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Cougars Person of Distinction – Matt Wright

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NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year.  From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Starting this spring, each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Lakewood Athletics

Person of Distinction – Matt Wright

Matt Wright is a huge part of the Lakewood Community and one that brings so much joy not in the moment, but for years to come. His amazing photographs of both athletes and fans create lasting memories to look back on forever.

Matt has been a member of the Lakewood Athletic Community for over a decade, beginning when his oldest son, Gavin joined his first t-ball team. Matt began capturing LHS events in the summer of 2015. Since then, Matt has spent countless hours at LHS events, capturing every moment on and off the field.

When Matt is on the sideline, you never know what you’re going to get – from him or from his camera. Coach O’Hara remembers meeting him for the first time at a wrestling event; Matt was jumping around and being goofy and Coach thought he might have to ask him to stay in the stands. Another Coach, who was familiar with Matt’s work from the Middle School, assured him that he was harmless. Matt overheard this and said to Mr. O’Hara, “Don’t worry, Coach, you’ll get used to me.”

Matt gives so much to the students and families of Lakewood with his gift of photography and yet he never asks for anything in return.

Testimonials:

“Matt is at every Lakewood even, supporting the community with not only his photos, but his fun personality. Matt is one of the most outgoing and caring people and we are honored to have him be a part of the Lakewood family.” 

Rachael Anderson

Girls Varsity Basketball Coach

 

“The man has never met a memorable moment (good or bad) that he couldn’t capture via his photographs.”

Chris Walster

Unified Basketball & Girls Varsity Golf Coach

 

“Matt is a treasure and is deserving of so much credit and recognition.”

Dan Teeter

Head Football Coach

Lyncs Person of Distinction – Kristen Hinton

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NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year.  From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Starting this spring, each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Lynden Christian Athletics

Person of Distinction – Kristen Hinton

Kristen Hinton is originally from Grand Coulee, WA having graduated from Lake Roosevelt HS where she competed in Volleyball, Track, and Cheer. She continued competing in track as a sprinter at Whitworth University where she earned her degree in math. Kristen has been a math teacher at Lynden Christian HS since 2008 and in that time she has helped at volleyball matches as the score book keeper and for track as the person running the timing system. Kristen truly has a heart for doing what is best for students in and out of the classroom. Kristen can be counted on to cheerfully help with behind the scenes work, from classwork to committees to curriculum to athletics, etc. She rarely gets the recognition or credit she deserves which is why we are celebrating her as a Lynden Christian Person of Distinction. We are grateful to Kristen for sharing her time, talents, service, and heart with the students and staff at LCS.

Testimonials

“Kristen Hinton is the epitome of volunteerism.  She has been an integral part of our track program for the past 15 years in her role as computer technician running the electronic camera system at our track meets.  Kristen is consistently dependent, always on time and treats everyone with a big smile.  She comes early, sets up the computers and cameras and puts them away very carefully. When I think of a giving spirit even at the end of an exhausting day teaching math, I think of Kristen.  We are so blessed to have her on our track officials team.”

Harlan Kredit – Track Coach & Meet director

 

“Kristen is the kind of person who loves to help without regard for credit or even a “thank you” being said.  Her volunteer work is always accurate and careful, so student achievement is elevated.  Kristen’s behind-the-scenes work always helps the school shine.”

Craig Johnson – HS Principal

 

“I have worked with Kristen for all of her 15 years at Lynden Christian.  She was my daughter’s favorite math teacher!  I work closely with her at all our home track meets and she quietly does her job with the utmost attention to detail.  She sets the timing system up, making sure all is in order, then runs the timing system during every home track meet (high school and middle school and post season) after teaching math all day.  I do the data entry, I cannot say enough how much I appreciate Kristen.  We could not run our track meets without her!”

Vicki Lindquist – parent & Activities Assistant

Bayhawks Person of Distinction – John Philbeck

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NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year.  From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Starting this spring, each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Bellingham Athletics

Person of Distinction – John Philbeck

John “Papa Phil” Philbeck moved to Sudden Valley with his wife Diana upon retiring in 2021. He reached out to local schools seeking a way to become active in the community. At the same time, BHS was looking for someone to announce home softball and baseball games at their new facilities. A match was made, and John jumped in headfirst to not only announce and run the scoreboard at games, but also to entertain the players, parents and fans with music, trivia (and cookies!).

