While everything outside the lines was different, in the 2021 Northwest Conference basketball season, as far a I could see, everything inside the lines was as normal as it could be.

Credit first goes to the coaches and parents for keeping their players and kids focused. I did not see any drop in intensity over the final days of the season, despite seniors having graduated, and hosted and attended grad parties. Their only link left to their school colors was on the basketball floor.

Most of all, credit to those seniors, and every player on every school’s roster, at every level of play. The made the best of an impossible situation and remained committed.

While everything outside the lines was different, in the 2021 Northwest Conference basketball season, as far a I could see, everything inside the lines was as normal as it could be.

Credit first goes to the coaches and parents for keeping their players and kids focused. I did not see any drop in intensity over the final days of the season, despite seniors having graduated, and hosted and attended grad parties. Their only link left to their school colors was on the basketball floor.

Most of all, credit to those seniors, and every player on every school’s roster, at every level of play. The made the best of an impossible situation and remained committed.

The game of the week was also the game of the year. Lynden and Lynden Christian met on the Lions floor with perfect 10-0 NWC records. The attendance of about 400 was about 2600 less than what would have been expected in January.

This hard-fought rivalry game was like it always has been. For 32 minutes there was physicality, hard fouls, but always a help-up hand extended. Extreme hustle for every loose, and about to be loose ball. And, exhausted players, often bent over often with hands on knees.

In the end, the Lyncs fourth quarter play was the difference in their 51-48 win, and their eventual perfect 12-0 conference record, after a win over Meridian two days later.

The athleticism at the defensive ends, made it extremely difficult for each team’s offense to function. They both have defenders with fast hands and feet, combined with physical inside play. They also know each other well enough to anticipate the next move.

The Lyncs led 6-3 with 3:40 left in the first quarter, before the offenses came on a little bit. The Lyncs were up 15-11 at the end of eight minutes and extended the lead to 21-11 early in the second quarter on a baseline drive by LC sophomore, Tyler Sipma.

Lion junior Jordan Medcalf turned the momentum toward his team with a nifty steal and dunk that brought the Lions to within six points. He tracked a loose ball to the sidelines in front of the scorer’s bench, and tapped it inbounds and up the sidelines. He reestablished his feet inbounds and took the ball to the rim.

That was answered by the Lyncs, as they regained a ten-point lead at 25-15 when senior Cole Moorlag scored inside. Moorlag does not possess the height of the typical inside player but was able to use his strength to hurt the Lions as he scored 12 points on the night, all within a step or two of the hoop, as he also grabbed several offensive rebounds.

From there, the Lions were able to run off ten straight points and tie the game at 25-25 with a minute left in the half. The dazzling play of that run was set up by Lion sophomore guard, Coston Parcher.

The Lions got an offensive rebound, and the ball was passed to Parcher on the right wing. He saw an opening to drive the ball inside, but it quickly closed as he got inside the key. However, he spotted 6-11 Liam Hanenburg rumbling down the lane, and dished a beautiful drop off pass him which led to another 2-hand dunk.

Lyncs sophomore Griffin Dykstra then scored in the final seconds to give his team a 27-25 lead at halftime.

Both teams play great man-to-man defense. Had I mentioned that? Both teams plan to take away your best offensive threat. On this night, two matchups were the most interesting. Lion 6-0 senior, Kobe Whitman was saddled with the task of slowing down, possibly the most skilled offensive player in the league this year, LC 6-5 junior Andrew Hommes.

Hommes is a 3-point threat, and can also pull up in the middle, and get to the rim. Whitman’s speed and savvy held Hommes to just two field goals on the night, and eight total points, with only a free-throw after halftime.

At the other end, Lyncs 6-5 senior post, Logan Dykstra, had the 6-11 Hanenburg. Dykstra did a great job, doing everything he could do to keep Hanenburg from catching the ball where he wanted to. Hanenburg scored 13 points, as he can also hit 15-footers, but nothing came easy.

Dykstra, who did look winded on occasion, managed to have enough gas left in the tank to score eight crucial points in the fourth quarter, and a game-high 16.

With the Lions leading 36-35 with 1:12 left in the third quarter, Sipma was called for an intentional foul (not flagrant), as he grabbed Lions junior, Dawson Adams around the waist from behind on a drive to the basket.

Adams made one of two free throws, then with the ball again, Clay Kochuten hit a 3-pointer to put the Lions up by five. Medcalf then scored on a lay in with five seconds left to give the Lions their biggest lead of the game, 42-35, at the end of the third quarter.

The Lions outscored the Lyncs 17-8 in the third quarter, but the tide would quickly turn.

That defensive athleticism picked it up a notch over the next few minutes, as there were several empty possessions. Logan Dykstra scored two buckets, sandwiched around a Moorlag score, to bring the Lyncs to within a point. Hanenburg then scored to get the lead back to three, but that would be the only Lynden score for nearly the first six minutes of the final period.

A Hommes free-throw capped a 12-2 Lyncs run, and a 47-44 lead with 2:17 to play. Hanenburg got the Lions to within 47-46 with a baseline jumper. After Moorlag missed the front end of a 1-and-1, the Lions worked the ball from side to side until Hanenburg opened up for a lay in off a feed from Kochuten with 1:17 left. That gave the Lions the lead, 48-47. It also gave Hanenburg six points in the quarter, all the Lions would score in the eight-minute period.

Lyncs senior Shale Whittern scored only two points in the game, but they came with just 55 seconds left, and gave the Lyncs the lead for good, 49-48. He caught a pass in the right corner, but took the ball to the basket, and scored on a tough shot over Hanenburg.

The Lions had multiple chances after that to regain the lead but came up empty. Logan Dykstra hit two free-throws with 3.1 seconds left, to give the Lyncs a 51-48 lead.

Then, all 400 fans held their collective breath, as Medcalf launched a shot from the left corner, just inside half court. The ball caught rim and bounced away, giving the Lyncs a well-deserved victory.

In games like this, whether it be a rivalry, or just two great teams going at it, it is often someone you may not expect, who comes through for the winning team. On this night, it certainly was Cole Moorlag, who’s strength was key to his inside scores and getting the Lyncs extra offensive opportunities.

Another unusual aspect of the 2021 season was the standings. While teams did not play an even league schedule, there was a large gap between the top two teams and the rest of the league. The second place Lions were 11-1, and the next group included Anacortes at 8-3; Ferndale and Sehome at 9-4; and Mount Vernon at 8-4. The Seahawks game against the Lyncs was cancelled, not due to virus reasons, and was not able to be made up.

Right next to that group were the Mount Baker Mountaineers. The Mountaineers had the largest gain in the standings from the 2019-20 season. That year, the finished 2-11, and in 2021, they went 8-6. Their final game was a 20-point win over Squaliucm. They also had one-point losses to Meridian and Anacortes, and a buzzer-beating 3-pointer happened in a loss to Mount Vernon.

