Lynden Christian’s Ella Fritts is one of the best shooters in Whatcom County this season, ranking in the top five in 3-point percentage (35%) and free throw percentage (74.2%) as of Thursday, Jan. 2.
“I have developed my shot well this year and became a better 3-point shooter,” Fritts said. “I am also athletic and pretty fast so I can get around people and finish at the hoop.”
Fritts was chosen as a first-team all-Northwest Conference player last season by local coaches and first-team all-state by SBLiveWA. The 5-foot-10 junior point guard believes she earned these achievements because of the support the coaches poured into her.
“It is fun to have a great coaching staff, a great legacy and great teammates that help make you better,” Fritts said. “Ever since I came in as a freshman, they believed in me. It is cool to see the effort (Brady) Bomber puts into us.”
As of Jan. 2, Fritts has led the Lyncs to a 7-2 record and second place in the conference standings.
Fritts began playing basketball in kindergarten with her father, James Fritts, as the coach. Her father played basketball at Cal Baptist University while her mother played volleyball for the Lancers.
“We are very competitive, especially my two younger siblings,” Fritts said. “Sundays after family dinner, we are always playing against each other.”
Although Fritts is a fierce competitor for the Lyncs, she is also a leader. She captains her team through her vocal support and hard work during practices and games. Fritts’ hard work led the Lyncs to a third-place finish at the 1A state tournament last season.
“It is really cool because it is something you looked forward to as a little kid,” Fritts said. “You want to go to state every year, do the handshake when you run out and score in the championship game. I am grateful for it.”
She hopes to improve before trying to play in college by working on her mental strength and learning to forget negative plays. She is also trying to work on her playmaking and dribbling skills
“I want to get first team all-conference and state again,” Fritts said. “I just need to play fast, free and keep the pressure off myself.”
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
