No one knows for sure what the New Year will bring, but if 2003 is anything like its predecessor, then strap on your seatbelts because we’re likely in for an exhilarating ride.
Though it’s probably the last topic he wants to broach right now, just weeks after the Gridiron Classic, Archbishop Murphy football coach Terry Ennis has to be looking forward to next season.
The Wildcats surprised just about everyone by winning the Class 1A state championship in only their second season of varsity competition. With the graduation of only five seniors, Archbishop Murphy should have a solid shot at defending its title, especially with the return of running back/safety Jevon Butler.
Archbishop Murphy won’t suffer from complacency, certainly not with Ennis at the helm.
What will be interesting is to see how the Wildcats react now that they have a target on their backs for the first time.
It’s a little different when you’re the favorite and expected to do well rather than when you’re the underdog.
The King’s boys basketball team also surprised many observers by winning its second straight Class 1A championship last season. Twelve teams came into the tournament with a better record than the Knights.
Is a three-peat in the cards for King’s? It won’t be easy since five seniors are gone, but coach Marv Morris has plenty of returning talent to work with including state tournament MVP Chris Faidley.
Since the Knights handled the pressure and distractions of defending their state title last season, they should again advance deep into the tournament.
Two Class 1A girls basketball teams to watch closely come tournament time are Archbishop Murphy and King’s.
Wildcats center Lauren Coate, the second leading active Class 1A scorer, probably doesn’t garner the kind of attention she merits because she plays at a small school. But the 6-foot senior is one of the area’s top players.
King’s returns a talented senior duo in Rachel Strand and Christina Wikstrom and a solid roster to back them up. But the Knights’ biggest asset may be a winning tradition that has resulted in 10 straight state tournament appearances.
Like King’s, the Meadowdale girls basketball team is a perennial contender at state and this year is no exception.
What’s noteworthy about this year’s group is that none of the key players — guard Anne Martin, center Quinn Brewe and point guard Ashley Fenimore — are seniors.
As good as the Mavericks are this year, watch out next season because they will be even better.
While we are obligated to follow the top teams, any reporter will tell you that what makes sports so compelling are the surprises. Last year provided ample evidence that the best dramas are those that are unscripted.
It wasn’t all that unexpected that the King’s boys and girls cross country teams won state titles. But Rachel Strand’s individual victory in the girls race came out of nowhere. The senior standout had never won a cross country race before the state meet.
While capturing a state championship is a perfect way to cap a season, sometimes just reaching your potential is more than enough reward.
The Jackson volleyball team advanced to the district playoffs only because another team lost. The Timberwolves then had to beat Oak Harbor in a pigtail match. In its district opener, Jackson scored only two points in a one-sided loss to Stanwood.
But then something finally clicked and Jackson won two matches in the loser’s bracket and had the opportunity to advance to the state tournament before finally losing to the Spartans in the third/fourth place match.
The Timberwolves didn’t win any trophies for their fourth-place finish but they garnered the admiration and respect from their coach and peers.
David Pan is the sports editor for The Enterprise Newspapers. Questions and comments may be sent via e-mail to entsports@heraldnet.com, by fax to 425-774-8622 or by mail to: Sports editor, The Enterprise, 4303 198th St. SW., Lynnwood, WA 98036.
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