As a kid growing up in Roanoke, Virginia, John worshipped Mickey Mantle and Roger Marris. His playing development progressed from little league to Babe Ruth, Connie Mac, and every rec league he could find. He played second base and loved being a catcher. At Virginia Commonwealth University, John was a catcher and became the team manager.

John joined the umpire’s association and officiated leagues ranging from Sandy Koufax (youth) to college level for 15 years. In addition, he volunteered with his children’s PTSA and helped coach his daughter’s soccer and fast pitch teams.

Now, when he’s not golfing John can be found organizing and playing ping pong with an informal group of players ranging from teens to seventy somethings.

Testimonials

“John shows unwavering support for our softball program. He creates an environment that athletes and fans alike want to be a part of. He makes each athlete feel special and like an important part of our program. He is the first to point out the positive after a tough loss. Bayhawaks softball wouldn’t be Bayhawks softball without Papa Phil!“

-Kaeli Andersen, Head Softball Coach

 

“John has been there for nearly every home game we’ve had. We always enjoy Papa Phil’s trivia questions he asks in between innings, and we really appreciate all the hard work he puts in for us.“

-Jake Troost, baseball player

 

“We deeply appreciate all that John has brought to our two programs. People from outside communities regularly comment on the warm hospitality that John provides before, during and after the games. John’s efforts enhance the experience for all who attend and participate.  We all benefit from his passion to provide a memorable experience. Bellingham High is special because of people like John!“

-Chad Larsen, AD

 

“Every afternoon when we are hosting baseball and/or fastpitch, I know that Papa Phil is here by the music and general good vibes coming from our speakers. John is always prepared, gets to know our students well, and creates the ideal atmosphere that we all associate with the ballpark. His trivia questions (and the fact that he brings prizes) create just the right atmosphere. And…the players love him!“

-Marty Atkins, Principal

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Lions Person of Distinction – Amanda Schuyleman

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Lions Athletics

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year.  From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Starting this spring, each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Lynden Athletics

Person of Distinction – Amanda Schuyleman

Amanda Schuyleman knows what it’s like to be an impact player. But most fans will never know her name. Fans won’t tell their friends what this impact player did in the last game to help the team win. Amanda has been a student athletic trainer for 4 years now as she prepares for a healthcare career of her own. In that time, she’s taped thousands of ankles, listened to players’ aches and pains, traveled thousands of miles while doing her homework on team buses, made ice bags, carried heavy medical kits and tables, assisted during emergencies, taken AP classes, practiced annual emergency plans with the local EMTs, remembered to have coach’s gum handy for every game and competed in the State and (soon to be) Nationals high school healthcare (HOSA) competitions. Oh yes, and a part of 4 State Championship sports teams as student trainer. Lynden High School Athletics programs are successful because of the many impact players like Amanda Schuyleman, whose names you may never hear.

Testimonials

“Amanda is a consummate professional and has maturity years beyond her age. She has been a key part of our Football Success the past 4 years working tirelessly to take care of over 100 athletes and does so with a smile. Her positive attitude and hard work ethic is infectious and rubs off on the entire program she is working with. Thanks Amanda!”

Blake VanDalen

Head Football Coach 

 

“When I think of Amanda Schuyleman, I think of a young woman who demonstrates dedication, poise and excellence and does so with a heart for serving others. As our student-trainer for the past four years in Boys Basketball at Lynden High School, Amanda brought a consistent effort and a willingness to learn and grow in her field of study. She was always there, always communicating and always looking for ways to help keep our players healthy. What stands out to me is that Amanda did these tasks with a smile and a strong desire to help coaches and athletes. She worked behind the scenes but was such a key part of our success. We will miss her next year perhaps more than we know. The was the best student-trainer I have had in 30 years as a head coach.”

