Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Search
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes
      An Aerial photo of the back of 7417 Johnson Road SE, with a view of the pool

      Sotheby’s Broker Courtney Drennon Offers a Unique, Multifunctional Acreage Property on…

      A life-size cardboard cutout of reformer Susan B. Anthony stands next to the red velvet chair she reportedly sat in at the Bigelow House. A desk with flowers and pamphlets are behind the cut out and a tied shelf is next to the chair with different porcelain vases and pitchers on it.

      Suffragist Susan B. Anthony Visited Olympia in 1871 to Address Territorial…

      a woman laughs while playing with a foosball table at Legends Arcade

      Shop, Dine, Explore and Bank LocOly: It Means More for You…

      Humanitarian and influencer Kwabi Amoah-Forson stands at a podium with staff from Evergreen State College sitting behind him. a Banner says "Congratulations Class of 2025 - Evergreen" on the wall behind him

      The Evergreen State College Alumnus Kwabi Amoah-Forson Tells 2025 Graduates to…

  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      Rendering of a spacious cafeteria-style building with people sitting and walking around

      New Restaurant in Downtown Olympia Opening Soon

      Unique Pop-Up Vendor Brings Dirty Sodas to Olympia Area

      a bottle of Woodborne Spirits vodka with chantrelle mushrooms lying around it

      From Forest to Bottle: Woodborne Spirits turns Chanterelles into Award-Winning Gin…

      a bowl of bao with a red spoon with broth held over it. A bao is being held above the spoon with chopsticks

      Get Your Bao Some Bao in Thurston County: New Dough Zone…

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business

      Helping Clients, Problem Solving and Trust-Building are Key for Redfin Agent…

      An Intercity Transit bus on a road with green grass next to it a tree full of cherry blossoms

      Intercity Transit Embarks on Year-Long Process to Redesign Bus System Serving…

      a girl sits at a table on a laptop, a man is next her holding a cellphone and across the table is a young boy holding a tablet

      Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Thurston…

      outside of the WSECU Hawks Prairie branch with the letters "WSECU" in white on the front and empty parking spaces in front.

      WSECU Guides Members Through Life’s Major Financial Events With In-Person Banking…

  • History
    • A life-size cardboard cutout of reformer Susan B. Anthony stands next to the red velvet chair she reportedly sat in at the Bigelow House. A desk with flowers and pamphlets are behind the cut out and a tied shelf is next to the chair with different porcelain vases and pitchers on it.

      Suffragist Susan B. Anthony Visited Olympia in 1871 to Address Territorial…

      Tenino Moves Historic Train Depot, 1975

      Arleen Webb Crooks Helped Make Olympia a Better Place

      Olympia History: Remembering the Daylight Bakery

      The Marie Bed & Breakfast in olympia

      From Historic Charm to Cozy Retreat: The Story of Our Victorian…

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • three people stand in the back of the South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity's new truck, with two people standing on ground next to it.

      South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity Expands Work Effort With New…

      a group of kids and two adults stand under a ductless A/C system, pointing to it with one hand and giving a thumbs up with the other.

      In-Kind Donations Help Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Focus…

      a woman leans over an older youth in a wheelchair, there are other adults and kids in a playground in the background

      South Sound Parent to Parent Invites Community to Join Them in…

      Chris Hyde stands in a kitchen, writing something on a notepad, three woman stand behind him behind a counter

      The Food Source Foundation and ‘Hometown Hero’ Finalist in Olympia Heat…

      a large group of men and woman with a couple kids post for a photo, four are kneeling, the rest are standing. They are in front of a pop up tent that says 'TOGETHER!" with three hand prints next to it One woman is holding a gift basket

      The League of Foundations Unites Three Local Nonprofits to Extend their…

  • LocalTalk
    • Bear Gulch Fire: Update July 15

      Thurston County News Release: Heat Leads County to Declare Hazardous Weather…

      Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park to Implement Campfire Restrictions…

      adults sitting at tables with computer screens in front of them. Their backs are to the camera. A person stands at the front of the from next to a large projection screen

      Saint Martin’s University and Oracle Prepare Military Community for In-Demand Careers…

      Bear Gulch Fire Update: Staircase and Lake Cushman Areas Closed, Crews…

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston
      People on the shore at Tolmie State Beach during low tide, with an island in the distance and clouds in the sky

      State Park Near Olympia-Lacey That’s Great for Picnicking, Walking and More

      a man fishes in a small boat on Lake Sylvia, trees cover the bank on the other side

      Visit Washington Coast’s Lake Sylvia

      Polson Logging Company steam engine pulling the Mt. Rainier Scenic train through the forest

      Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Still in Operation After Fire, Take a…

      young boys and girls in t-shirts and shorts stand in a line on a field, the hands of an adult are seen handing the first two kids orange balls. The kid at the front of the line is throwing her ball.,

      New Engaging Youth Summer Camps Have Sports, STEAM, Coding, Music, Water…

  • Events
    • A little girl in a cowboy hat and sequin blue, teal and silver western show shirt standing with a black miniature horse with a white face and white legs at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds

      Gates of the Popular Grays Harbor County Fair Open July 30…

      Hell's Belle rock group performing on stage to a crowd of people

      Rock Out With Hell’s Belles and Nite Wave During Downtown Olympia’s…

      Lavender growing in a field with buds on the stems at Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm

      Closing After 13 Years? The Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm in Olympia…

      a group of people stand next to a red motorcycle, two of them are holding a giant check.

      An Exciting Summer Is Ahead at Mason Health, With Installation of…

      long sticks with salmon attached them over an open flam. A black belt runs in front of the fire pit that says Lucky Eagle Casino Resort

      Heat up Your Family’s Summer at the Barbecue Festival in Yelm

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Home Capital High School Capital’s Delani West and Palen Fenton Know All About Cougar Basketball

Capital’s Delani West and Palen Fenton Know All About Cougar Basketball

By
Gail Wood
-

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
FacebookTweetPin

Delani West and Palen Fenton are like walking, talking playbooks.

These two seniors have been on Capital High School’s girls basketball team since they were freshmen. They’ve started since they were sophomores and their experience on the court is so valuable to Capital’s drive to the playoffs.

little caesars logoThey’re both team captains with a message.

“As team captain, I see my role as a positive leader, being a positive example for my teammates,” Fenton said. “I want to give my teammate opportunities on the court as opposed to just my own. I want to be there for my teammates.”

Being the encouraging leader is what both Fenton and West are all about. So, when the Cougars fall behind, it’s their duty to make sure no one gives up.

capital girls basketball
Delani West is a true definition of student-athlete. Photo credit: Gail Wood.

“My job is to be a leader, to encourage them,” West said. “To make sure everyone is having fun, playing hard and working together.”

And to make sure no one takes their foot off the accelerator.

“Both kids are really positive role models and positive leaders,” Capital coach Colleen Wells said. “They work hard. I’m going to miss them a ton.”

So often the focus of a player is getting their shot and basket, but not Fenton. Passing, skipping a pass inside to an open teammate, is her thrill. Her mindset is passing, not shooting.

“I love to make an awesome pass more than hitting a three,” Fenton, the Cougars’ point guard, said. “It’s like a puzzle piece, looking for the open person. I’ll always look for that.”

capital girls basketball
Palen Fenton has started at point guard for the Cougars for three seasons. Photo credit: Gail Wood.

Fenton is a crafty passer, often sneaking a pass past the outstretched hands of a defender.

“She’s the kind of kid who sees the court really well,” Wells said. “And she makes some extraordinary passes. Some of her passes I’m thinking there’s no way they’re getting to where they get and they do.”

West is unique with her role on the court. She’s a scorer with a defender’s mentality. Unlike some scorers, West doesn’t take a break when the opponent has the ball.

“Delani is our defensive stopper,” Wells said. “Any team that we play where we know they have someone with a hot hand or that is their team’s scoring leader, every offense goes through that player, we put Delani on that kid.”

It’s a role West embraces.

capital girls basketball
Capital scrimmages at a recent practice, working the kinks out. Photo credit: Gail Wood.

“I really like it,” West said. “It’s definitely worth it. It’s my thing.”

It’s a role West learned to adopt with constant reminders of Wells and her assistant, Joe Debruyne.

“They have really pushed me over the years,” West said.

This is a special season for Wells. It’s her farewell season, ending her 16-year run as Capital’s head girls basketball coach. She’ll retire at the end of the season and, as she said, become a full-time grandmother. Wells and her husband, Mark, will move to the Tri Cities to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

What’s kept Wells coming back year after year are the players and the chance to help shape lives.

capital girls basketball
Colleen Wells is in her 16th and final season as the Cougars head girls basketball coach. Photo credit: Gail Wood.

“It’s the kids,” Wells said. “There are a lot of things I like about coaching. I get to spend time with kids who want to be there. They don’t have to come play. They want to come play. And they want to get better. They want to learn.”

Wells will be going for her 200th victory as Capital’s coach against Shelton on Wednesday, December 3, 2016.

“I love her,” West said. “I’ve been with her all four years and also played for her when I was in middle school.  She is a great coach.”

There’s a goodbye and thank you to be said.

