Wapato’s Blodgett to play at YVCC

YAKIMA, Wash. — It’s become a Blodgett family tradition:

• Conference player of the year. Check.

• All-state honors. Check.

• Playing for Yakima Valley Community College. Check.

Wapato High senior Sammi Jo Blodgett will become the third of her siblings to suit up for the Yaks. Blodgett has signed a letter of intent to play for YVCC and coach Cody Butler.

She follows eldest sister Andrea, who starred for the Yaks during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons before going to play at Idaho State, and eldest brother Willie, who helped Yakima Valley to NWAACC tournament trophies in 2010 and ‘11.

“It was a logical choice for her to go to YVCC,” said Joe Blodgett, Sammi Jo’s father and coach at Wapato. “Being that close to home and knowing Cody’s system, it was a good fit.”

The 5-foot-3 guard was the CWAC player of the year this past winter, averaging about 19 points per game.

Besides her familiarity with the Yaks, Blodgett will be well acquainted with her fellow incoming freshmen on the squad, which will include White Swan’s Amber Jones and Jamie Hodgson of East Valley.

Blodgett and Jones, who was twice a first-team all-state selection, have played AAU together since grade school.

“It’ll be fun to see them playing together again,” Joe Blodgett said.

The 5-7 Jones averaged nearly 20 points a game for the state-qualifying Cougars. She set the White Swan scoring record in February — passing Andrea Blodgett, who was in attendance when Jones set the new mark.

Hodgson, who also garnered all-CWAC recognition, squared off with the Wolves multiple times a season. The 5-11 post averaged about 10 points a contest for the Red Devils, the Class 2A state runners-up.