Program continues its climb after 8-14 year

Woodland's girls basketball team went 8-14 for its best season in 13 years last year.

The Cardinals return three starters from that team, and more interest in the program has helped coach Curtis Finley set a junior varsity schedule this year after sitting out last year. Even the junior high program is offering encouragement after three straight winning seasons.

On the varsity level, Woodland has new talent to look forward to this year. The Cardinals will feature 5-11 freshman center Courtney Glastetter, who played just three games last year in eighth grade before going down with a knee injury. While Finley saw her in only three games, he says she dominated in each one.

"You're going to hear a lot about her, let's put it that way," Finley said. "She's impressive."

Glastetter is coming off ACL surgery, which is tough for college and professional athletes to recover from, it's almost unheard of at the high school level. Her recovery from the injury could determine Woodland's season.

Woodland also returns three starters from last year, including its top four scorers.

Candice Abner, a 5-8 forward, led the team in scoring last year and will be asked to be an offensive leader again this year. Abner is the team's only senior and also will be looked to for leadership.

"She's an intelligent player," Finley said. "She's definitely our leader."

Elisha Glastetter, a 5-8 forward, did not start last year but was the team's second-leading scorer. She averaged about 10 points per game off the bench as a sophomore.

Along with Elisha Glastetter and Abner, Woodland returns Sasha Hutson, a 5-4 sophomore guard, and Amanda Abner, a 5-6 guard. Both were starters last year and top scoring threats.

"I'd say we're cautiously optimistic," Finley said. "But our program is definitely on the rise."