“She’s just been a huge mentor in my life,” Fenton said. “I’ve known her for a long time because my sister played here before me. I just think she’s helped me grow a lot as a person.”

capital girls basketball
With just three seniors on the team, a young Capital team works hard at a recent practice. Photo credit: Gail Wood.

But the goodbyes haven’t gotten in the way of the challenge of the season and of the classroom. West is an A-student, carrying a 3.95 GPA. She’s kept sports – West also plays golf in the spring on the school team – from eclipsing the classroom with some helpful reminders from her mom.

“My mom has been a teacher and she’s a principal,” West said. “She’s always pushed school on me, so I tried to be the best I can in sports and in school.”

For Fenton, besides skipping passes inside to teammates and doing well in the classroom, she’s got another passion. She loves riding horses. She competes in barrel races at fairs. Right now, she’s training a baby horse how to run.

“I’ve raced a lot,” Fenton said. “But I have a baby horse right now and I’m training him. It’s time consuming.”

But that’s okay in Fenton’s book. Being busy is a good thing. She’s busy skipping passes and doing all she can to help Wells’ final season at Capital be a memorable one.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
FacebookTweetPin

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
Previous articleJK Designs: Local Hand-Crafted Jewelry
Next articleAdopt-A-Pet Dog of the Week
Gail Wood

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Saint Martin's University softball player in a red and black uniform. She in side a white-chalk outlined circle on red dirt with her arm outstretch and a leg back, as fi she had just thrown a ball. her other hand has a catcher's mitt on

Saint Martin’s University Hosts and Competes in Great Northwest Athletic Conference Games

Men’s U17 Quad team, Henry Loeb, Alden Starks, Silas Wilson, Evan Piazza in their boat by a dock

Olympia Area Rowing Qualifies for Youth Championships, Makes Strong Showing

high school student throwing a javelin

Olympia High School Downing Brothers Cherish Competing Together in Javelin

Upcoming Events

Jul
16
Wed
all-day Little Red Schoolhouse Project-S... @ Drop Off At Participating locations through July 31st
Little Red Schoolhouse Project-S... @ Drop Off At Participating locations through July 31st
Jul 16 all-day
Little Red Schoolhouse Project-School Supply Drive @ Drop Off At Participating locations through July 31st
Welcome to the Little Red Schoolhouse Thurston County, Washington State Who We Are What we do and why Donations What we need Getting involved How you can help Email signup Subscribe to our mailing list Distribution of Supplies How it[...]
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

Helping Clients, Problem Solving and Trust-Building are Key for Redfin Agent...

The transition from renter to home ownership is a big one. If we’re lucky enough to take the plunge, having a supportive, helpful real...
An Intercity Transit bus on a road with green grass next to it a tree full of cherry blossoms

Intercity Transit Embarks on Year-Long Process to Redesign Bus System Serving...

a girl sits at a table on a laptop, a man is next her holding a cellphone and across the table is a young boy holding a tablet

Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Thurston...

outside of the WSECU Hawks Prairie branch with the letters "WSECU" in white on the front and empty parking spaces in front.

WSECU Guides Members Through Life’s Major Financial Events With In-Person Banking...

A Multi-Pronged Approach at Penrose Physical Therapy Keeps Patient Healthy and...

Trending Now

Bear Gulch Fire: Update July 15

Thurston County News Release: Heat Leads County to Declare Hazardous Weather...

An Aerial photo of the back of 7417 Johnson Road SE, with a view of the pool

Sotheby’s Broker Courtney Drennon Offers a Unique, Multifunctional Acreage Property on...

Editor Picks

an artist sits at a table with her paintings on display

Shelton Art Walk Returns in 2025 with a Celebration of Art,...

young boys and girls in t-shirts and shorts stand in a line on a field, the hands of an adult are seen handing the first two kids orange balls. The kid at the front of the line is throwing her ball.,

New Engaging Youth Summer Camps Have Sports, STEAM, Coding, Music, Water...

Oksana Skillings in her classroom showing huge playing cards to the seated students

North Thurston Public Schools Celebrates Educators Who Embody Joy of Learning 

Recent Posts

  • Bear Gulch Fire: Update July 15
  • Thurston County News Release: Heat Leads County to Declare Hazardous Weather Event
  • Helping Clients, Problem Solving and Trust-Building are Key for Redfin Agent Kareem Dixon
  • Sotheby’s Broker Courtney Drennon Offers a Unique, Multifunctional Acreage Property on the Market Now
  • Gates of the Popular Grays Harbor County Fair Open July 30 Through August 2, 2025 for This Summer’s ‘Big Foot! Big Fair! and Big Fun!’
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.
Share via
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Powered by Social Snap
Copy link
CopyCopied
Powered by Social Snap