WESCO NORTH
Teams listed in order of predicted finish by coaches
1. Lake Stevens Vikings
Last season: 9-6 in league play, 13-11 overall (eliminated in 4A District 1 tournament)
Returning starters
Dakota Tomson, Jr. G, 5-10
Christian Gasca, Sr. G, 5-11
Brady Pahukoa, Sr. F, 6-3
Up-and-comer
Kevin Smith, Sr. G, 5-9
Outlook: Lake Stevens coach Mark Hein said the Wesco North will once again be competitive and that he likes his team’s mix of size, perimeter play and experience. Hein said the Vikings’ unity is one of their strengths and that they are excited at working to get better together. The goal for the Vikings is to get better as the season goes along and Hein said if they do that, he likes their chances to be a playoff team.
2. Arlington Eagles
Last season: 12-3 in league play, 19-7 overall (lost to Kentridge in 4A state regional)
Returning starters
Bo Brummel, Sr. Post, 6-3
Up-and-comers
Dan Boyden, Jr. Post, 6-4
Markus Bryson, Sr. G, 6-0.
Outlook: The Eagles are in a bit of a rebuilding phase this season after graduating seven seniors from last season’s team. Coach Nick Brown said the team needs to find out who can do what this season. Brown said the Eagles should be physical inside and have skilled perimeter players to help the team try to be successful in the Wesco North once again. Brown said he is also excited to see what Terry Dawn, who played a key role off the bench last season, can do this year.
3. Stanwood Spartans
Last season: 7-8 in league play, 8-14 overall
Returning starters
Mason Garcea, Jr. G, 5-8
Josh Thayer, So. G, 5-8
Cannen Roberson, Jr. F, 6-5
Brennan Williams, Sr. F, 6-4
Up-and-comers
Drew Sears, Jr. F, 6-9
Outlook: Coach Zach Ward said the Spartans were a very young group a year ago that gained valuable experience that should help them this season. He said the core group of players had a good offseason, putting in time in the weight room and the gym.
4. Snohomish Panthers
Last season: 5-10 in league play, 7-13 overall)
Returning starters
Luke Hamlin, Sr. G, 6-1
Gabe Reichenberger, Sr. Wing, 6-3
Up-and-comers
Kevin Yates, Sr. G, 6-0
Mitch Stewart, Sr. G, 6-3
Darian Caldwell, Sr. Post, 6-5
Russell Crippen, Jr. Wing, 6-2
Outlook: The Panthers’ strengths this season will be experience, shooting and team chemistry according to coach Len Bone. Bone said size could be an issue for Snohomish as the Panthers will be playing many three- and four-guard lineups. One key to the Panthers’ success could be their ability to rebound well despite their lack of size.
5. Monroe Bearcats
Last season: 12-3 in league play, 17-7 overall (lost to Olympia in state regional)
Returning starters
None
Up-and-comer
Terrance Day, Sr. PG, 5-9
Outlook: Coach Nick Wold said the Bearcats should be competitive this season despite not returning a single starter. Wold says barring any unforeseen injuries the Bearcats can compete with the other teams in the Wesco North. Wold added that most of the teams in the North return at least one quality guard from last year and that he sees the conference being determined by how well the guard play is on each team.
6. Marysville Pilchuck Tomahawks
Last season: 4-11 in league play, 5-15 overall
Returning starters
Dom Kiblinger, Sr. G, 6-0
Nate Williams, Sr. G, 5-6
Phillip DeSanctis, Sr. F, 6-4
Conner Martinis, Jr. G, 6-2
Jalen Apel-Henderson, Jr. F, 6-4
Up-and-comer
Monnie Williams, Jr. G.
Outlook: The Tomahawks return several players from last year’s team, but one piece that is not back is Ryan Shannon, who transferred to Mountlake Terrace. Coach Bary Gould said the Tomahawks’ good senior leadership mixed with some promising new talent could lead to some intense games. The Tomahawks also welcome a new assistant coaching staff for the 2011-12 season.