There was plenty of strong play from some outstanding seniors this year. The Lyncs Logan Dykstra, and the Lions Liam Hanenburg were two. Hopefully, you also got to see Mount Vernon 6-5 wing, Liam Johnston. A great outside shooter and was the one who nailed the winner at the buzzer to beat Mount Baker.

Braedan Hart was also a shooting specialist for the Mountaineers, racking up several big games. Cody Coppenger was an all-around threat for the Nooksack Valley Pioneers. And last, but not least, Blaine’s 6-3 senior, Josh Russ, should put a patent on that step-back 3-pointer.

But there will be more to come in the 2021-22 season. Some of this year’s top juniors include 5-10 Zach Watson, of Burlngton-Edison, who is a clutch shooter in his own right. Get a hand up if you see Ferndale’s Mark Schlicting catch the ball on the wing. Jordan Medcalf can do everything between the 3-point line and the rim. And Andrew Hommes may be the toughest player in the league to guard next year. He may have been this year.

Two more individuals need some recognition.

Ferndale’s 6-2 junior starting guard, Jazen Guillory, missed the season due to a football injury. While on crutches during the basketball season, Guillory never missed an opportunity to be involved and encourage his teammates. He was always a part of their starting lineup introductions, and always met his team when they came to the bench. Excellent work, Jazen!

Before the last bit of recognition, we need a special round of applause for all the referee’s who worked night after night to make this season work. Many worked almost every night of the week and did both boys and girls games. Thank you, REFEREES!

Speaking of referees, I would like to give the a special, “Golden Shoelaces” award to Kelly Heutink. Heutink has been a referee for many years in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. He was also part of the 1974 Nooksack Valley Pioneers championship team.

On the last night of the year, Heutink was part of the crew who worked the Lynden-Blaine game. The game’s outcome had been decided, and with 1:11 to play, the Lions and Borderites had all their seniors on the floor. There was also a long lineup of players waiting to get in the game at the next dead ball.

Heutink noticed this and did something that I have seen done by officials before, but I would like more people to know about it. As the ball was being walked out of back court, Heutink blew his whistle, and bent down to tie his show, which I am sure, did not need it. With the dead ball, the subs were motioned in, and that’s when the most touching moment of this season happened.

As the seniors for both teams came off the floor, the Borderite and Lion fans gave those players one of the longest ovations I can remember happening at a high school basketball game. It went on well after they had all come off the floor, and for a while after that.

If you made a list of the plusses and minuses that happened this year, the ladder would beat the former by a mile. That moment at Blaine was a plus, and the fact that the teams got a season in at all, would be another.

I saw 79 games in person in the 2019-20 season. I saw 16 this year. My thanks to the NWC athletic directors for allowing that.

To the seniors: Thank you! Your efforts will not be forgotten.

To the underclassmen: Enjoy the short off-season!

~ Ted House

It’s the final week, or “finals week.” As of this writing, 12 of the current 15 teams in the Northwest Conference will have “grad students” on their respective basketball floors this week. Two of the remaining three will have graduation ceremonies during the week.

Also, just in case they throw a last-minute state tournament together in Yakima, there is ZERO chance of snow on Snoqualmie Pass. I’d like to see January, or even February or March do that!

It’s the final week, or “finals week.” As of this writing, 12 of the current 15 teams in the Northwest Conference will have “grad students” on their respective basketball floors this week. Two of the remaining three will have graduation ceremonies during the week.

Also, just in case they throw a last-minute state tournament together in Yakima, there is ZERO chance of snow on Snoqualmie Pass. I’d like to see January, or even February or March do that!

Last week had a great start, as far as exciting games go. Of the two that I saw on Monday and Tuesday, one went down to the final seconds, and the other involved the buzzer.

Monday’s Kings-Lynden game was the best 32 consecutive minutes I’ve seen this season. Solid offensive displays, and spectacular defensive efforts. The Knights came away with a 61-54 win, in a game that was decided in the final minute.

The Knights the defending 1A boys champions, came in with an 8-1 record, which included a 12 point loss to Seattle Academy. The Knights averaged 65 points per game, as they took the floor against the Lions’ defense that gives up less than 40.

Tyler Linhardt, the Knights junior, 6-7 swingman, and state MVP scored six quick points on moves to the hoop against smaller Lion defenders. But really good teams are not about just one player. Defensive adjustments helped on Linhardt but opened up another area.

Knights senior, Will Pohland, got open for two 3-pointers in the first quarter, and three more in the second, for his 15 first half points.

Meanwhile, the Lions kept pace, trailing by three at the quarter, and led 29-28 at halftime with junior, Jordan Medcalf, scoring 11 of his team-high 19 points in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, Linhardt went to work again, scoring eight points. The only other scorer for the Knights over those eight minutes, was junior, Jordan Hanson, who nailed two 3-pointers. The teams were tied at 42-42 after three quarters.

Hanson then scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter and that was the Knights lead with 6:57 left.

The margin stayed between four and seven until a pair of free-throws by Medcalf got the Lions to within three points with 1:41 left. After a Linhardt free-throw, Medcalf scored again on a lay-in with 1:10 to play, and the Knights leading 56-54.

The Lions could not score in the final minute, and when the Lions went to a trapping defense, the Knights found junior, Lucas Prendergast, alone for a lay-in and a four-point lead. A few more Knights free-throws in the final seconds produced the final seven-point margin.

The 61 points by Kings was the most given up by the Lions this season, and they were only the second team to reach 50 or more. The very next night, the Lions hosted Mt. Vernon, and held the Bulldogs to only five points in the first half.

The Lions, who are now tied with Lynden Christian with 9-0 league records, have held four of their last five opponents to 38 points or less. That includes holding Anacortes to season low of 30 points in a 73-30 win on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Burlington-Edison beat Blaine 62-60, and featured a real one-of-a-kind ending.

Borderite senior, Josh Russ, got his team going early by hitting a quick 3-pointer and scoring nine points in the first quarter, as Blaine took a 13-10 lead.

Tigers junior guard, Connor Anderson, hit two 3-pointers in the opening minutes. Then found his way through the seams of the Borderites zone defense, scoring eight points in the key in the second quarter. His scoring helped the Tigers go on a 9-0 run to start the second quarter, and the teams were tied 28-28 at halftime.

In the fourth quarter, Tigers junior guard, Zach Watson, hit a 3-pointer from the right wing to tie the score at 52-52 with 3:57 left. The shot was set up by Tigers senior, Hector Ruiz, who had the weak side boxed out and rebounded a missed shot by Anderson. From the middle of the key, Ruiz found Watson open on the wing for the tying shot.

Senior Isaac Donovan broke a 54-54 tie with a nifty left-handed jump hook with 1:50 left. Russ then hit a step-back 3-pointer from the top to give the Borderites a 57-56 lead with 1:35 to play.

