When you think about your team heading into a new season, you can easily come up with scenarios on how they will be improved from last year, no matter how or where they finished.
When I think about this year’s Northwest Conference boys’ teams, I can make an argument about how each team could be better than last year. Though, that’s tougher to do for last year’s top four of Mount Vernon, Lynden, Lynden Christian, and Anacortes, because, well, they were pretty darn good. But, because of the possible improvements with the rest of the pack, objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear.
Those top four all won at least 20 games, and the fourth-place team finished three games ahead of the two that were tied for fifth, Lakewood and Bellingham. Two of those won 24 games, and one took home another state title.
Only six of the 16 NWC teams finished with league records over .500. This year, I would bet the “over.” (For entertainment purposes only).
Mount Vernon (14-1) Last year’s league champs lost the bulk of their offense, but senior guard Michael Johnson can score with the best of them, and senior guard Barron Dorsey hit some big shots for the Bulldogs last year.
Lynden (14-1) The Lions roster flips every year, but they still win state championships. This year’s roster flipped more than usual, but senior forwards Brant Heppner and Jack Stapleton are good pieces to start with.
Lynden Christian (13-2) The Lyncs lost two forklifts from last year’s team, but still produce guys who just know how to play basketball. Senior Gannon Dykstra is an exceptional shooter, and sophomore Dawson Hintz had a good run at the end of last season.
Anacortes (12-3) The Seahawks lost their leading scorer and their long-time head coach, but they will be fine. Aaron Yost takes over the helm and will have senior guard Jake Andrew and junior forward Micah Dickison to build around.
Lakewood (9-6) always has shooters, and they have had one of the top defenders in the league since his freshman year in Evan Stacey, now a senior. Junior forward, Caleb Greenland, the Cougar equivalent of a Swiss Army knife.
Bellingham (9-6) 6-6 senior forward Kincade VanHouten proved himself as a very versatile scorer last year. He will be flanked by junior Joe Harward, a very aggressive player at both ends, who saw significant varsity time last year.
Squalicum (7-8) lost zero seniors from last year’s roster. Their experience begins with senior Marcus Nixon and sophomore Hunter Calloway.
Sehome (7-8) This will be an inexperienced group overall, but guards like junior Nolan Wright and sophomore Quincy Tanovan, will be a good start.
Nooksack Valley (7-8) This could be the year it all comes together for the aging Pioneers. Loaded with size, strength, and experience. Six returning players saw action in the rotation last year.
Sedro-Woolley (6-9) Juniors Ethan DeJong (19 ppg) and Cliff Tadema (14 ppg) will be a handful for opponents, again this year. The Cubs have plenty of experience back from last season and will contend for the 3A post season this year.
Ferndale (6-9) The Golden Eagles will be on the upswing behind athletic senior forward Jonah Brillowsky, and junior Mantaj Singh, who can light it up from the outside.
Burlington-Edison (6-9) The tallest tandem in the NWC, 6-6 junior Logan Heigert (15ppg) and 6-8 senior center, Logan Feskov, will be a handful for opponents.
Meridian (6-9) Senior scorers Talon Jenkins and Jaeger Fyfe return to make the Trojans backcourt one of the strongest in the league.
The Borderites, Mountaineers, and Wildcats finished well back of the rest of the pack last year, but they share similar optimism this season.
Blaine (2-14) The Borderites will reboot under head coach Chas Kok. Senior Abdul Kanagie was very raw last year but has a huge upside. Senior Josiah Weeda battled injuries last year but is a proven scorer.
Mount Baker (1-15) The Mountaineers experience grew last year and despite their record, they showed great improvement, and you could see how they played with a purpose and a plan. Senior guard Luke Smith will lead the way with athletic sophomore forward Kell Reardon showing his inside presence.
Oak Harbor (1-15) Much like Mount Baker, the Wildcats showed improvement throughout the year, and their style allowed them to learn while being competitive. Junior guard Xavier Ochoa is an up-and-coming guard for the Wildcats.
So, will every team be better than last year? Well, probably not. I don’t think anyone will run away with the league, but it’s also probably not likely that all 16 teams finish 8-7 or 7-8. I wonder if league champion tiebreakers will go that deep?
Here’s what I expect: The league champion may have three losses this year. The bottom of the standings will be closer to the pack, and the number of teams in the middle will be like a 30-car pileup.
The 1A district tournament will be a tight squeeze to make the top two. Those two will play those crossovers with District 2 to qualify for state.
The 2A district tourney will be an even tighter squeeze. Again, it’s two teams advancing to state from the nine that start. With this year’s competitiveness, earning one of those two state trips will be like pouring molasses through a funnel.
The four 3A teams will battle for three spots to their 12-team district tournament with the Wesco Conference.
And with that, let the games begin!
~ Ted House
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