WESCO SOUTH
Teams listed in order of predicted finish by coaches
1. Kamiak Knights
Last season: 8-6 in league play, 13-10 overall (eliminated in 4A District 1 tournament)
Returning starters
Nicholas Kussman, Sr. G, 6-1
Ron Manchester, Sr. G, 6-2
Josh Wisnubroto, Jr. G, 5-8
J.D. Blacksmith, Sr. Post, 6-5
Imaan Vicente, Jr. Wing, 6-5
Anthony Berg, Sr. G, 6-3
Up-and-comer
Quinn Carlson, Sr. Wing, 6-1
Outlook: Coach Cory West said his team will compete night in and night out. With the amount of offensive weapons the Knights have, they should be able to compete against the teams in the Wesco South, but West said they will have to continue to develop defensively to win games. The Knights are a long athletic bunch with multiple players who can play multiple positions. For the first time, West has several seniors he expects to play vocal leadership roles.
2. Mariner Marauders
Last season: 1-13 in league play, 4-15 overall
Returning starters
Bayek Tutlam, Jr. G, 6-4
Thelonious Purnell, Sr. Wing, 5-11
Up-and-comers
Kiante Ahmad-Wood, Jr. G, 5-10
Cody Chrisman, Jr. Post, 6-1
Outlook: Coach Tom Jensen said when the Marauders bring consistent energy to the court, he expects them to compete with any team. The Marauders will rely on team defense and offensive execution to be successful and Jensen said he expects the team to compete for a high playoff seed.
3. Jackson Timberwolves
Last season: 14-0 in league play, 22-4 overall (lost to Davis in 4A state quarterfinals)
Returning starter
Jason Todd, So. G/F, 6-5
Up-and-comer
Trevor Waite, Sr. F, 6-3
Outlook: The Timberwolves have made two consecutive state tournaments, placing second in 2009-10, but lost guard Brett Kingma to graduation. Coach Steve Johnson said this year’s team is young and inexperienced, but not without talent. Jason Todd is young, but one of the few players on the team with experience and Johnson said in his opinion Todd is one of the best players in the area. Johnson said the Wesco South is very even and that he hopes his team can compete in the division and be in the running for a state-tournament berth again.
4. Edmonds-Woodway Warriors
Last season: 5-9 in league play, 10-13 overall (eliminated in 4A District 1 tournament)
Returning starters
None
Up-and-comers
Grant Pattison, Sr. G/Wing, 6-1
Devin Joseph, Jr. PG, 5-7
Travis Bakken, So. Post 6-7
Henry Olson, Jr. Post, 6-8
Outlook: The Warriors have a team goal of winning the Wesco South, but it won’t be easy as they have lost seven seniors from a year ago. Coach Steve Call said the Warriors are athletic and can get out and run and have a couple of very talented post players.
5. Cascade Bruins
Last season: 3-11 in league play, 6-16 overall (eliminated in 4A District 1 tournament)
Returning starters
Noah Nelson, Sr. G, 6-3
Steven Gallardo, Jr. Post, 6-5
Cody Bergmans, Sr. Post, 6-3.
Up-and-comer
DuSean Shankle, Sr. G, 5-6.
Outlook: Coach Dan Hornaday said the goal for the Bruins, as it is every year, is to play in the Tacoma Dome. Hornaday said the team has built a rapport from its summer games and team camp at Washington State University and that the players are dedicated to improving every day and every game. The Bruins will be a team that relies on its defense when it matters most.
Wesco 3A
Teams listed in order of predicted finish by coaches
1. Mountlake Terrace Hawks
Last season: 9-5 in league play, 13-5 overall (lost to Hazen in state regional)
Returning starters
Blake Fernandez, Jr. G, 6-1
Marquis Armstead, Jr. G, 6-1
Up-and-comers
Greg Bowman, So. F/C, 6-7
Coby Russell, Sr. F, 6-4.
Outlook: With forward Ryan Shannon transferring to Mountlake Terrace, the Hawks should compete for the Wesco 3A title. Coach Nalin Sood said the Wesco 3A is a solid league and the Hawks are looking to be competitive in a league that has several outstanding players and great parity among the teams.
2. Shorecrest Scots
Last season: 8-6 in league play, 11-11 overall (eliminated in 3A District 1 tournament)
Returning starters
Junior Chibougwu, Sr. F, 6-6
Keith Shattuck, Sr. G, 6-5
Trevor McCoy, Sr. PG, 5-10
Ryan Canfield, Sr. G, 5-10.
Up-and-comer
Musamba Njadoe, So. F, 6-4.