In the final minute, and the score tied, and against the Tigers man-to-man defense, Russ dribbled twenty seconds off the clock and then buried another 3-pointer to give the Borderites a 60-56 lead with 38 seconds left.

Watson then answered with a long 3-pointer to pull the Tigers to within a single point, 13 seconds later.

At that point, neither team had reached the limit of team fouls in the half (remember that point). So, the Tigers had to commit three quick ones in a span of three clock seconds. The third, put Russ on the line with 16 seconds left, and his team leading 60-59.

Russ missed the free-throw, and in the scramble, the Tigers were whistled for an offensive foul, which gave the Borderites the ball back with 12 seconds left.

The inbounds pass by the Borderites was knocked loose, and the Tigers dove on it and called timeout with 10 seconds left.

And that’s not the crazy part.

Remember the low amount of team fouls? Well, the Borderites had only two in the half, so they went to work playing “Hack-a-Shaq” on the Tigers. Each time the Tigers inbounded the ball, they would commit a foul on the dribbler, so the Tigers would have trouble getting anything going toward the basket.

The Borderite fouls came with 6.5, 5.2, 3.8, and 2.6 seconds left on the clock. Those four fouls put them at the limit of six, and the Tigers were inbounding at the left sideline, just inside half-court.

Watson tossed the inbounds pass to Anderson, who was coming off of a screen, moving toward the ball along the left sideline. As Anderson caught the pass, he was quickly trapped by Borderite defenders. However, there were probably too many defenders around Anderson at the time, as he was stopped by a triple-team, about 28 feet from the basket. But, aware of his surroundings, Anderson was able to split the defense, and slip a pass to Donovan, who had moved to the open area, near Anderson, on the left wing. Donovan calmly made a pivot and stroked the game winner. Just like you do it in your driveway, growing up. Buzzer goes off when the ball is at its apex, and nothing but net.

The Borderites lost to Mt. Vernon, 75-63, in their next game, and are now 6-4. The Tigers improved to 5-5 with the win.

On Wednesday, Squalicum hosted Oak Harbor, and got a 57-41 win. Juniors, Reed Richardson and Kai Posey, got the Storm off and running. Posey scored seven of his ten points in the first quarter. Richardson scored in every quarter and led the Storm with 19 for the game.

This was my first live look at the Wildcats, and even though they now have a 1-9 NWC record, and 2-9 overall, I see good things with them.

The Wildcats had won only ten games total over the previous three seasons in the Wesco Conference. Former Anacortes assistant, Nate Sullivan, is in his second year with the Wildcats, and building a new culture. You can bet that there will be at least a little bit of the Seahawks style of play mixed in with the Wildcats, as they grow.

The Wildcats list only one senior on their roster. Look for names like Brock Boyer, Will Rankin, Gage Mcleod, and Kaito White, to become more familiar in the NWC next season.

The Storm is playing its best basketball of the season. They have won five straight games, after an 0-5 start.

On Saturday, via video, I watched as Seattle Academy raced passed Lynden Christian, 80-62. That 62 was the lowest point total for the Lyncs this season. But the Cardinals win was more about their offense than their defense. The Cardinals only loss this season, was on a 40-foot shot at the buzzer, to Kings. They had beaten Kings by a dozen earlier in the season.

The teams played an even early on, with the Lyncs trailing 19-18 after one quarter.

In the second quarter, however, the Cardinals offense really got rolling. They raced the ball down the floor, scoring in transition several times, even after made LC baskets. Senior guard, Leo DeBruhl hit three 3-pointers in the second quarter, where he scored 13 of his game-high 25 points.

LC junior, Andrew Hommes, scored 12 of his 18 in the first half for the Lyncs, while senior, Logan Dykstra, scored 14 of his 20 in the second half.

The Lyncs fell behind by 12 at halftime. The Cardinals opened the second half on an 11-2 run, for a 52-31 lead.

A Dykstra 3-pointer brought the Lyncs back to within 13 points, with 3:47 left in the game, but the gas tank was on empty by then.

There will be one big final exam this week, as the Lyncs will visit the Lions on Wednesday, in the battle of NWC undefeated. The Lions will start the week by hosting Ferndale on Monday. The Golden Eagles are 7-3. The Lyncs will host that red-hot Storm team on Monday.

Nearly all the current seniors will be grad students at some point this week. Don’t flip those tassels too soon!

~ Ted House

Much of basketball is about rebounding. Coaches frequently talk about its importance. Being effective at team rebounding means extra possessions on offense, which could mean a better chance for that big win.

Off the subject for a moment, there is something else that is noticeable in Juneuary basketball that you do not see in January basketball. The answer will be at the end. See if you can think what it is along the way.

Much of basketball is about rebounding. Coaches frequently talk about its importance. Being effective at team rebounding means extra possessions on offense, which could mean a better chance for that big win.

Off the subject for a moment, there is something else that is noticeable in Juneuary basketball that you do not see in January basketball. The answer will be at the end. See if you can think what it is along the way.

In getting back to rebounding, there is another type of rebounding in basketball, and other sports, and even in life in general. How you rebound after a setback or a loss, also defines teams, as well as people.

On Saturday of last week, Bellingham notched its first win of the season by beating Sedro-Woolley. The Cubs rebounded and got their first win in their next game with a victory over Oak Harbor. The Wildcats rebounded from that and got their first ever Northwest Conference win by beating Bellingham.

Anacortes rebounded from a 13-point loss to Mt. Vernon with a 17-point win over Sehome. Sehome rebounded on Saturday with a win over Bellingham.

Lynden rebounded from a 41-40 loss to Port Angeles, to defeat Squalicum, in overtime, the next day. They continued that with a 36-point win over Meridian and a 25-point win over Burlington-Edison.

Earlier in the week, the Tigers rebounded from a loss to Sehome by giving Ferndale its first loss of the season. Mt. Vernon did exactly the same thing, losing to Sehome, and then winning at Ferndale.

After four straight wins, Blaine lost at the buzzer at Squalicum, and then bested Meridian on Wednesday, Lummi Nation on Thursday, and Mt. Baker on Friday.

Squalicum’s overtime loss at Lynden led to that win over Blaine, followed by W’s over Nooksack Valley and Sedro-Woolley.

In the Squalicum-Blaine game, the Storm held a ten-point lead at halftime. The Borderites closed to within one at the end of the third and held a 60-57 lead in the final minute.

With ten seconds left, Storm junior, Kai Posey nailed a 3-pointer from the right corner to tie the score. Following that, the Borderites turned the ball over at mid court with four seconds left.

Storm junior and leading scorer, Reed Richardson, took the inbound pass near the center line, on the move to his left. He saw an open lane and stormed hard to the rim and a left-handed lay in at the buzzer for the win.

All of that happened between the last two Saturdays.

