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: Blaine
BOYS
Coach: Brett Farrar
Last season: 8-13 overall, 3-10 in NWC (11th)
Top returnees: Zane Rector (Sr.), Mason Vega (Sr.), Josh Russ (Jr.), Kyle Turnberg (Jr.), Cole Thomas (So.), Scott Baldwin (So.)
Top newcomers: Ben Arps (Jr.), Bailey Bleazard (Jr.), Damian Kuoppala (Jr.), William McKinney (Jr.)
Outlook: With only two seniors on the roster, the Borderites are looking to gain valuable experience for the new and young players early in the season. Their goal is to be playing solid basketball as they head into the league stretch after the holidays.
Coach’s quote: “We are looking to grow and get better every time we have an opportunity to play. Our concern is worrying about the things we can control with our attitudes and effort in the way we approach practice and games. Every day counts, and we are taking advantage of every chance we have to improve.”
GIRLS
Coach: Ryan Pike
Last season: 6-15 overall, 2-11 in NWC (tied for 12th)
Top returnees: Taylyn DePauw (Sr.), Hailey Pike (So.), Krystin Kamrath (So.)
Top newcomers: Emma Mulryan (Sr.), Ethene Cooper (So.)
Outlook: The Borderites will rely on their three experienced players to carry the load for a young and mostly inexperienced squad. But with youth and opportunity come excitement and enthusiasm, and the Borderites will be ready to meet the challenge.
Coach’s quote: “I tell the girls the only things they can control are their effort and attitude, and to always compete and not compare. There will be faster, bigger, stronger teams than us, but go and compete with them don’t worry about the stuff you can’t control.”
