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The Archbishop Murphy girls basketball hasn't skipped a beat – at least at the start of the regular season.

The Wildcats, who finished tied for first place in the league last year with Arlington, have opened Wesco 2A/3A play with four straight victories – three by double digits.

"I'm definitely happy with the start of the season," Archbishop Murphy coach Cassie Snyder said. "We have kids playing in new roles and getting experience. It's nice to see them grow and watch them get a little bit of success this season."

The Wildcats (4-0 in the league, 6-3 overall) will see a lot of growth this season and in future years as the roster includes six sophomores and one freshman.

"We're very young," Snyder said. "They've grown a lot, even from the first game."

Senior center Julia Lucas anchors the middle and, as a four-year varsity player, is the anchor for the young Wildcats squad.

"She was a contributor when she was a freshman," Snyder said. "Obviously, we're relying on her a lot more this year. It's a different role. She's getting more comfortable with it."

Lucas scored 14 points in a 67-12 rout over Marysville-Pilchuck Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Archbishop Murphy High School]. She finished with 15 points to lead the Wildcats past Everett 52-42 Thursday, Jan. 2, at Everett High School.

Archbishop Murphy's other senior, Chloe Jurdana, saw limited minutes as a guard during her junior season.

David R Pan

Archbishop Murphy's Julia Lucas attempts a shot against the Tomahawks.

"She's playing inside for us," Snyder said. "She is stepping up and playing a position she's not normally played. Chloe is a really good leader. She's vocal on the floor and constantly brings her younger teammates up to the level they need to be playing at."

Sophomore Taylor Campbell was switched to point guard due to injuries to her teammates.

"She's done a fantastic job," Snyder said. "She's kind of been our floor general."

Sophomore guard Taylor Reed is becoming more comfortable with the Wildcats' offense. She had 12 points against the Seagulls.

"She's a good scorer," Snyder said. "She has a lot of potential."

The toughest part of the Wildcats' schedule remains with games against Edmonds-Woodway (5-0, 7-4), Arlington (4-1, 8-2), Shorecrest, (3-1, 8-1) and Meadowdale (3-1, 7-3).