Seven of our Whatcom high school basketball teams are headed to their six respective state tournaments this week with hoop dreams of winning the “gold ball” that is the state championship trophy.
Since 2020, Whatcom County has claimed 13 state titles and once again earned multiple titles last year with the Lummi Nation boys proving to be the class of Class 1B and the Lynden girls capturing their second straight 2A crown.
Toss in the trophies won by the Lynden Christian boys (second), LC girls (third), and Meridian boys (fourth) and that means almost a quarter of our 22 teams placed at state. And it could happen again.
For complete coverage of each team’s state games, check out Whatcom Hoops every day.
The Lummi boys and Lynden girls are back and seeded first in their tournaments, and the Lynden Christian boys and girls are also in Thursday’s 1A quarterfinals with top-three seeds.
Three other teams — the Lummi Nation girls, the Lynden boys, and the Nooksack Valley boys — are still alive in their tournaments and will be playing Wednesday in loser-out games with the chance to advance to the quarterfinals and the double-elimination portion of the tourneys.
So, what are the chances of the Blackhawks, Lions, Lyncs, and Pioneers earning state trophies or even winning state titles?
Well, here’s your state guide for Whatcom’s Super Seven all wrapped up in one post. Enjoy reading about your favorite teams as they compete in Spokane (Class 1B) and Yakima (Class 1A and 2A) Wednesday through Saturday and enjoy cheering them on to state glory.
CLASS 1B BOYS
LUMMI NATION BLACKHAWKS
Seeding and record: No.1 (23-1-1)
Starting lineup: Jerome Toby Jr., G, Sr., 5-8; Landon LaFontaine, G, Jr., 6-1; Dyson Edwards, G, Jr., 6-2; Chayce Waite-Kellar, P, Sr., 6-8; Deandre James, F, Jr., 6-3.
Reserves: Isaiah Yrizarris, G, Sr., 5-10; Gregory Hawk, F, Jr., 5-8; Desmond Jones, G, Sr., 5-6; Hooper Toby-Williams, F, So., 5-11; Mason Revey, F, Fr., 6-0.
Regional result: Defeated eighth seed Wahkiakum, 78-49
Next game: Thursday’s quarterfinal, 10:30 a.m., against the winner of Wednesday’s game between No.7 Neah Bay and No.10 Sunnyside Christian.
If the Blackhawks win Thursday: They advance to the semifinals on Friday at 3:45 p.m. againsteither No.4 DeSales, No.6 Liberty Christian, or No.11 Muckleshoot Tribal.
If the Blackhawks lose Thursday: They play a loser-out game on Friday at 9 a.m. against either either No.4 DeSales, No.6 Liberty Christian, or No.11 Muckleshoot Tribal.
Chances of winning state: After several state tournaments with serious injuries, controversial calls, and bad luck, the Blackhawks finally won it all last year and are looking to repeat. Toby, last year’s 1B player of the year, leads four returning starters and with transfer Waite-Kellar’s strong presence in the middle, Lummi is the favorite. But while their starting five are the best in 1B, the Blackhawks aren’t deep and over the three days will need their bench to come through like it did last year if they want to hoist the gold ball again.
Chances of earning a trophy: After last year’s pressure-packed championship run — and surviving this year’s gauntlet of difficult non-league opponents — Lummi Nation is battled tested and hungry. Anything can happen at state (see “serious injuries, controversial calls, and bad luck” above) but it might take all of that and more to keep this flock of Blackhawks from finishing in the top six and earning a trophy for the fifth time in the 2020s.
CLASS 1B BOYS STATE TOURNAMENT
At Numerica Veterans Arena (Spokane Arena)
Wednesday, March 4
#6 Liberty Christian (22-3) vs. #11 Muckleshoot Tribal (21-5), 9 a.m. (loser out)
#7 Neah Bay (18-6) vs. #10 Sunnyside Christian (20-7), 10:30 a.m. (loser out)
#5 Moses Lake Christian/Covenant Christian (19-3) vs. #12 Touchet (16-8), 12:15 p.m. (loser out)
#8 Wahkiakum (17-7) vs. #17 Columbia Adventist (18-7), 2 p.m. (loser out)
Thursday, March 5
Winner of Liberty Christian-Muckleshoot Tribal vs. #4 DeSales (21-4), 9 a.m.
