Washington girls basketball player spotlight: Keeli Burton-Oliver, Eastlake High School

Former Central Valley girls basketball coach Freddie Rehkow, who was named the 2017-18 National High School Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year, has been

Former Central Valley girls basketball coach Freddie Rehkow, who was named the 2017-18 National High School Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year, has been working with Scorebook Live to shine a light on girls basketball players and coaches across the state of Washington.

Rehkow recently caught up with Eastlake High School forward Keeli Burton-Oliver, who has helped lead the Lady Wolves to a 17-5 record and a No. 8 ranking in the latest WIAA 4A girls basketball RPI rankings. Burton-Oliver, a 6-3 junior, has already committed to Arizona State.

How would you describe your game?

I think the strength of my game is that I don’t just do the things you expect from a big, strong post player. I do love doing post moves and finishing around the rim but I also feel confident shooting threes and mid-range jumpers. This year my focus has been improving as a passer and my assists are sometimes the stat that catches people off guard.

What are your goals for this season?

Team goal: State Championship

Individual goal: Average a double-double and get at least one triple-double with 10 assists.

How would you describe your coach (Sara Goldie)?

Goldie is more than a coach, she’s a lot like another mom. I’m pretty shy and she always knows when anything is wrong or when I need to talk (even if I don’t want to) Goldie gives so much time and effort to our team. Watching film, scouting games, making sure we get to do fun things as well as all of the practicing and working on our game as a team and as individuals. She really cares about each of us and our program a lot. She brings her kids and her family with us everywhere so we feel like extended family. Her daughter Layla is my little buddy!

Who is your favorite player?

Lance Stephenson. My brother and stepdad are huge Lakers fans now and so watching Lance I’ve realized that I like him because he’s the exact opposite of me as a player. I really show no emotion or celebration when anything good or bad happens. I like how Lance is so extra with his celebrations and even taunting. It’s fun to watch because I know I would never be able to do any of that on the court.

Who is your toughest matchup this season?

Our toughest matchups came in California over winter break. We played some really tough, athletic and well coached teams. We lost a couple of really close games and I think it was a great challenge.

What is your favorite gym in the state to play in?

Pacific Courts! My parents own a basketball facility in Newcastle and it is where I play and train the most. I love being there when no one else is there and working on my game with Kenan and shooting with my mom. Besides there, the Tacoma Dome, because that means we are at State.

What are your aspirations as a player?

As a player I’ve been so fortunate to have so many great opportunities. Being selected for the USA Adidas team and playing in Italy last June was one of my highlights. Going forward I would like to help take each of my teams -- high school, AAU and college -- to the highest possible championship you can play in for each level (State, Adidas Nationals, Pac-12 and NCAA tournament championships). Then when I am done with school I would like to play overseas or anywhere professionally.

Have you committed to a college?

I am so grateful that I found my college home already. I committed to Arizona State University in 2018. On my unofficial visit there I knew I had found my future team and home. The coaches and players and their culture are something that I am so grateful to be a part of.