The 2007-2008 Snohomish High School boys basketball roster included only one returning starter: Zach Wilde.
So, at least on paper, it seemed unlikely the Panthers would continue their reign atop the Western Conference North Division and return to the Class 4A state tournament.
But Wilde and his relatively inexperienced teammates jelled quickly and picked up where Snohomish’s previous dominant squad left off. Often fueled by the valuable all-around efforts of Wilde, a 6-foot-6 senior forward, the Panthers compiled another stellar season that included:
n a 15-1 record in Wesco North games
n a division title
n a 4A District 1 championship
n the program’s fourth-consecutive state-tourney appearance
No Snohomish player did more for the team than Wilde, who led the Panthers in scoring (15.3 points per game), rebounding (6.8) and assists (4.0). In fact, Wilde arguably meant more to his squad’s success than any player in the area.
“The thing about Zach,” Snohomish coach Len Bone said, “is he can score, he was fairly solid defensively, he’s a good rebounder (and) he’s a good passer. He contributes in lots of ways to our team.”
For his many contributions, Wilde is The Herald’s 2007-2008 All-Area Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
A three-year starter and four-year varsity contributor, Wilde capped his prep hoops career by making program history: He competed in four state tourneys, something no one had accomplished since Snohomish fielded its first boys basketball team in 1903-1904.
After placing fifth in the state last season, Snohomish went 1-2 this year at the 4A tourney and left without a trophy. Opponents immediately clamped down on Wilde at the Tacoma Dome.
“They were really focused on him,” Bone said. “I felt like all three games they were really concerned about him on the boards. He got doubled quite a bit and didn’t get a lot of real good opportunities to score points.”
At state, Wilde averaged 12 points. The attention he received from foes was simultaneously frustrating and flattering, he said.
“It’s awesome to know that you’re a good player and people respect you and want to play you tough,” said Wilde.
Although his future is uncertain, Wilde wants to play in college, either for an NCAA Division I or Division II program. He’ll miss plenty of things about his high school days, like “the school atmosphere — everyone coming to the games and dressing up and getting crazy,” said Wilde, who has been watching and playing hoops in Snohomish’s gym since he was a fourth-grader.
Over the years, Wilde blossomed into a rare hardcourt weapon: a player with the size to score inside, the range to shoot from the perimeter, and the vision to pass and create easy shots for teammates.
This past season Wilde added leadership and reliability to his list of skills.
“He knew coming in that it was important for him to step up and take more responsibility and I think he did a real good job of that,” Bone said.
“The big thing was he was just more consistent in all parts of his game,” Bone added. “He was comfortable being the main guy.”
Wilde said he learned a lot his first three seasons by playing alongside Snohomish alums Jon Brockman and Tim Diederichs. Can Wilde — like Brockman and Diederichs have done — make an impact at the next level?
Bone thinks so.
“Zach’s got a good feel. He’s got a good understanding of the game,” said Bone. “He’s becoming a better communicator.
“There’s still really a long way he can go. He can make a lot more progress. He hasn’t been tapped out.”
Writer Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
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