One team that has kept its rebounding strictly to the basketball floor so far, is Lynden Christian. The Lyncs are now 8-0 after wins this week over Bellingham, Oak Harbor, and Ferndale. The Lyncs are averaging 84.5 points per game, and a 36-point differential. This week, they averaged 89 points per game. Five of their eight wins have been by more than 40 points. Their closest games were an eight-point win at Mt. Vernon, and by 22 at Burlington.

In LC’s 2020 post-season run to a second-in-state finish, a notable improvement in the Lyncs at that time was the play of Lyncs big-guys, Logan Dykstra and Andrew Hommes. This season, with Dykstra a senior and Hommes a junior, they are certainly one of the toughest duos in the state to deal with. Both have the ability to score from inside or outside. Many of LC’s fast breaks begin with their effective outlet passes. Defensively, they make it difficult for opponents to get to the rim or get second shot opportunities.

Against Ferndale on Saturday, an 88-47 win, their scoring nearly mirrored each other. Both hit 3-pointers in the first three minutes in opening on a 10-4 run. Two minutes later, the Lyncs led 16-4, and then 23-10 at the quarter, as six Lyncs had scored.

Dykstra and Hommes each scored seven in the first quarter and 13 in the first half. Hommes finished with 20, while Dykstra had 19.

The Lyncs defense held down the Golden Eagles top two weapons. Solid defense on top by Cole Moorlag, Shale Whittern, and Tyler Sipma, made it difficult for Isaiah Carlson to drive the middle, where is has been very effective this season.

Meanwhile, Whittern and Crew Bosman clamped down on Ferndale’s 3-point specialist, Mark Schlicting, holding him to just a single 2-pointer in the second quarter.

Junior, Luke Wells, was a bright spot for the Golden Eagles, scoring a team-high 15 points. He hit eight of those in the second quarter. Wells hit their first 3-pointer of the game, early in the third quarter. Conner Walcker hit the only other 3-pointer for Ferndale and scored 11 points off the bench.

There was no let down for the Lyncs in the second half as their 16-point halftime lead grew to 24 by the end of the third and reached 40 in the final minutes.

After four games this week, and three straight losses, the Golden Eagles will try to rebound against Sehome on Thursday.

LC goes to Sehome on Tuesday, and then travels to play Seattle Academy who owns a 9-0 record which includes a 12-point win over Kings. The Lyncs were supposed to play Anacortes on Wednesday of last week, but the game was cancelled, and has not yet been rescheduled.

On Wednesday, Sehome rebounded from a tough first half to defeat Mt. Vernon, 57-53. The Bulldogs held leads of 10-2 and 21-9 in the first quarter. After the Mariners closed to 25-23 in the middle of the second, the Bulldogs scored 12 straight, and led 37-25 at halftime.

The Mariners scored four quick points to start the second half, prompting a Bulldog timeout. Mariner senior, Elliott Tanovan, scored on a lay-in for two of his ten second half points, to further close in on the Bulldogs. Micah Daheim then hit a 3-pointer to finish a 9-0 run. A Tanovan 3-pointer with 2:47 left in the third tied the game a 40-40. Liam Johnston’s 3-point play in the final minute, gave the Bulldogs a three-point lead at the end of the quarter.

With the score tight throughout the fourth quarter, two free-throws by senior, Jake Ortega, gave the Mariners a 54-52 lead with 1:17 left. Down by the same score, the Bulldogs missed tying the game by inches with 22 seconds left, as a well-designed inbounds lob pass to Johnston rolled off the rim. Sophomore Matthew Storms hit three of four free throws in the final seconds to secure the win for the Mariners.

Storms and Gavin Ortega scored 13 points each for the Mariners, and Tanovan and Jake Ortega added ten points each. Liam Johnston scored 28 for the Bulldogs but he was their only player in double-figures.

On Friday, Lynden traveled to Burlington to take on a Tigers team that was fresh off a win at Ferndale. The score was tied at 13-13 after eight minutes before the Lions defense began to assert itself. Some tipped passes by the quick hands of Koby Whitman and Jordan Medcalf led to easier offensive opportunities for the Lions.

Lion junior, Dawson Adams, hit a 3-pointer in transition after a steal to give the Lions a 31-20 lead with 1:17 left in the half.

The lead was seven points at halftime and went to 20 by the end of the third quarter. The quick hands and feet of Whitman led to steals, and at the other end, Whitman drove hard on the baseline for a couple scores, including a 3-point play.

Liam Hanenburg mopped up around the rim for 17 points. Clay Kochuten added 13. The Lions (7-0 / 7-1), host 1A power, and defending champion Kings, on Monday. The Lions lead the NWC in defensive points per game at 38.8.

The Knights are 8-1, with the loss being to undefeated Seattle Academy. They still have state tournament MVP Tyler Linhardt, along with a returning supporting cast that includes Shane McGaughey-Fick, Jordan Hansen, and Will Pohland.

In looking at 1A and 2A teams around the state, I have picked out a few that would be given consideration as Top 10 teams. Here is what I found:

As said earlier, Seattle Academy and Kings are leading the newly formed Emerald Sound League. In the Trico, Kings Way Christian is 10-0. In the SCAC, Zillah is 11-1, with a loss to 2A Prosser. Toppenish is 9-2, with two losses to Zillah.

Cashmere leads the Caribou Trail at 6-0. Freeman is 8-0 in the Northeast 1A.

In the 2A SPSL, Franklin Pierce defeated White River last night to take over first place. The teams were undefeated in conference play prior to the game, and each had only one loss on the season.

In the Olympic League, Port Angeles avenged an early season loss to defending 2A champion, North Kitsap, with a ten-point win at home. That puts PA one game up on NK with one game left.

RA Long went undefeated in the Greater St. Helens 2A League, which included two wins over archrival Mark Morris. I would love to see that rivalry, some day! The Lumberjacks finished the season with a 10-1 record, while the Monarchs went 11-3.

In the Evergreen 2A, WF West is in the lead (9-1 / 9-3), with Tumwater owning a 10-3 record.

In the CWAC, it’s all Selah at 11-0. Viking senior forward, and CWU commit, Noah Pepper, became the team’s all-time rebound leader, gaining his 1000^th rebound in this shortened season. You will remember his older brother, Elijah, who graduated in 2019 as the team’s all-time leading scorer.

In the Greater Spokane League, Shadle Park, Clarkston, and Pullman share the top of the league.

And finally, the answer you have been waiting for, to the question, “What does Juneuary basketball have that January basketball doesn’t?”

Tan lines.

Oh, and by the way…much better job at the free-throw line this week gentlemen. Much better!

~ Ted House

I mentioned last week that it was impressive to watch teams play as hard as they are with no end result to the 2021 season. The sense of urgency has been on display on every basketball floor. That deserves a “Job Well Done” to all players and coaches from the C-Teams, on up.

Offenses are in gear now. Defenses can be stingy. Three-pointers are flowing. But there is one part of their game that, maybe, has not come on strong yet. And, for good reason. That would be free-throw shooting!

