig Harbor High School girls basketball
Key reserves
Clare Green | 5-foot-9 senior
The Tides’ first reserve off the bench is usually Green who Guinasso describes as “our strongest bench player so far.” She combines size and athleticism and can guard a multitude of positions.
Kaliyah Miller | 5-foot-8 freshman
Miller is making the leap to varsity as a freshman and has proven to be a capable sub. She can handle the ball and is a solid passer.
Beverly Dover | 6-foot freshman
Dover is the other freshman seeing major minutes. She provides length to help on the defensive end and is a consistent scorer in the paint.
Other reserves include 5-foot-10 senior Reece O’Neil and 5-foot-8 sophomore Gracie Carey.
The coaching staff is rounded out by Corey Schwab and JV coach James Bonicci.
Schedule
All games start at 7 p.m. unless listed otherwise.
- Friday, Dec. 16 vs Timberline
- Sat. Dec. 17 at Camas
- Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Union 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 3rd at Seattle Academy
- Wednesday, Jan 4 at Capital
- Friday, Jan. 6 vs. Nor Thurston
- Wednesday, Jan. 11 vs Peninsula (Fish Basket)
- Friday, Jan. 13 at Yelm
- Wednesday, Jan 18 vs. River Ridge
- Friday, Jan 20 vs. Central Kitsap
- Wednesday, Jan. 25 at Timberline
- Friday, Jan 27 vs. Capital
- Saturday, Jan 28 at White River
- Tuesday, Jan 31 at North Thurston
- Thursday, Feb. 2 at Peninsula (Fish Basket)