Winner of Neah Bay-Sunnyside Christian vs. #1 Lummi Nation (24-1-1), 10:30 a.m.
Winner of Touchet-Moses Lake Christian/Covenant Christian vs. #3 Tulalip Heritage (21-6), 12:15 p.m.
Winner of Wahkiakum-Columbia Adventist vs. #2 Almira-Coulee-Hartline (23-1), 2 p.m.
CLASS 1B GIRLS
LUMMI NATION LADY BLACKHAWKS
Seeding and record: No.8 (21-4)
Starting lineup: Jemma James, G, Jr., 5-5; Ailina Rabang, G, Sr., 5-6; Brianna Metteba, G, Sr., 5-4; Jordan Reeder, G, 8th, 5-5; Celestine James, C, So., 5-9.
Reserves: Laraya Dennis, F, So., 5-5; Madelyn Williams, F, Jr., 5-9; Maeli Metteba G, R., 5-5; Laveena LaJuan, F, Sr., 5-7; Malaina Morris, G, So., 5-4.
Regional result: Lost to top seed Neah Bay, 43-41
Next game: Wednesday, 9 p.m., in a loser-out game against No.9 Almira-Coulee-Hartline
If the Lady Blackhawks win Wednesday: They advance to the quarterfinals to play Thursday at 9 p.m.. against No.2 Garfield-Palouse.
If the Lady Blackhawks lose Wednesday: Their season is over.
Chances of winning state: The Lady Blackhawks found out how close they are to the gold ball when they lost to top-seeded and three-time defending state champion Neah Bay by two points in Friday’s regional. This comes after losing by four to the Red Devils during the regular season. Unfortunately, while the loss was encouraging, it also made the journey that much harder, requiring Lummi to win Wednesday’s loser-out game plus win two more against higher opponents just to probably play Neah Bay again. You can’t get much harder than that.
Chances of earning a trophy: While reaching the finals and knocking off Neah Bay may seem unlikely — nobody’s done it for three years — getting in the top six only requires two more victories against opponents Lummi Nation matches up well with. If their 3-point shooting is on, the Lady Blackhawks could be bringing home their first trophy since the magical 2009 season.
CLASS 1B GIRLS STATE TOURNAMENT
At Numerica Veterans Arena (Spokane Arena)
Wednesday, March 4
#6 Crosspoint Christian (20-6) vs. #11 Liberty Christian (17-7), 3:45 p.m. (loser out)
#7 Pateros (17-7) vs. #10 Pe Ell, (17-7), 5:30 p.m. (loser out)
#4 Yakama Tribal (23-3) vs. #13 Pomeroy (19-6), 7:15 p.m. (loser out)
#8 Lummi Nation (21-4) vs. #9 Almira-Coulee-Hartline (19-5), 9 p.m. (loser out)
Thursday, March 5
Winner of Crosspoint Christian-Liberty Christian vs. #5 Oakesdale (21-3), 3:45 p.m.
Winner of Pateros-Pe Ell vs. #1 Neah Bay (22-2), 5:30 p.m.
Winner of Yakama Tribal-Pomeroy vs. #3 Waterville-Mansfield (18-5), 7:15 p.m.
Winner of Lummi Nation-Almira-Coulee-Hartline vs. #2 Garfield-Palouse (22-2), 9 p.m.
CLASS 1A BOYS
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN LYNCS
Seeding and record: No.2 (23-1)
Starting lineup: Dawson Hintz, G, Jr., 6-0; Gunnar Dykstra, G, Jr., 6-0; Boyce Robertson, G, Sr., 6-2; Eli Maberry, G, Sr., 6-2; Kaden Veldman, F, Jr., 6-4.
Reserves: Harvest Howell, G, Jr., 5-11; Wyatt Kamphouse, G, Jr., 5-9; Chris Kooiman, F, Jr., 6-3; James Vos, C, Jr., 6-8; Traden Ridnour, G, So., 5-11; Hayden Herwerden, C, Sr., 6-4; Jace VanKooten, F, So., 6-3
Regional result: Defeated seventh seed Chelan, 84-63.
Next game: Thursday’s quarterfinal, 2 p.m., against the winner of Wednesday’s game between No.8 Seattle Christian and No.16 Nooksack Valley.
If the Lyncs win Thursday: They move into the Friday’s semifinals at 5:30 p.m. and play either No.4 Bear Creek, No.6 King’s, or No.12 Wapato.
