Jackson hires Haner as girls basketball coach

When a committee of five looked to hire a new Jackson girls basketball coach lots of people called to inquire.

In the end one stood out because of his excitement and preparedness.

Mark Haner, who has coached the Shorecrest junior varsity boys team for the past eight seasons, was selected last month as the new coach for the Jackson girls basketball team.

“He was the most prepared and enthusiastic person to take our team to the next level,” said Jackson High School Athletic Director Don Lichty. “He had a great interview. We were really impressed. Mark came in so well-prepared for the interview. He had a packet of materials that represented everything he wanted to do, from A to Z, in terms of practice, dealing with parents, coaching philosophies, drills, really everything he wanted to do.”

Haner was the last man standing from a group of four finalists that Lichty said included several successful head coaches. He will take over a program one year removed from its best finish in school history when the Timberwolves finished fourth at the 2012 state tournament.

“I’m really excited to get going with that group,” Haner said. “I’m going to have the opportunity to work with a talented group of girls right off the bat. That’s a lot of fun.”

It is the first head coaching job for Haner who has spent 12 years coaching basketball, also serving as the Scots’ freshman coach for four years. Haner graduated from Shorecrest in 2000, where he played basketball for four years and track and field for two.

He will continue to serve in his role as a track and field coach for the Scots.

“It’s definitely going to be a big change,” Haner said. “It’s going to take some getting used to. The biggest thing is just feeling out the culture at Jackson. Everyone I talk to says they have a great support system and it’s a great culture.”

Haner said his coaching philosophy is to focus on the details of the game, and make sure the Timberwolves do the little things right. He believes that should lead to sustained success for Jackson, which graduated four seniors this past season but returns first team all-Wesco South 4A guards Sierra Anderson and Faithaleen Lopez-Flores.

The Timberwolves also hope to get star guard Kelli Kingma back. Kingma missed most of her junior season with a knee injury.

“It’s pretty broad, but the focus is on the little stuff. Everything we control, we do well,” Haner said. “We win 50-50 balls. We box out. Talent will take care of things a lot of the time, but when both teams are talented it’s the little things that win the game. … I see no reason why we can’t go out and accomplish big things this year.”

Lichty said the model fitted well with what the committee was looking for, quoting legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden.

“The truth is, that ultimately it goes back to the John Wooden philosophy you do all the things right and winning takes care of itself in the long run,” Lichty said. “We don’t want to emphasize wins and losses because you’re going to win some lose some. We try to work on those life lessons and always improving. We’re really thrilled to have him come to Jackson and take the program to where it’s going to go.”

Haner has met the team at an introductory meet and great where he introduced himself and answered a few questions. He said he “got an exceptional vibe from the group” and that they too seemed excited to get back on the court.

Unfortunately, there’s still some time before they can do that.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve said I’m excited. I’m looking forward to getting going,” Haner said with a laugh. “This isn’t a stepping stone for me. I’ve called Shorecrest home but I’m looking forward to hopefully calling Jackson home for a long time to come.

“The only thing I’m upset about is I can’t work now.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.