The Mariners are long gone, the Seahawks are sinking fast, the University of Washington football team continues to struggle and the Silvertips are finally improving after a horrid start.
Don’t worry. Ignore the so-called big boys of the local sports scene and check out some of the fantastic high school standouts. Here are three reasons to give prep sports a chance and cheer up while the area’s pro and college squads continue to disappoint.
1. Kylin Munoz can fly.
OK, Munoz can’t actually soar like a bird, but the Monroe High School volleyball player has astounding leaping ability that allows her to attack from all over the court. Munoz, a slim 6-foot-1 junior outside hitter, has generated buzz throughout the area with her gravity-defying spikes. Along with talented teammates like 6-2 middle hitter Kelsey Brennan, Munoz hopes to lead the Bearcats to Western Conference North Division and district tournament titles, as well as a trip to the Class 4A state tourney (Nov. 9-10 in Kennewick).
2. Tony Heard is a two-way force.
Heard, also a junior, has emerged as one of the state’s most dominant football players. His blend of size (5-11, 225 pounds) and speed has allowed him to be a game-changing star at linebacker and tailback for Edmonds-Woodway High. With 21 rushing touchdowns and nearly 1,400 yards through seven games, Heard is one of many explosive athletes (see: Antoinne Wafer and Kyle McCartney) who have helped third-ranked E-W (WashingtonPreps.com 4A poll) outscore foes 313-80. The Warriors, who complete the regular season against Marysville-Pilchuck (4-3) and Jackson (3-4), appear to be at least as good as the 2006 E-W squad that reached the state semifinals.
3. The defense never rests.
Two of Snohomish County’s most dynamic girls high school soccer teams, Archbishop Murphy and Snohomish, have combined to shut out their opponents 19 times in 24 games. Murphy, the defending 2A state champion, has nine shutouts and has outscored foes 69-3 en route to a 12-0 record. Snohomish, which didn’t allow a goal in its first 10 contests, is 11-0-1 and has given up just two goals and has scored 32.
Friendly rivals
Opposing coaches often get along better than one might think. Last week, after their respective girls soccer teams played to a 0-0 tie, coaches Mike Bartley (Jackson) and Mindy Dalziel (Shorecrest) exchanged friendly words and a quick hug at midfield. Playing Jackson is “a bigger game for us than playing against our archrivals (the Shorewood Thunderbirds),” Dalziel said a few minutes later. “We love playing against Jackson. It’s always been really (competitive) down to the final minutes.”
Although both teams compete in the Wesco South, their competition is limited to the regular season because Jackson is a 4A school and Shorecrest is 3A. It encourages the coaches to help each other, Dalziel said: “We share notes so we can beat up on 3A schools and (Jackson) can beat up 4A schools.”
Murphy seeks coaches
Archbishop Murphy is accepting applications for head baseball coach and head track and field coach. To get an application, send an e-mail to athletics@am-hs.org or call 425-385-3464.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