Outlook: The Scots return an experienced team that qualified for the playoffs in third place in the Wesco 3A a year ago. Led by Chibougwu, Shattuck, McCoy and Canfield, coach Brian Fischer expects the Scots to be one of the teams fighting for the conference title.
3. Glacier Peak Grizzlies
Last season: 14-0 in league play, 23-5 overall (placed fifth in 3A state tourney)
Returning starter
Zach Pederson, Jr. Post, 6-6
Up-and-comers
Jackob Davelaar, Sr. Wing, 6-2
Mitchl Pohrman, Jr. G, 6-1
Austin Tarvin, Sr. Wing, 6-0.
Outlook: The Grizzlies will rely on defense, rebounding and teamwork throughout the season, according to coach Brian Hunter. Hunter said the Wesco 3A will be extremely competitive this season and every night will present a new challenge. The Grizzlies will play an uptempo brand of basketball that generates offense from their defense.
4. Shorewood Thunderbirds
Last season: 7-7 in league play, 11-12 overall (lost in 3A District 1 tourney)
Returning starters
Semir Kadiric, Sr., 6-4, Post
Gage Carroll, Sr., 6-2, Wing
Josh Hawkinson, Jr., 6-9, post
Ben Andrews, Jr., 6-2, G
Up-and-comers
Zane Hopen, Soph., 6-2, G
Anxhelos Pere, Soph., 5-6, G
Outlook:The Thunderbirds have a strong nucleus of talent returning for the 2011-12 season and should be competitive in a tough Wesco 3A league.
5. Meadowdale Mavericks
Last season: 8-6 in league play, 12-12 overall (eliminated in 3A District 1 tournament)
Returning starters
Torin Dooley, Sr. G, 6-0
Spencer Linton, Sr. Wing, 6-0
Up-and-comers
Matt Hirsch, Sr. Wing, 6-0
Brian Feldhaus, Sr. Post, 6-6
Outlook: Coach Andy Streit said the Mavericks need to execute and play with minimal mistakes this season to be successful. Streit said the Mavs also need to play solid defense and rebound. A strength for Meadowdale should be its outside shooting and senior leadership and Streit said his players who are new to the varsity level need to rise to the occasion and make big plays for the Mavericks.
6. Oak Harbor Wildcats
Last season: 5-9 in league play, 7-16 overall (eliminated in 3A District 1 tournament)
Returning starters
Michael Washington Jr., Sr. G/F, 6-3
Kevawn Brooks, Sr. G/F, 6-1.
Up-and-comer
Jomacio Webster, Jr. G, 6-0.
Outlook: Coach Michael Washington Sr. said this will be an interesting year for the Wildcats because they lost a lot of firepower from last year’s team. But Washington Sr. says Oak Harbor will play hard night in and night out with focus on playing together and playing smart. Washington Sr. says conditioning will be a key to competing in the Wesco 3A. One of the tests for the Wildcats will be helping senior Michael Washington Jr. with the scoring load.
7. Everett Seagulls
Last season: 4-10 in league play, 6-14 overall
Returning starters
None
Up-and-comer
Unikque Thibou, Sr. PG, 5-10
Outlook: Coach Aaron Nations said the Seagulls are a young squad that will be working hard every game. One of the goals is to compete with every team and give themselves a chance in the fourth quarter. Nations said the league is very balanced and the Seagulls should have a chance to make the playoffs if they keep building momentum throughout the season.
8. Lynnwood Royals
Last season: 1-13 in league play, 2-17 overall
Returning starters
None
Up-and-comer
Jordan Norde, Sr. F/C, 6-4
Outlook: Coach Darrell McNeal said the Royals are a young team that has a lot of desire and determination. The team understands how hard it will have to work to compete in the tough Wesco 3A. The early part of the season will be tough on the Royals, who play three games a week until holiday break, but the focus will be to stay healthy and be as well prepared as possible. McNeal said all of the players have accepted the challenge and want to face the situation head on. 9. Marysville Getchell Chargers
Last season: First year with a varsity program
Returning starters
None
Up-and-comer
Zander Seymer, Jr. G, 6-0.
Outlook: Coach Corby Schuh said the Chargers will try to establish the program in its first year of varsity by fiercely competing each game. Schuh said the Chargers will work hard on defense and get out and run on the fast break. What the team lacks in size, Schuh said will be made up for with speed and quickness.
