Whatcom County boys and girls are ready to tip off the 2019-20 basketball season, and Whatcom Hoops has previews for all our teams. Today: Bellingham
BOYS
Coach: Brad McKay
Last season: 10-14 overall, 6-7 in NWC (tied for seventh)
Top returnees: Colm Shaefer (Sr.), Connor McKay (Sr.), Andre Triplett (Sr.)
Top newcomers: Trevor Johnson (Jr.); Thomas Mathews (Soph.); Jaden McCann (Sr.);
Outlook: Having lost four starters from last year, the Raiders will be depending on new faces to fill new roles. Look for a balanced attack with scoring opportunities from different individuals on any given night, and a commitment to getting stops and rebounding.
Coach’s quote: “This group will work hard and generally likes playing with and for each other. We are excited to see what this group can do!”
GIRLS
Coach: Michael Russo
Last season: 10-14 overall, 4-9 in NWC (10th)
Top returnees: Amya Cook (Sr.) , Lex Mee (Jr.), Adi McKay (Jr.), Mazy Wright (So.)
Top newcomers: Ellie Wolverton (Fr.), Kristina Jovag (Fr.)
Outlook: The Raiders hope to carry last year’s late-season success — when they came up one win short of going to regionals — into this season. With a core group back that includes their top defender (Cook), top rebounder and record-breaking blocker (Mee), top scorer and record-breaking 3-point shooter (McKay), and leader in assists and steals (Wright) all returning, this could be a big year for the Raiders.
Coach’s quote: “We are looking forward to another great season here at BHS. Our girls continue to have a desire to improve and work hard, and we look forward to competing each and every night in a tough Northwest Conference.”