Brian Roper

Head Boys Basketball Coach

Mariner Athletics Person of Distinction – Kim Kirk

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NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year.  From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Starting this spring, each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Sehome Athletics

Person of Distinction – Kim Kirk

Kim Kirk has been part of the Sehome Community since 1994. She started as a volunteer coach for basketball in 1995 while attending WWU.  After graduating from WWU she was hired as a teacher and coach at Sehome. She is a teacher/coach that every AD dreams of having on staff. She will do anything needed to help support kids and their passions.  Kim has been a head coach for both girls basketball and fastpitch. She has also spent many seasons volunteering for both programs.  Kim also announces games for soccer, football and basketball and will support the athletics department whenever help is needed.  Kim has been a leader on the Sehome staff for many years.  She has taught history, leadership, health and interior design.  She has been a Dean of Students and a Tech Advisor for staff.  We are extremely excited to celebrate Kim as Sehome’s Person of Distinction, and thankful for her continued service to the students of this district!

Testimonials

Kim Kirk consistently goes above and beyond to support the Sehome community. Athletics is not exception. Whenever we need some additional support, Kim is there. She has announced many games in many different sports, refereed Unified basketball games, volunteered coached in basketball, softball, and fast pitch.  She will help in any capacity for whatever is needed. Kim loves our students and athletics. I am so thankful for her dedicated work and advocacy!

Sonia Cole

Sehome HS Principal

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 I can’t think of a better person to be recognized in the Sehome community. She has coached basketball, fastpitch softball, kept the scorebook, swept the gym floor, and announced for numerous basketball games throughout her years at Sehome. I have had the pleasure of having her as an assistant coach and friend for 20 years. Not sure where the Sehome Fastpitch program would be without her. Her commitment to not only Sehome Athletics but to Sehome High School is second to none. Very excited to see her being recognized for all her time and effort.

Jim Emerson Sehome High School

Head Slowpitch and Fastpitch Softball Coach

Tiger Athletics Person of Distinction – Susan Slotemaker

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Susan Slotemaker

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year.  From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Starting this spring, each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Burlington-Edison Athletics

Person of Distinction – Susan Slotemaker

Testimonials

With three amazing daughters that all played varsity soccer at B-EHS, Susan Slotemaker has been an important part of the Tiger Soccer program for over a decade.  For a team to have success on the field and for the athletes to perform at their highest level, it takes athletic talent, hard work, and dedicated coaches.  It also requires committed and supportive parents.  No one fits that description better than Susan. 

Over the past 11 years Susan has done everything imaginable to support the team.  This includes organizing fundraisers, volunteering her home for team bonding retreats, creating memorable “themed” team dinners and snacks, procuring a dump truck for the team to ride in during the homecoming parade, providing protective eyewear during the solar eclipse, bringing ice cream at the end of practice on a hot day, just to name a few.   

More important than all the things previously mentioned was Susan’s positive attitude and supportive encouragement of the people around her.  If a coach was hungry after a long day of work and games, she would bring them food.  If another player on the team needed a ride, she was there to give it.  If a student transferred to the school, she was the first to offer friendship to their parents.  These efforts were often unnoticed and uncelebrated (which was fine with her), but they were always appreciated and truly contributed to a “family” atmosphere around the team.      

Ryan Kuttel

Burlington-Edison Head Girls Soccer Coach

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Susan is a rock star.  Susan is always ready to help and assist in any capacity as needed.   When Covid hit, and we were able to start our events back up or getting ready to resume at limited capacity she anticipated the need to help in some way.  She reached out to our athletic department and said, “what can I do to help?”  At the time, we were not charging admission so to pay our event workers was not going to happen.  She volunteered to work the pass gate and monitor entry into all the events whether her daughters were playing or not.   Susan has helped in many other aspects of being a team mom, working as a booster club member, and helping organize team dinners, etc…

Susan was instrumental in helping organize the “50th year anniversary Title IV” event with our girls basketball team, which was a huge success.  She is always at our events throughout every season and always checking to see if any help is needed.  Susan’s last daughter is graduating at the end of the school year.  But, we hope to continue to see Susan at our events.  If not, she will truly be missed. 

Donald Beazizo

Burlington-Edison Athletic Director

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Susan Slotemaker has been a stalwart volunteer for the last 7 years with Burlington Edison girls basketball.  Susan is tireless in her efforts to unite parents and community members to help support the basketball program.  She puts time, effort and excellence into her volunteering efforts.  She addresses needs and challenges that have arisen in our program, and is always willing to step up to lead the charge to provide solutions and make things happen.  

