By Oly Archibald
PORT ANGELES — With potentially the most talented team in school history, the third-ranked Peninsula Pirates women’s basketball team opens its highly anticipated 2024-25 season tonight at sixth-ranked Columbia Basin in Pasco.
Last season, the Pirates also opened against Columbia Basin, where a sophomore-led Hawks team defeated them 74-56. The Pirates went on to lose just two more games, finishing 22-3 overall and a perfect 14-0 in Northern Conference play.
Peninsula returns four starters: 5’7″ point guard Shania Moanunu, 5’6″ shooting guard Ciera Agasiva, 5’11” forward Lexi Mackey, and 5’11” post Jellissa Julmist, a former Sequim Wolf. All four players averaged around 10 points per game last season. The Pirates ranked 10th in the NWAC with 66 points per game and second in defense, allowing just 52 points per game.
Pirate point guard Shania Moanunu is one of the best in the NWAC
Newcomer Alecisis Smith, a 6’3″ post from Bay City, Michigan, adds significant firepower. Smith, who transferred from Delta College, a National Junior College, averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds per game.
6’3″ post Alecisis Smith a transfer from Delta College Michigan is a Michigan high school rebounding record breaker
Freshman Makena Patrick, a 5’10” forward from Anaconda, Montana, brings a family legacy to Peninsula. Patrick is the granddaughter of the late Curt Bagby, a Port Angeles Roughrider and Peninsula College Hall of Famer. Her mother, Tiffany, is also a Pirate Hall of Famer, and her father, Kevin, played at Peninsula. Known for her athleticism and strength, Patrick is expected to be a versatile force on the court.
Neah Bay’s Ryana Moss, a three-time 1B state championship competitor with two titles, joins the Pirates as well. Moss’s older sister, Cherish, coached her at Neah Bay and won an NWAC championship at Peninsula with sister Ciera under coach Allison Crumb.
Former Neah Bay Red Devil Ryana Moss knows all about playing in big games in front of big crowds
Four additional freshmen—Carliese O’Brien (Bethel, Alaska), Veniza Jackson (Lanai, Hawaii), Kiyara Miller (Juneau, Alaska), and Bobbi Skyy Ragsdale (Portland, Oregon)—bring speed and shooting depth off the bench. Returning sophomores Kadie Woods from Forks and Amy Pilon from Fairbanks, Alaska, have shown promise in fall drills.
Today’s tip-off against Columbia Basin is set for 3:00 p.m., with tomorrow’s game against fourth-ranked Walla Walla at 1:00 p.m.