If the Lyncs lose Thursday: They play a loser-out game Friday at 10:30 a.m. against either either No.4 Bear Creek, No.6 King’s, or No. 12 Wapato.
Chances of winning state: Despite graduating three starters including all-state guard Gannon Dykstra from last year’s state runner-up team, the Lyncs look just as high-powered and dangerous. The junior backcourt of Hintz and Gunnar Dykstra is one of the best in the state but what gives LC an edge is its physical defense headed by Veldman and Robertson. If their stars can stay out of foul trouble, the gold ball could be bouncing back to LC’s trophy case.
Chances of earning a trophy: The only way the Lyncs don’t trophy is if they are upset both Thursday and Friday. Since they’ve only lost once all year despite playing much better opponents, that doesn’t seem very likely. With a chance to return to the championship game for the fourth time in five years in sight, Lynden Christian won’t be looking past anybody on its quest for gold.
NOOKSACK VALLEY PIONEERS
Seeding and record: No.16 (11-14)
Starting lineup: Jayden Anderson, G, Sr., 6-0; Owen Wichers, G, Sr., 6-3; Cole Coppinger, G, Sr., 6-3; Crew Bauman, G, Sr., 6-4; Dane Ackerman, F, Jr., 6-3.
Reserves: Link Anderson, G, So., 6-0; Brian Leyerly, C, Sr., 6-4; Tyler Martin, G, So., 6-2; Treven Scheenstra, F, So., 6-3; Weston Silves, G, Sr., 6-1; Kade Mitchell, F, Jr., 6-2; Ethan Anderson, G, Jr., 6-0.
Regional result: Defeated ninth seed Fort Vancouver, 54-45
Next game: Wednesday, 2 p.m., in a loser-out game against No.8 Seattle Christian.
If the Pioneers win Wednesday: They move into Thursday’s quarterfinal at 2 p.m. against No.2 Lynden Christian.
If the Pioneers lose Wednesday: Their season is done.
Chances of winning state: Not only do the Pioneers have the draw going against them — if they win Wednesday, they could face the No. 1, 2, and 4 seeds over the next three days — but they have history going against them. No 16th seed has ever won a state title in any classification. In fact, the worst record for any 1A boys champion was long before the current seeding process when a 14-11 White River team took the 1973 title.
Chances of earning a trophy: If a state championship seems like an impossibility, adding another trophy to the Pioneers’ state legacy is a distinct possibility. They would only need to win Wednesday and then pull off either an upset of rival Lynden Christian on Thursday or an upset of probably No.4 Bear Creek or No.6 King’s. And having already pulled off one upset, why not another for these Valley over-achievers?
CLASS 1A BOYS STATE TOURNAMENT
At Yakima SunDome
Wednesday, March 4
#11 Overlake (18-7) vs. #3 Royal (21-4), 9 a.m. (loser out)
#10 Cascade Christian (17-8) vs. #7 Chelan (22-5), 10:30 a.m. (loser out)
#12 Wapato (16-11) vs. #4 Bear Creek (17-8), 12:15 p.m. (loser out)
#16 Nooksack Valley (11-14) vs. #8 Seattle Christian (17-6), 2 p.m. (loser out)
Thursday, March 5
Winner of Overlake-Royal vs. #5 Annie Wright (16-9), 9 a.m.
Winner of Cascade Christian-Chelan vs. #1 Zillah (24-0), 10:30 a.m.
Winner of Wapato-Bear Creek vs. #6 King’s (18-6), 12:15 p.m.
Winner of Nooksack Valley-Seattle Christian vs. #2 Lynden Christian (23-1), 2 p.m.
CLASS 1A GIRLS
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN LYNCS
Seeding and record: No.3 (21-3)
Starting lineup: Tyra Dykstra, G, So., 5-8; Ella Fritts, G, Sr. 5-10; Sara Van Loo, F, Sr., 5-9; Jocelyn Eshuis, F, Jr., 6-1 Ellie Pierce, G, Jr., 5-5.
Reserves: Estela Hernandez, G, Sr., 5-9; Grace Russell, G, Jr., 5-7; Jessica DeJong, F, Fr., 6-0; Daylin Dykstra, G, Fr., 5-8; Maryn Camping, F, So, 5-11; Reagan Lenssen, F, Jr., 5-10.
