The 2025-26 high school basketball season has begun as our 22 Whatcom County varsity teams had their first turnouts and practices on Monday, Nov. 17.
While the first games won’t tip off until Nov. 29 and most squads won’t get into full swing until the first week of December, that doesn’t mean the players, coaches, and Whatcom Hoops are sitting idly by.
So as another exciting season starts, here are some of the most frequently asked questions (and answers) for basketball fans:
Is this the Golden Era of Whatcom County basketball?
Without a doubt, the past decade has been amazing with Whatcom teams winning two or three state titles every year, including two more last season. In fact, our recent success is unprecedented even with all the incredible teams and historic seasons we’ve had over the past century.
Just to prove it, Whatcom Hoops looked at the decades going back to the beginning and added up all the state championships. You can check out the Golden Era story we’ll post.
Who will be the favorites in the Northwest Conference and the Northwest 1B League?
Look no further than last March’s best teams starting with the state champion Lynden girls and Lummi Nation boys. Both return most of their key players and will be state favorites again.
The Lynden and Lynden Christian boys and the Lummi Nation girls also figure to be league favorites after dominating the NWC and NW1B, respectively, the past couple of years. But don’t be surprised if some new powers emerge.
To get a head start, be sure to catch the Whatcom Hoops boys and girls team previews next week.
Who are some of the best players to watch?
Again, you can start with the state champs and their all-staters and tournament MVPs — Finley Parcher of Lynden and Jerome Toby Jr. of Lummi Nation. But Whatcom County has no lack of star power returning.
On the girls side, you’ll also want to watch Payton Mills of Lynden, Rebeca Soares of Mount Baker, Ella Fritts of Lynden Christian, Grace DeHoog of Nooksack Valley, Jillea Fox of Ferndale, and Jemma James and Ailina Rabang of Lummi Nation.
On the boys side, keep your eye on Dawson Hintz of Lynden Christian, Joe Harward of Bellingham, Mantaj Singh of Ferndale, Hunter Calloway of Squalicum, and Nolan Wright of Sehome, just to name a few.
Are there any new varsity head coaches?
Yes, four to be exact. They are all girls coaches: Kayla Bernsen of Meridian, Drew McFall of Bellingham, Caden Mee of Squalicum, and Sean Miller of Blaine.
Be sure to catch profiles on all four lat the Whatcom Hoops New Coaches story.
Is there anything else new that fans should know about?
Yes, there are preseason jamborees, some regular-season scheduling quirks, and a slight change in the Class 2A playoff format that could have big repercussions for our teams.
Be sure to catch the Whatcom Hoops story next week on new changes that will include a preview of Week 1’s top games and schedules.
Unfortunately, one thing that is not new is the need for more officials not only for varsity games but also for junior varsity and C team contests.
Read all about how you can get involved by checking out the Whatcom Hoops Officials Needed story.
So, get ready to cheer your favorites as the exciting 2025-26 season gets underway. And be sure to join WhatcomHoops.com as we cover the best players, coaches, and teams in the state.