This season Susan was president of our booster club, rallied parents to help with our Title IX celebration, helped us organize our coaches v cancer game, our youth night, and our Appreciate a Referee night, etc.  Susan is a volunteer who we can all constantly count on to get things done, and to find great ways to support B-E teams.

Brett McLeod

Burlington-Edison Head Girls Basketball Coach

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Susan Slotemaker

Seahawk Athletics Person of Distinction – Craig Volkman

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Anacortes Athletics

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year.  From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Starting this spring, each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Anacortes Athletics

Person of Distinction – Craig Volkman

Testimonials

Craig works with our athletic department in the following capacity:  meets and greets opposing team coaches, players, and officials and lets them know of the days agenda; meets and greets our own coaches and players;  meets and greets fans and holds them accountable for acceptable behavior; helps with pre-event set up and post-event breakdown of the facilities; PA Announcer for girls soccer, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys soccer, fastpitch and baseball teams.  He performs all of these duties and probably some I have missed over the past 15 years with the greatest amount of professionalism you can imagine.  Craig bleeds the Seahawk colors of purple, gray and white. The only bias Craig has in his many duties is support for all kids who wear the same.  

Craig is tireless in his support of Seahawk Athletics.  He provides supervision and crowd control at home and away postseason events.  Even if not working in an “official capacity” Craig willingly volunteers and offers his support in whatever is asked of him. Craig’s name vaults to the top of everyone’s list when we need someone who is ALWAYS willing to volunteer on behalf of the community and/or kids.  A true GIFT!!  Items would fall through the cracks if it weren’t someone who were as detail oriented as Craig.

Erik Titus

AHS Athletic Director

 

Craig is a huge part of all the sporting events at Anacortes High School. Craig is the set up, tear down, announcer, score board, score book at most all Anacortes sporting events. I have worked with Craig for the last 15 years in the role that he has with the school. There is no one that has a stronger work ethic and a more positive attitude than Craig possesses.

He always has a warm personality to the players, coaching staff, officials, fans and administrators. Countless times Craig will stop the boys after a practice as he is setting up and tell them “You guys looked great last night.” He has great rapport with everyone that he comes in contact with. With many discussions with Craig on games and players throughout the course of the season he always makes the conversation positive. In my life I live by a motto “hard work will reward you” Hard work definitely has been a big part of Craig’s life.

Brett Senff

AHS Head Boys Basketball Coach

 

Craig has a great sense of pride for kids and Anacortes athletics that is very evident. If you didn’t know better you would assume that Craig was a paid school employee. He is on site before the JV basketball games begin and is often the last person to leave the facility. It seems like more and more people these days don’t want to do anything other than what they are paid to do. Not Craig, he is a volunteer that serves his school and community beyond call.

Dick Freier

Former AHS Head FB Coach

Anacortes HS Graduate and Community Member

Cubs Athletics Person of Distinction – Don Wood

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Sedro-Woolley

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year.  From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Starting this spring, each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Sedro-Woolley Athletics

Person of Distinction – Don Wood

Don Wood is a long-time resident of Sedro-Woolley and alumni (Class of 75) of SWHS.  While attending high school, Don participated in Basketball and Baseball. As soon as he had kids, Don moved back to the district in 1986 and has not left since.  Once his son graduated from SWHS in 2000, Don started helping out with the Basketball team at the high school by taking stats, running the score clock along with other duties. He also became a spotter up in the booth during football seasons while consistently attending home games and traveling to support Cubs Athletics in multiple sports.

For the last 23 years Don has also been high school umpire (working from little league through high school). Don gave back to the community even more by coaching Woolley students in AAU basketball for 8 years. In the last 23 years one thing is certain. Don Wood cares about kids and the community he raised his family in.  We are extremely excited to celebrate Don as Sedro-Woolley’s Person of Distinction, and thankful for his continued service to the students of this district!

