MILL CREEK — Last season the Jackson boys basketball team fell two points short of a trip to the 4A state tournament. The Timberwolves don’t plan on allowing that to happen this year. With their talented, deep senior class leading the way, they feel good about their postseason chances.
Jackson’s seven seniors have been playing together since they were in elementary school, and they’ve been waiting a long time for the opportunity to step up and lead a team. They’ll get their chance this year.
“With the seniors, the chemistry is so strong,” Timberwolves guard Parker Manalo said after his team’s 71-50 win over visiting Snohomish in Tuesday’s season opener for both teams. “Everyone is talented, but we don’t rely on one player. Everyone has a role, and they fill that role.”
“Last year was the first time in awhile that we didn’t (achieve) our ultimate goal, and this year’s group is motivated to create their own identity,” said Timberwolves coach Steve Johnson. “They’re looking forward to their senior year and hopefully improving. We’ve got a lot of guys that can contribute in different ways.”
On Tuesday, Jackson scored 10 straight points early on to take a 10-1 lead en route to a commanding 23-9 advantage after the first quarter. The Timberwolves maintained a double-digit lead for the rest of the game thanks to a balanced offensive attack — Manalo (22), Jordan Brajcich (15) and super-sub Islim Ouldtaki (16) scored in double figures — and a suffocating defensive effort that created turnovers on a regular basis.The Timberwolves’ first-quarter blitz was keyed by several transition buckets.
That’s the identity that they want to create this winter.
“That’s the style of basketball that we want to play,” Brajcich said. “We’re not the biggest team, but we want to get steals and deny (the passing lanes) and push the ball up the court.
“We want to win the league title. (Last year’s finish) left a bitter taste in our mouths. I think we’re going to surprise some people (this season). We’re not listening to whatever other people might be saying. We’re focusing on what we have to do, and that’s play hard.”
Snohomish is under the tutelage of new head coach Jim Wilson. The Panthers are coming off a 6-14 campaign, but are hopeful for improvement this season. Wilson knows they’ll have to play better than they did Tuesday, though.
“A lot of things are new to them. I’m learning from them and they’re learning from me,” Wilson said. “Our effort is there, but we have a lot to work on technique-wise. Our goal is to make the playoffs, and that’s an obtainable goal. But defensively, we have a lot of work to do.”
Darius Johnson, a transfer from Sacramento, led the Panthers with 19 points.
“He’s quick and shoots the ball well,” Wilson said.
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