Boys basketball ready to defend 2015 district win

By Hayley Day • December 7, 2016 11:05 am
Staff photo/ Hayley Day Front row, left to right: Bailey Hay, Jackson Pieples and Lucas Chevalier Middle row, left to right: Andy Stromberg, Chase Wilson, Isaac Mayer, John Gustafson, Eli Cooper West, Joe Stewart Back row, left to right: Jake Lowe, Marshal Clark, Kyle Mapstead, Simon Vincent, Rio Black
Staff photo/ Hayley Day Front row, left to right: Bailey Hay, Jackson Pieples and Lucas Chevalier Middle row, left to right: Andy Stromberg, Chase Wilson, Isaac Mayer, John Gustafson, Eli Cooper West, Joe Stewart Back row, left to right: Jake Lowe, Marshal Clark, Kyle Mapstead, Simon Vincent, Rio Black

After winning the 2B district last year and placing second in the Northwest 2B/1B League tournament, the Wolverines are back with seven new players and a tough schedule in the 2016-2017 season.

Returning starters Eli Cooper-West, 6’2”, and John Gustafson, 6’4”, join seniors Andy Stromberg, Joe Stewart, Jake Lowe and Simon Vincent in their last Wolverine season.

“Most of us have been playing together since middle school,” said Cooper-West. “I definitely am trying to savor every moment of my last year and am looking forward to the season.”

The boys defend their 19-7 overall 2015 record with their team chemistry and workability.

“They have a willingness to learn and grow,” said Varsity Basketball Coach, Rod Turnball, who returns for his 15th season. “We want to win our district and have a good post-season, just like last year.”

There are no freshman on the 12-person team, with six seniors, two juniors and four sophomores. Orcas Island is the team to beat this year. The Wolverines play 12 league games, in two-game series, with one away and one home. They also play eight games against teams from 1B to 2A. They opened the season with Friday Harbor Tip-off Classic games on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3. The next game is at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Sulton, away.