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: Lynden Christian
BOYS
Coach: Roger DeBoer
Last season: 26-1 overall, 13-0 in NWC (first), fourth in 1A state
Top returnees: Andrew DeVries (Sr.), Bryce Bouwman (Sr.), Jaden DeBoer (Jr.), Zach Sipma (Sr.), Logan Dykstra (Jr.)
Top newcomers: Cole Moorlag (Jr.), Shale Whittern (Jr.), Brevin Zylstra (Sr.), Andrew Hommes (So.)
Outlook: Having graduated a senior class that lost only twice the past two years and that included a two-time all-state player, the Lyncs will be relying on a lot of new players. But with sharp-shooting DeVries leading the way, they’ll be able to run, gun and defend with the best in the Northwest Conference, which usually means the best in the state.
Coach’s quote: “We are excited for a new-look team filled with great kids and heart to compete.”
GIRLS
Coach: Brady Bomber
Last season: 23-4 overall, 10-3 in NWC (tied for third), second in 1A state
Top returnees: Riley Dykstra (Sr.), Liv Mellema (Sr.), Emily Mellema (Jr.), Lexi Hernandez (Jr.), Kiley Roetcisoender (Jr.), Libby Stump (So.), Kenadi Fay (Jr.)
Top newcomers: Paige TeVelde (Jr.), Alli VanKooten (So.)
Outlook: Stop us if this sounds familiar. The Lyncs lost three key seniors from a team that reached the 1A state title game and return an all-state quality player (Dykstra) and an experienced group of athletic and skilled players. If LC is to return to the championship game for the third year in a row, the talented youngsters will need to mature quickly, especially on defense.
Coach’s quote: “This group of girls has put a lot of time in to improve both individually and collectively. We’re looking forward to watching them write their own story as a team.”