Testimonials

“I am very excited to hear Don getting some recognition for his commitment to Sedro-Woolley Athletics!  I have known Don in various roles for over 20 years,: starting as young Baseball coach with his son and culminating with my time as AD.  Don was always there when you needed him – as you know: coach, umpire, field dad, bookkeeper, scoreboard operator, and spotter – you name it, Don was there.  He went as far as to stay home and run the clocks for the Northwest 2B tourneys too (so that our local teams had a home area to play for the playoffs.  Don is very invested in our athletic community, and I can think of a better person to get recognized for it!”

Jerry Gardner

Assistant Fire Chief

 

“I first met Don back when I was a principal and his son was competing for the Cubs.  Then working with him in the booth at Football games is where I really got to know him. Don has given so much to Cubs Athletics over the years and continues to do so. Great community guy, hard worker and has always put back into the community way more than what he has gotten from it.”

Darrell Heisler

Executive Director of Washington School Personnel Association

 

“I nominated Don for this award because I have watched him give many years to our community sports. We have worked together now for 13 years and I am so thankful for him.  He umpired at both my sons’ baseball games when they were in high school. He was in the booth getting them shout outs for all their football games as well. He is a great choice for this recognition! Congratulations Don!!”

Rhonda Morgan

Sedro-Woolley High School Athletics
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Over and Back 2023

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Hoop

Nine 1A and 2A boys and girls teams from the Northwest Conference took a trip to the SunDome in Yakima for their respective state tournaments. While it was difficult losing three on Wednesday’s elimination day, the other six were still playing on Saturday. Half of those six won championships. The other three finished second, second, and third.

This is still the Northwest Conference of Champions.

But before we talk about state, we need to review the Northwest Conference’s regular season.

This was the best, and most exciting boys basketball season in the history of the NWC, which dates back to the 2006-07 season.

The three-headed monster in 2A between Anacortes, Sehome and Lynden was epic. Lynden beat Anacortes; Anacortes beat Sehome; and Sehome beat Lynden. When you add Lynden Christian to the mix, well that’s like a foursome of Nicklaus, Watson, Miller, and Palmer. (Or, for you youngsters, Woods, Spieth, Thomas, and McIlroy).

Their games were physical, emotional, and intense. My only worry was that they might spend too much energy on each other, and not have enough for the rest of the state.

Starting with the 2A classification, no 2A tournament has ever been deeper. I thought there were seven teams in the top eight in the RPI list that could win the championship. If there was one that I didn’t give that chance to, it was #4 Renton. Going into regionals, I didn’t think they had what it took to be in the final mix. Great record. Only one loss, but a low strength of schedule, and a league that did not prepare them for what was next.

Anacortes, Sehome and Lynden were a given. Each had the talent, bench, and brains to win the big one. Mark Morris is a constant top 10 program. No titles since 1987, but they are always a factor. RA Long, right across the I-5 from the Monarchs campus, beat them for their district title, so they were in the mix as well.

Pullman came in undefeated, but they are hard to get a vibe on because they play a lot of teams from Idaho. But they have been a strong state level program for over a decade and were in last year’s championship game. Prosser was the champion of the CWAC and split two games with Lynden and Sehome in December.

I would even give you #13 North Kitsap and #11 Tumwater as “sleepers.” The Vikings have a fantastic junior guard tandem, and Tumwater is physically as tough as they come.

The fact that Sehome lost to Mark Morris, and Anacortes lost to Prosser in the regional round, proves what I said about the depth of the 2A field.

To take it further, around the state, there were 12 state tournaments. There were nine #1 seeds that won championships in 2023. The other champions were a #2, a #4, and a #6.

In the 2A title game, #6 Lynden beat #4 Mark Morris. #1 Pullman took third by beating #7 Prosser. And #11 Tumwater beat #13 North Kitsap for 4th. In the 2A boys tournament, the number in front of your name was worth less than a bag of spilled popcorn on the SunDome floor.

Unfortunately, those regional losses sent the Mariners and the Seahawks to Wednesday games in the SunDome, where there is no room for error. The Seahawks were beaten by #10 Enumclaw, and the Mariners were nipped by North Kitsap. On the girls side, Lynden was eliminated by Othello, while Burlington-Edison finished second for the second straight year, losing in both title games to a very powerful Ellensburg team.