I mentioned last week that it was impressive to watch teams play as hard as they are with no end result to the 2021 season. The sense of urgency has been on display on every basketball floor. That deserves a “Job Well Done” to all players and coaches from the C-Teams, on up.

Offenses are in gear now. Defenses can be stingy. Three-pointers are flowing. But there is one part of their game that, maybe, has not come on strong yet. And, for good reason. That would be free-throw shooting!

First, I must say that I think this week’s free-throw shooters were improved from last week. And I must also add that this feeling comes from only the games I have attended (7), and what I have picked up, and scored, on video.

In tallying up that free-throw percentage, it comes to 60.5%, which actually fooled me. I thought it would be lower than that. A percentage in the upper 60’s is pretty good for a high school team. An individual who shoots 80% will shoot technical free throws for me all the time.

So, to all of the free-throw shooters out there, here is some advice from the sixth best in the state of Washington, in the 1973 Elks Lodge Hoop Shoot:

• Take the ball before you step to the line.

• Fingertips only. No palm.

• Settle in with a good bend at the knees.

• It starts with the feet. Push up using the legs.

• Finish high with the shooting hand and reach into the cookie jar.

• Hold that pose until the ball hits the net.

• Finish on your toes, leaning forward.

• Most of all, practice, practice, practice!

Free-throw shooting is contagious. If the first one to shoot goes 0-for-2, it doesn’t guarantee a bad night for the team, but a 2-for-2 start can make things easier for all.

The best example of good free-throw shooting I saw this week came on Saturday. It was a matinee game as Ferndale hosted Meridian.

Trojans’ junior, Daniel Short, who’s minutes have been mostly with the junior varsity this season, got the varsity start against the Golden Eagles. He did not score in the first half, but was the key in their third-quarter comeback.

Short was fouled on a 3-point shot, early in the quarter. He sank all three free-throws, which is a difficult feat, even if you do shoot 80% from the line. Seconds later he hit a 3-pointer, made two more free-throws, and another three. He scored 11 points in less than four minutes, and finished with 16 points, all in the second half, leading the team. Yup, those FT’s add up!

The Trojans lost to Ferndale 75-61. They had trouble dissecting the Golden Eagles defense in the first few minutes, committing five live-ball turnovers in the first three minutes. Ferndale was not able to convert on each of the possessions, but it helped them to a 20-13 lead.

The Golden Eagles led by 16 at the half. Meridian played much better in the third quarter, outscoring Ferndale 23-14. The Trojans could get no closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Ferndale junior, Mark Schlicting, continued his deadly 3-point shooting, hitting seven in the game, for 25 points. Three more Golden Eagles hit double-figures, as the ball moved quickly in their offense, always able to find the open man. Junior Jesse Sapp had 17. Senior Andrew Monks added 12, and junior, Luke Wells had 11. The Golden Eagles are now 5-0 on the season. Ferndale played the game without Jazen Guillory (missing the season due to injury), and Isaiah Carlson.

Two teams are moving up quickly in the standings. Blaine has won four straight games after their season opening loss to Lynden Christian. And Mount Baker is now 3-4 on the season, even though they endured two losses this week on the final possession.

On Tuesday, the Mountaineers suffered a buzzer-beater by Mount Vernon’s Liam Johnston, in a 65-62 loss. Baker held leads in the fourth quarter, even inside the final minutes.

Braden Hart scored a 3-point play with 2:01 left to give the Mountaineers a 59-55 lead. Twelve seconds after that, Johnston walked the dribble toward the top of the key and nailed a three-pointer to cut the lead to one.

The Bulldogs took a three-point lead in the final minute on a score inside by Chase Calvin, and a lay in by Suriel Ruizgaytan.

Hunt missed a long 3-pointer, but the ball went out of bounds with possession back to Baker. Garret Smith then tied the game at 62-62 when he hit a closely guarded, 3-pointer from the right wing with nine seconds left.

The Bulldogs continued play without calling a timeout. Notah Edwards took the ball on the run in back court, and as the Mounties back-pedaled on defense, Edwards found Johnston on the left wing. He squared up and swished a 27-footer at the buzzer, for the win.

Two days later, it was heartbreak again for the Mounties, with a one-point loss at home to Anacortes. The Seahawks are still perfect on the season at 5-0.

The Mountaineers rebounded with a 69-61 win on Saturday over previously undefeated, Sehome. Trailing by a bucket with eight minutes to go, Baker pulled away in the final minutes and secured the win with? Yes…free throw shooting!

Mount Vernon and Burlington-Edison continued their yearly “Battle of the Bridge” on Thursday, in the Tigers’ gym. The Tigers led the whole game and earned a 65-51 win.

The Tigers got a quick spark from 5-8 junior, Connor Anderson. He came off the bench early in the game and contributed six momentum-grabbing points. He ended the quarter by hitting a 28-footer at the buzzer, as he scooped up the ball after a loose ball scramble. Anderson finished with 16 points, tying him with Tiger senior, Taylor Sheldon, for game high scoring honors.

The “Battle of the Bridge” normally includes competitions between the student bodies, but that had to be deferred this year. Even so, both schools had large and very supportive student sections.

While Lynden continues to play top-notch defense, giving up on 40 points per game, they have suddenly had trouble scoring in their last two games.

On Friday, they ventured to Port Angeles, where they took on the Roughriders. PA is now 8-2 on the season, as they nipped the Lions 41-40 on a last second shot. The Lions had the ball and a one-point lead with twelve seconds to go, but turned the ball over, setting up the Roughriders for the win. Port Angeles has a four-point loss to defending 2A champion, North Kitsap on their record. The two teams will play again on their last day of the season.

Lion junior, Jordan Medcalf, scored 22 points against the Roughriders, as was the only Lion with more than six. He scored 11 of the Lions 13 fourth quarter points.

On Saturday, the Lions returned home and faced an improving Squalicum Storm team. At halftime, the score was tied at 21-21. The day before, the Lions led Port Angeles 21-20 at the half. (I like to play “fun with numbers” at times).

Early in the fourth quarter, the Lions had opened up a 38-29 lead, thanks to the defensive work of Lion senior, Kobe Whitman. Whitman would easily be “NWC All-Defense” if there was such a thing. His steal and layup have the Lions that nine-point lead.

However, the Storm scored two buckets, and the run continued as 6-8 senior, Leland Zender, stepped out and hit back-to-back 3-pointers for the Storm, as they closed the gap to 40-39 with three minutes left.

Then, Storm junior, Kai Posey, scored on a lay-in to tie the game at 41-41, with 1:49 to play.

Both teams had chances after that, but the game went into overtime with the same score.

Jordan Medcalf scored two quick hoops for the Lions, slicing his way through the key, and getting to the rim. Liam Hanenburg, the Lions 6-11 senior, scored on a put-back to keep the Lions lead at four points with a minute left on overtime.

In the final seconds, the teams exchanged free throws. Whitman made one-of-two with five seconds left to give the Lions a three-point lead. The Storm could not get closer than a half court attempt at the buzzer.

