Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Former Ferndale head coach Terra Albee looks on during a recent game.

By Ray Hamill — One local girls basketball team will open the North Coast Section playoffs with a new head coach on Saturday night after a change at the top this week.

Ferndale head coach Terra Albee has stepped down from the program and will be replaced by JV coach Jamie Ellsmore.

According to Ferndale Athletic Director Clint McClurg, Albee is stepping away because of personal reasons.

Albee, who was in charge for two years, informed the school of her decision on Monday.

She led the Cats to a Little 4 and NCS championship double in her first season in charge.

The Wildcats are the No. 1 seed in the NCS Division-6 bracket and currently ranked No. 1 in the state in their division, according to MaxPreps.

Ellsmore will be joined on the sideline by assistant coach Tawni Hardwick.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” McClurg said. “But we’re thankful Jamie is going to step up and help us out.”

Ellsmore was the varsity head coach before Albee took over last season.

The Wildcats had a first-round bye in this year’s playoffs and will open against No. 9 seed Tomales on Saturday night.

Tip off is set for 7 p.m.

And the Ferndale girls are expected to make some noise in this year’s postseason.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what these girls can do,” McClurg said. “They’re the defending section champions and we know that everybody in our bracket will give us their best shot.”

The Ferndale girls are 18-7.

The Ferndale boys will also be in action on Saturday night, when they travel to play No. 1 seed Cornerstone Christian.