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CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, News editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

Lynnwood looks to re-tool lineup

By Aaron Lommers
For The Enterprise

Last season, the Lynnwood Royals made the 3A boys basketball state tournament. They also graduated 11 seniors.

But that doesn’t mean that Lynnwood is looking to rebuild; senior Semi Fajemisin might have something to say about that.

Fajemisin, the only returning varsity player from last year, is a 6-10 center committed to the University of San Diego on a full ride scholarship, and he could be the focal point of the Royals’ success this season.

“He’s a great kid to build around,” Lynnwood coach Darrell McNeal said. “I think if he plays the way that he is capable of playing and he works hard, he could take us somewhere.”

But Fajemisin can’t do it all. Lynnwood will need help from its new surrounding cast.

Fajemisin will be joined on the varsity squad by junior point guard Anthony Edwards, junior guard Ryan Haney, junior guard Jordan Le, senior forward Jazzy Nut, sophomore forward Jordan Norde, junior guard Jason Shaw, senior guard Gizaw Tamirat, junior post Drew Botts, junior post Dustin Bowman and junior guard Andrew Kulej.

“They are just excited about being able to play and being at this level,” McNeal said of his 11 new varsity players.

McNeal didn’t single out any of his new players as standouts and said that success will be a team effort.

“I’ve got some kids that play well as a team,” McNeal said.

Last season, Lynnwood finished 14-14, but made it to the district championship and lost to Meadowdale. The Royals secured district one’s second berth to state by defeating Shorecrest.

The Royals, however, lost leading scorer Aaron Matzen to graduation, along with 10 other seniors. Matzen now plays at Everett Community College and the new Royals varsity squad must find a way to make up the losses.

McNeal said it starts by playing as a team. “Our goal is to come back and be very competitive,” he said.

McNeal said having a young team and playing in the Wesco Conference, which features 3A and 4A teams, will help.

“We could sneak up on some teams,” he said.

This season, a 35-second shot clock has been added to boys’ basketball, and it remains to be seen if the rule change will help or hurt the Royals.

“The offense we run is geared towards slowing other teams down and making them play defense,” McNeal said. “We are probably going to have to play a little faster.”

With a guard heavy lineup, shooting will be a focus for the Royals as well.

“We’ve got to do a good job of hitting the perimeter jumper when they are open,” McNeal said.

McNeal admitted that the Royals did not shoot the ball particularly well last season.

When it comes down to it, Fajemisin might still be the key. The senior standout averaged close to 17 points per game and 12 rebounds last season, but this year McNeal hopes those numbers improve.

“I’m definitely going to ask more of him…we need more,” McNeal said. “We are really going to rely on him to lead the charge and guide us in the direction we are trying to go.”

McNeal admits he can’t predict how this team will finish the season, but he has a vision of where he wants them to be.

“Where I would like to be? I would like to be in a position to make a run like we did last year,” he said.

Even graduating 11 seniors last season, McNeal does not believe this is a rebuilding year.

“The bottom line is it’s my job to prepare my players and get them ready,” McNeal said. “I think they are going to be OK. I like the way they are practicing; I like their heart and their dedication. The younger guys are going to have to mature a little faster.”