Squalicum’s 0-5 start is not indicative of their abilities. Zender’s twelve points led the Storm, with senior, Mason Binning adding eleven, and junior Reed Richardson with ten.

Hanenburg had 14 for the Lions, and Whitman scored ten of his eleven in the second half.

This week, unbeatens tangle as Lynden Christian goes to Anacortes on Wednesday. Then, the Lyncs go to Ferndale on Saturday. LC had two wins this week over Mount Vernon and Burlington.

Blaine puts their four-game winning streak on the line at Squalicum on Memorial Day. There is a full line-up of games on Monday.

Remember, games are often won and lost at the free-throw line. It all starts in the toes.

~ Ted House

Sixth in State ‘73

Have you ever gone to a game and been busy talking, or paying attention to something else, then look up and say, “Hey, I missed the jump ball!” Well, now, at least for this season, you may have to say, “Hey, I missed the sideline-inbounds!”

Have you ever gone to a game and been busy talking, or paying attention to something else, then look up and say, “Hey, I missed the jump ball!” Well, now, at least for this season, you may have to say, “Hey, I missed the sideline-inbounds!”

For this season, at least, the jump ball that traditionally starts a basketball has been eliminated for Covid-19 restrictions. The same is true in many other states. It was the only time a “jump ball” was administered during a game. The current rule is that the visiting team will now begin the game by inbounding the ball on the sideline at mid-court. If a game goes to overtime, a coin-flip will determine who has the ball first.

I have to wonder if this may be the end of the jump ball at the start of games in the future. Since it’s the only one left, it doesn’t really impact the game. The only real advantage one team had was if there was a clear size difference where they had a high percentage of controlling the tip. Some, with this advantage, would design plays to get a quick score off the tip. I wonder if some really creative coach out there could design a play to score off the opening inbounds, or defend it so as to create a quick turnover?

That aside, I saw some really good basketball played this week. Some teams were rustier than others, but every team plays as hard as ever. You really would not know the difference between this season or any other, in that regard.

However, with a basketball season beginning in May, there are some things that I determined were “unusual.” On my first walk from the car to the gym on opening night, it was still daylight. And after four quarters, and a walk back to the car, same thing. It was also much warmer than a January game, and when I got home, the Mariner game was on.

Again, everything inside the gyms was as normal as it could be. The crowds are down a bit, obviously, but every team now seems to have a video stream. And, those operating cameras, where applicable, did a better job, throughout the week. Just keep those scoreboards in sight as much as possible!

Hopefully, if you are not able to get to a gym, you are taking advantage of these video streams. The NFHS Network hosts several NWC teams, boys and girls. There is also JustAGameLive.com for others, as well as YouTube channels.

The one thing I learned back in the 1990s, and still holds true today, is that there is a big difference between seeing teams live versus video. Back in the day, at the tail end of my assistant coaching, I scouted teams via video. I could get all the particulars I needed that way, but I would often underestimate teams when it came to things like speed, strength, and intensity, that cannot be scored on video. Those are still important characteristics of teams. That said, I got to three gyms this week, and saw several others from my living room.

The first game I saw live was Blaine at Lynden Christian. The Lyncs, under first year head coach, Tim Zylstra, looked to be in state tournament playing form. They took a surprising 96-43 victory over the now 1A, Borderites. That was the best that I saw any team play this week, as the Lyncs went 3-0 and averaged 89 points per game.

The Lyncs have quality talent in the starting lineup, but it appears to be their bench depth that will set them apart. Seven different players hit three-pointers for the Lyncs. Senior Logan Dykstra (13 points) is a solid presence inside. Meanwhile 6-5 junior, Andrew Hommes, is a threat from long range, but is more than a handful when he decides to head for the rim. He scored ten first quarter points, and 19 for the game against the Borderites.

The Lyncs got a spark in the first half from junior, Crew Bosman, who came off the bench to score 11 of his 16 points in the first half. He always seemed to be around when positive plays were made. They also got a jolt from sophomore, Griffin Dykstra, who scored 16 of his 19 points in the second half, including four 3’s in the fourth quarter. For a sophomore, he was not shy about taking shots. In fact, he reminded me of two recent Lyncs who burst on the scene as young sharp shooters. You may remember, their last names both began with “De.”

The Borderites just needed more time. They bounced back with wins over Nooksack Valley and Sedro-Woolley. Against the Cubs, juniors Scott Baldwin and Cole Thomas, along with sophomore Carson Lehnert, all reached double-figures in scoring.

Meridian came out this week with three games in three days. That’s the same way they ended their 2020 season in Yakima. They went 3-0 against Mount Baker, South Whidbey and La Conner, before a day off and a loss to Mount Vernon. Maybe they shouldn’t take a day off!

The Trojans edged the Mountaineers 79-78, but it was a tale of two halves. The Trojans took a 44-23 halftime lead, using a 14-0 run in the second quarter.

The Mountaineers shot their way back into it in the third quarter, as senior Braedan Hart scored 22 of his 30 points in the second half. That’s when he also hit six of his eight three-pointers. The Trojans held a nine-point lead with eight minutes to play, but the lead was only five, less than a minute later.

The Trojans pushed the lead back to 15 with 2:15 left, but the Mountaineeers would outscore the Trojans 17-3 the rest of the way. While it got tense for the Trojans, Mt. Baker never had the ball with a chance to tie the score. Hart’s last 3-pointer was at the buzzer and left the final at a one-point difference.

Senior Mason Jacoby and junior Aidan Corning scored 15 each for the Mountaineers. The Trojans were led by the 23 points by senior, Trey Naidu. Senior Wes Kurtz scored 18, and sophomore Hunter Jones added 13. Jones showed his court savvy by hiding in the weeds and stealing two of Baker’s outlet passes.

Ferndale had a 3-0 week despite not having top returning scorer, junior, Jazen Gillory. Any scoring the Golden Eagles missed out on against Squalicum on Monday, was made up by junior Mark Schlichting, who nailed seven 3’s, and scored 26 points. Sophomore Isaiah Carlson also scored 20 for Ferndale, in their 64-54 win.

The Storm looked good early, taking a 16-11 lead after eight minutes, but could muster only 12 points over the middle two quarters. Meanwhile, Ferndale scored 28 points in the third quarter, which offset the Storm’s 26-point fourth quarter. Storm junior, Reed Richardson, started his big scoring week with 22 points.

Lynden went 3-0 this week with wins over Nooksack Valley, Sedro-Woolley, and Bellngham. The game against the Red Raiders was the first time the Lions were able to field their entire varsity roster.

The Lions 57-35 win over the Cubs on Wednesday showed the kind of dept they still are able to incorporate. Sophomore Coston Parcher is running the point for the Lions, as junior Kaleo Jandoc recovers this spring from shoulder trouble. The Lions were also missing junior starter, Jordan Medcalf, and junior Dawson Adams.