As I said at the top, six of the nine teams from the NWC were still playing on Saturday. Last year was a great year for the league trophy case as the NWC brought home three titles and two second place finishes. This year, there were three more championships, two seconds and a third place. No teams were eliminated after Wednesday’s games.

Lynden’s run to the title was amazing. After losing to Sehome in the district semifinals, the Lions had to win two loser out games to get to regionals. Then they beat Archbishop Murphy by 40 points, and Lakewood by 17 to qualify. Their matchup with #4 Renton in the regional round was probably the best matchup they could get versus anyone in the top eight.

Eighteen became a very popular number for the Lions as they rolled to their 12th state championship. They beat Renton by 18, then shocked North Kitsap by 34, a team they beat at the buzzer in January.

The Lions won their last two games by 18 points as well, defeating Prosser in the state semis, and Mark Morris in the final. In their last six post-season games, the Lions surrendered only 41.2 points per game, and margin of victory of 24.2.

The Lions have won an unprecedented four of the last five 2A championships, giving them six 2A titles in all. They have combined with their own football program to win back-to-back championships in each of the last two school years, and for the sixth time in their history.

They have also won state championships four times in the same season as Lynden Christian.

Speaking of the Lyncs, they also had a one-sided statistical finish to their 26-2 season, and their second straight title.

In the post-season, the Lyncs went 7-0, with the closest game being the 10-point win over Kings in the championship game. They gave up an average of 44.4 points per game in their last seven, and a margin of victory of 24.4. This was the Lyncs third title in the last five years.

Even though Zillah was upset by Blaine in the regional round, the 1A state tournament was still centered around their own three-headed monster. With the Lyncs 2023 championship included, over the last nine years, LC, Zillah and Kings have evenly split those nine titles. They also have combined for five second place finishes in that span.

Blaine’s win did put them in great position. They avoided the Wednesday elimination game and handled Overlake in the quarterfinals. They did run in to Kings in the semis, but the way they responded the next day against Toppenish was amazing.

The Borderites game with Kings was a 9pm tip. It’s always tough to read a team after they lose a semifinal game, on how hard they will come back the next day. Not only that, but their 3rd place game started at 1pm. That’s a quick turnaround, but the Borderites handled it like champions, beating Toppenish 70-60.

In the last five tournaments, including regional games, the Lions have a record on 19-1. The Lyncs are 18-2 over that same time.

In 25 seasons of the 2A classification, teams from the NWC have won the gold ball 12 times and finished second nine times. The last to win a championship other than Lynden was Squalicum’s back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

In the 2022-23 NWC season, six teams reached 18 wins or more, with three winning 20 or more. That betters the 2009-10 season in which five teams won 18-plus, with three reaching 20 or more.

It was another Northwest Conference get-together in Saturday’s finals. In fact, three of the four championship games were rematches of 2022.

The Nooksack Valley and Lynden Christian girls met for the 1A championship, this time it was the Pioneers taking the win in the final minute. The Tiger girls took second to Ellensburg in 2A.

On the boys side, Lynden Christian met Kings in the championship game for the third straight year. In 2022, Lynden played Pullman for the title, this time it was Mark Morris, who beat Pullman by three points the day before.

To the real important stuff, the SunDome could do better with concessions. Huge crowds each day and two concession stands. Problem was, one would open late and close early. There also used to be some fantastic ice cream, walking tacos, and a pizza stand, but no more.

The flavored lemonade stand did save the day for the second straight year.

A couple more numbers: last year, I set a personal record in witnessing 74 games. I blew that away this year, as the Lynden-Mark Morris game was #89. Probably more impressive was the 47 that my wife saw!

How will they top 2023? Wait and see, next year.

~ Ted House

2022-23 All-Northwest Conference Girls Basketball Team

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Girls Basketball

The 2022-23 All-Northwest Conference Girls Basketball Team has been announced, as voted on by league coaches.

The Northwest Conference Player of the Year is Devin Coppinger, from 1A state champion, Nooksack Valley.

The Coach of the Year, is Nooksack Valley’s Shane Wichers. Assistant Coach of the Year is Clare Martin of Bellingham.

For the complete list of first and second teams, please see the attachment below.

2022-23 All-NWC Girls Basketball

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