CASCADE CONFERENCE
Teams listed in order of predicted finish by coaches
1. King’s Knights
Last season: 7-7 in league play, 11-16 overall (lost to Zillah in 1A state regional)
Outlook: The Knights welcome a new coach as Rick Skeen takes the reigns. Skeen comes from Burlington-Edison High School where he took the team to a fifth-place finish in the 2A state tournament in 2011 and went to back-to-back state championship games in 2009 and 2010, losing to Squalicum in both games. Under Skeen, the Knights should challenge for a Cascade Conference championship this season.
2. Archbishop Murphy Wildcats
Last season: 12-2 in league play, 15-7 overall (eliminated in 2A District 1 tourney)
Returning starters
Zach Gordon, Sr. Post, 6-8 (recovering from ACL Surgery — out indefinitely)
Up-and-comer
Dan Haider, Sr. Wing, 6-4
Outlook: Coach Jamar Williams said that with all new starters, he doesn’t really know what to expect from his team. Williams said that most of the varsity returners played sparingly a season ago and that this is a rebuilding year for the program, adding that it would be a great accomplishment if the team could find a way into the playoffs.
3. Cedarcrest Red Wolves
Last season: 12-2 in league play, 18-7 overall (lost to Franklin Pierce in 2A state regional)
Returning starters
Zach Taylor, Jr. G, 6-1
Chris Dowd, Sr. G, 5-10
Tanner Marty, Sr. F, 6-1
Justin Houser, Sr. F, 6-2
Up-and-comer
Jordan Corpus, So. G, 6-0
Outlook: The Red Wolves return most of their team from a season ago and will be loaded with experience this season. Zach Taylor, who was named first-team all-conference last season, will once again lead the team. Coach Mark Prince said the goal is for the Red Wolves to be competitive against every opponent they play this season.
4. Sultan Turks
Last season: 5-9 in league, 8-11 overall (lost to Lynden in 2A District 1 play-in game)
Returning starters
Brock VandenEkart, Jr. F, 6-3
Up-and-comers
Cooper Beaucherie, So. F, 5-10
Sammy Cotteril, Jr. G, 5-11
Steven Branham, Jr. F, 6-1
Outlook: Coach Nate Trichler said his team is undersized, but if it can rebound it will be competitive. Trichler added that team chemistry is a strength for the Turks and all of the kids on the team are hungry to be successful.
5. Granite Falls Tigers
Last season: 1-13 in league play, 1-19 overall
Outlook: The Tigers are coming off a disappointing season that saw them win only one game, but hope to improve on that mark in 2011-12 under new head coach Jim Wilson.
6. Lakewood Cougars
Last season: 3-11 in league play, 6-14 overall
Returning starters
Dustin Stanton, Sr. F, 6-6
Caleb Graves, Sr. G, 5-9
Tyler Duitsman, Sr. G, 5-9
Tyler Farrell, Sr. G, 5-11.
Up-and-comers
Ryan Alford, Fr. G, 5-9
Zach Smith, Sr. F, 6-2.
Outlook: Coach Matt Hart said the Cougars are looking forward to an exciting season with a group of real good athletes and a nice mix of younger players who will make an immediate impact. Hart said that the success of the football team has created a buzz around campus and the team will be hoping to use that momentum to continue success on the basketball court.
7. South Whidbey Falcons
Last season: 10-4 in league play, 14-8 overall (eliminated in 2A District 1 tourney)
Returning starter
Zach Comfort, Sr. Post, 6-8
Up-and-comer
Sam Lee, Sr. G, 5-8
Outlook: The Falcons lost seven seniors and have just two varsity returning players this season. Coach Henry Pope said he expects that the team might start slow out of the gate, but is hopeful that the team will finish strong. Pope said the players have no problem putting out the kind of effort that it will take to be successful and that the team should play better as the season goes along. 8. Coupeville Wolves
Last season: 6-8 in league play, 9-12 overall (eliminated in 1A tri-district tourneu)
Outlook: The Wolves have their work cut out for them in 2011-12 after graduating much of the firepower off of last year’s team, including all five starters. One of the key questions for the Wolves after losing Hunter Hammer, Ben Hayes and Tyler King to graduation is where the scoring will come from.
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