Seniors Clay Kochuten and Liam Hanenburg each scored 18 points for the Lions, who got off to a slow offensive start. But their defense aloud them to reach a 20-2 lead in the second quarter. The Cubs also scrapped and hustled on defense, but too many times struggled to get a quality shot in their 30 seconds on offense. Senior JJ Cabello (12) and junior, Hayden Birkle (11) reached double-figures for the Cubs, who finished the week 0-3, with losses to Burlington-Edison and Blaine.

In an unforeseen omission, last week’s information did not include the addition of Mount Vernon and Oak Harbor to the Northwest Conference. It must have ended up, mistakenly, on the cutting room floor.

Mount Vernon was a charter member of the NWC in 2006-07. They stayed in the league through the 2011-12 season, before joining the Wesco Conference. In their six seasons in the NWC, they held a 53-25 record in league games, and were coached for four of those years by former Bulldog, Torey Swanson, and for two NWC seasons by former LC boys coach, Vic Wolfis.

Oak Harbor has also moved from the Wesco to the NWC. The Wildcats are coached by Nate Sullivan, who is in his second season. He was formerly an assistant coach at Anacortes, under head coach Brett Senff.

Lakewood will be a team missing from the NWC this season, as they are playing closer to home in the Wesco. We will see the Cougars again in the fall. After their first trip ever to the 2A state tournament last season, and graduating four starters, the Cougars are currently 4-0 in the Wesco.

Back to Mount Vernon, as their first NWC game was at Squalicum on Wednesday. The Bulldogs came away with a 41-31 win and followed that with a 78-44 win over Meridian.

Against the Storm, the Bulldogs trailed at halftime, 22-19. Both teams had trouble scoring in the middle two quarters. The Bulldogs had an 8-2 advantage in the third and held a 27-24 lead.

Senior Liam Johnston led the Bulldogs with 12 points. And 6-5 senior, Chase Calvin added 11 points with a strong low post game. Reed Richardson’s 18 points led the Storm.

Anacortes was 2-0 this week with wins over Oak Harbor and Squalicum. The Seahawks still apply their “hair on fire” pressure at both ends of the floor. Against the Storm, they got beat a few times early in the game for easy baskets. But over time, they really made their back court pressure, whether the ball was dead or alive, pay off.

The Storm scored the games first seven points as the Seahawks were late in taking the lid off the rim but came back to take an 18-16 lead after one quarter. The Storm fought back to take a 37-33 halftime lead, as Reed Richardson scored nine of his game high 24 points in the period.

A 24-5 third quarter put the game away for the Seahawks, as the Storm could not get the deficit under ten points after that.

In that game, both teams were in the double bonus in each half, by the middle of the second and fourth quarters, respectively. However, I came to realize that in a fast paced, up and down game, that number of fouls is much less noticeable than they would be in a slow, half-court game. Just an observation.

Sehome will also be a team to be reckoned with as they went undefeated this week with wins over Bellngham and Oak Harbor. Mt. Baker absorbed a loss to Lynden Christian, then came back with a great win on Friday over Burlington-Edison to go 2-2 on the season. The Tigers dropped to 1-1 after a win over Sedro-Woolley on Monday. Squalicum, Bellingham, Oak Harbor, Sedro-Woolley, and Nooksack Valley have yet to crack the win column.

~ Ted House

Yes, basketball courts are finally in session in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, which encompass the Northwest Conference. Instead of splitting the season at New Year’s, this basketball season will end the school year. It’s a little off, but it’s here.

Yes, basketball courts are finally in session in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, which encompass the Northwest Conference. Instead of splitting the season at New Year’s, this basketball season will end the school year. It’s a little off, but it’s here.

And, with no post-season, we really need to make a big deal out of what we do have. On Monday night, the first full night of action, there is a game that, in a normal season, may be standing room only. Fortunately, I will have the honor of attending.

On Monday, Blaine travels to Lynden Christian. Both teams have plenty of leftovers from the end of the 2019-20 season, and I think are not only the top two 1A teams in the NWC, but probably top 10 in 1A state, real or mythical.

Disclaimer: Before we go any further, this is based on rosters from 14 months ago, so in speaking of any team’s returning players from anywhere around the state, there are many reasons why those rosters may not be what we think they will be.

This game gives me reason for excitement, even though it will tip off on May 17! The Lyncs will have a new head coach, in long time assistant, Tim Zylstra. He would (should) have an experienced group to build around in big guys, Logan Dykstra and Andrew Hommes. Seniors Shale Whittern and Cole Moorlag offer experience and athleticism, along with exciting sophomore, Tyler Sipma.

The Borderites finished 11-11 as a 2A last season, and will match the LC lineup with experienced players such as Kyle Turnberg, Josh Russ, Cole Thomas, Jaxon Kortlever, and Scott Baldwin.

My apologies if any of these are incorrect. See “Disclaimer” above.

Lynden would have been a leading pick to win the 2A state tournament in 2021. They return a big part of their roster from 2020. “Big” would also be fitting in describing returning 6-11 senior center, Liam Hanenburg.

Another early favorite is Ferndale. They have the stuff to challenge for a spot at the top of the NWC, with the one-two punch of junior, Jazen Guillory, and sophomore, Isaiah Carlson, and a young, but experienced roster.

Most of the leagues around the state are using a similar time frame as the NWC for the 2021 basketball season, although several have had a week or two head start. I will try to keep up with the 1A’s and 2A’s as much as I can.

The South Puget Sound 4A League, along with the Pierce County 3A, began their seasons in an “outdoor” venue last week. A large structure at the Puyallup Fairgrounds was dolled up with a new asphalt floor and 3 courts to accommodate Pierce County being in Covid Phase-2, which did not allow indoor sports. It was similar to a tent restaurant, but bigger and with basketball courts instead of tables. It was quite an impressive project that came about in a 14-day period. Now that their county rules have been relaxed, they can go back to hosting games in their gyms beginning this week. You can read about the whole process in the Tacoma News Tribune.

By the way, for those of you scoring at home, since there was no State Tournament in 2021, my streak of 36 straight is still alive and well. Just delayed. The 2022 State Tournaments will be held March 2-5, according to the WIAA website. The 1A and 2A classifications will again be in the Yakima Valley SunDome, which would seem to mean that we will have another year of the same format. Thank you.

If all goes well, and nothing in the last 14 months has, I will have a pile of words out every Sunday. Stay tuned.

~ Ted House

Since the early cancellation of the 2020 school year and its spring sports season, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has been working feverishly to come up with an activity plan for the 2020-21 school year. That plan was released Tuesday, July 21. And while it is great to look at and imagine future scenarios, any part of it can be changed, or eliminated, depending on the path of the Covid-19 virus.

Since the early cancellation of the 2020 school year and its spring sports season, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has been working feverishly to come up with an activity plan for the 2020-21 school year. That plan was released Tuesday, July 21. And while it is great to look at and imagine future scenarios, any part of it can be changed, or eliminated, depending on the path of the Covid-19 virus.

The plan can be viewed as more of an outline. The ability to pull off the upcoming athletic seasons depends on the State’s Health Department’s okay to move forward, and the status of counties as to their particular phase according to the states Safe Start Plan. Counties must be in Phase 3 for teams to participate.

The WIAA plan includes four sports seasons, instead of the usual three. Seasons that begin in January and run through the end of the school year, are tightly packed together, with slight overlaps. Each sport will have a one-week practice period, with games aloud to start at the end of the second week. Football will have a two-week practice period.

Season 1 will begin with practices on September 7. The sports in Season 1 are Cross Country, Slowpitch Softball, Girls Swim & Dive, and Golf and Tennis alternative seasons. Season 1 will run into early November.

Regarding Season 1, here is a quote from the WIAA: “In order for Season 1 to be offered, certain benchmarks will need to be met. This criteria will be determined by the WIAA Executive Board on July 28^th. Should criteria not be met, Season 1 sports will be moved to Season 3.”

Season 2 will consist of the normal winter sports. Basketball, Wrestling, Boys Swim & Dive, Gymnastics, and Cheerleading. These sports would begin on January 4 and run through the first week of March.

There is a gap after Season 1 of seven weeks, through the end of December. This was purposely set in case of a late fall virus or seasonal flu problem. If that is not the case, it may be possible for Season 2 sports to be lengthened slightly.

Season 3 will have the rest of the normal fall sports. Football, Volleyball, Girls Soccer, and 1B/2B Boys Soccer will start during the first week of March and run through May 2.

Season 4 will have the regular spring sports. Baseball, Fastpitch Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Golf, Boys Soccer, and Dance & Drill. The timeline for Season 4 is from the last week of April to the end of June.

Aside from this schedule, many other factors will be addressed. The shortening of the seasons may mean fewer games. In many sports, like basketball, teams have a maximum of 20 games. That may be too many to play in about a 5 ½ week season. It has yet to be determined if teams will be aloud to schedule 20 games, or if the maximum number of games will be reduced.

The Northwest Conference will have 16 schools beginning this year, with the addition of Oak Harbor, and the return of Mt. Vernon. That means 15 league games. This also puts non-league games into question, as there may not be enough time, or officials, to cover everything.

It will be up to the local leagues and districts to create a league schedule, and district tournament that will fill WIAA state allocations, in what could also be a very shortened post-season for all sports.

While there is very little wiggle room for four sports seasons in a school year, it was done to help athletes to not have to choose between two sports that they normally participate in. If there were still three seasons, and football was moved to spring, those who also played baseball or participated in Track & Field or Boys Soccer, would have a choice to make between sports. The same is true for girls who play volleyball or soccer, having to choose between spring sports of tennis for fastpitch, for example.

This is the outline, which as stated, could be changed at any moment. For the time being, while awkward, it removes some of the pressure of wondering and hoping if sports can begin in the fall. It also gives a better possibility of having fans in the stands when things do resume.

Again, more information on fall sports, as they are now, will be given by the WIAA on July 28.

~ Ted House

The All-Northwest Conference Teams for Volleyball, Girls Soccer, Cross Country, Boys Tennis, and Girls Swim & Dive have been posted on their respective sport pages.

The All-NWC Football teams will be published around the end of the state playoffs.

The All-Northwest Conference Teams for Volleyball, Girls Soccer, Cross Country, Boys Tennis, and Girls Swim & Dive have been posted on their respective sport pages.

The All-NWC Football teams will be published around the end of the state playoffs.

This week will mark the end of the regular season for 2A and 3A football teams, while the 1A Merry-Go-Round will finish a week later.

The news of the week in 2A is that Friday’s Lake Division city rivalry between Bellingham and Sehome will not be played. Sehome will be awarded a win by forfeit, as Bellingham will be unable to field a full team.

This week will mark the end of the regular season for 2A and 3A football teams, while the 1A Merry-Go-Round will finish a week later.

The news of the week in 2A is that Friday’s Lake Division city rivalry between Bellingham and Sehome will not be played. Sehome will be awarded a win by forfeit, as Bellingham will be unable to field a full team.

The Lake Division, along with KingCo teams, Liberty and Sammamish, are part of their own RPI system. Sehome will finish with a 3-0 Lake Division record, while Bellingham will finish 0-3.

The top three teams in the Lake/KingCo RPI, will advance to Week 9 playoffs against the fourth, fifth and sixth place teams from the Sky Division.

Sehome currently has the top RPI in their division, however, they could be overtaken by Liberty. The Patriots play in a 3A league, which the RPI accounts for. There is also a District 1/2 agreement that states that if Liberty finishes with a KingCo League record that is above .500, they will earn the top RPI spot. They are currently 2-2 with one game left, at home against Mercer Island.

Sammamish, who also makes their home in the KingCo, is playing their league football games in a lower division of the Metro League. Their games are scored by RPI only. They are not part of the same agreement as Liberty.

RPI standings will not be official until all games have been finalized.

The top three teams in the Sky Division standings will have a bye on Friday, November 1, also known as Week 9. The fourth, fifth and sixth place Sky teams will host the top three from the Lake/KingCo RPI. The winners of those three Week 9 games will advance to Week 10 games against the top three from the Sky Division. There are three allocations to state from District 1/2 this year.

Currently, there is a three-way tie at the top of the Sky Division between Sedro-Woolley, Lakewood and Lynden. If two teams end up tied, that will be broken by head-to-head. If three teams (or more) are tied, the order will be determined by the results of a pre-season draw.

On Friday night, Lynden hosts Blaine, Archbishop Murphy visits Sedro-Woolley, and Lakewood is at Burlington-Edison. If Lynden and Lakewood lose, there would be a four-way tie if Archbishop Murphy beats Sedro Woolley.

If the Cubs and Lions finish tied, the Cubs will be the top seed. Lynden has the head-to-head over Lakewood, and in turn, Lakewood has the tiebreaker over Sedro-Woolley.

The 1A’s have two games left, and a lot can still happen as Lynden Christian and Mt. Baker lead third place Meridian one game.

However, the Lyncs and Mountaineers are finished with each other, and have split their two head-to-head games. If they remain tied for first place, the tie will be broken by a pre-season draw.

The third place team will advance to a play-in game at the fourth place team from the North Sound Conference, on Tuesday, November 5. That winner will play at the North Sound champion, the following Saturday.

Squalicum and Ferndale, playing in the 3A Wesco North, are currently tied for third with 3-2 records, with the Storm holding the head-to-head edge. The Golden Eagles finish the regular season Friday, at home against Stanwood. The Storm will host Oak Harbor on Saturday, at Civic Stadium.

Both teams will then host Week 9 Wesco crossover games against the team that holds the same place in the South Division.

~ Ted House