Regional result: Defeated sixth seed Bellevue Christian, 45-36
Next game: Thursday, 7:15 p.m., against winner of Wednesday’s Annie Wright-Montesano game
If the Lyncs win Thursday: They advance to semifinals on Friday at 9 p.m. against either No.2 Zillah, No.8 Lakeside (9 Mile Falls), or No.16 King’s Way Christian.
If the Lyncs lose Thursday: They would play in a loser-out game Friday at 2 p.m.against either Zillah, Lakeside (9 Mile Falls), or King’s Way Christian.
Chances of winning state: With 14 state championship banners already on the gym wall, there’s a chance of the Lyncs winning another title every March. But barring upsets involving other tops seeds, LC will probably have to take down No.4 Annie Wright, No.2 Zillah, and No.1 King’s, which will be no mean feat especially for this young bunch. Still, they’ve faced some of the best in the state and held their own, so if they can finish like they did against Bellevue Christian in regionals, they might be making room for banner No.15.
Chances of earning a trophy: Collecting a trophy for the 21st straight year will come down to beating at least one lower seed Thursday or Friday. And while the streak will come to an end some time, one thing that Lynden Christian girls teams have been able to do for a long, long time is avoid being upset by lower seeds. Barring a catastrophe, the streak should continue.
CLASS 1A GIRLS STATE TOURNAMENT
At Yakima SunDome
Wednesday, March 4
#6 Bellevue Christian (16-7) vs. #11 Wapato (21-5), 3:45 p.m. (loser out)
#7 Seton Catholic (20-3) vs. #10 Cascade Christian (18-6), 5:30 p.m. (loser out)
#4 Annie Wright (18-6) vs. #13 Montesano (16-8), 7:15 p.m. (loser out)
#8 Lakeside (9 Mile Falls) (15-6) vs. #16 King’s Way Christian (17-6), 9 p.m.(loser out)
Thursday, March 5
Winner of Bellevue Christian-Wapato vs. #5 Royal (21-4), 3:45 p.m.
Winner of Seton Catholic-Cascade Christian vs. #1 King’s (21-4), 5:30 p.m.
Winner of Annie Wright-Montesano vs. Lynden Christian (22-3), 7:15 p.m.
Winner of Lakeside (9 Mile Falls)-King’s Way Christian vs. #2 Zillah (23-2), 9 p.m.
CLASS 2A BOYS
LYNDEN LIONS
Seeding and record: No.9 (17-7)
Starting lineup: Gordy Bedlington, G, Jr., 6-1; Malachi Koenen, G, Jr., 5-9; Jayden Navarre, G, So., 6-3; Ty Jorgenson, F, Sr., 6-7; Spencer Adams, G, Jr., 6-6.
Reserves: Brody Price, G, Sr., 6-0; James Ellis, G, Sr., 6-1; Markus Koenen, G, So., 5-11; Charlie Broersma, F, Sr., 6-2; Reed Smith, G, So., 6-1; Lewis Whitney, F, Jr., 6-7; Carter Weg, G, Fr., 5-9.
Regional result: Defeated 16th seed Franklin Pierce, 74-30
Next game: Wednesday, 9 p.m., in a loser-out game against No.8 Renton
If the Lions win Wednesday: They would advance to Thursday’s quarterfinal against No.2 R.A. Long
If the Lions lose Wednesday: Their season is over.
Chances of winning state: Until last year’s shocking elimination in two games, the Lions had made the SunDome their own personal den the previous six tournaments — winning 17 of 18 state games and five state championships. Injuries made this year’s journey a rocky one for Lynden, but the Lions are about as healthy as they have been all season and are playing their best ball. Never bet against a Lynden team, but the Lions would have to upset probably four higher seeds to win a state title, which would be as surprising as, well, as last year’s shocking losses.
Chances of earning a trophy: While winning state might seem like an impossible dream, earning a trophy is definitely a possibility now that Adams and Jorgenson are both healthy. As often seems to be the case in the SunDome, handling fullcourt pressure determines who moves on and this year the young backcourt of Bedlington and Malachi Koenen is a year more experienced. Pulling off four upsets might be too much to ask, but this is a talented group that has the ability to pull off one or two and collect another trophy.
CLASS 2A BOYS STATE TOURNAMENT
At Yakima Valley SunDome
Wednesday, March 4
#3 Selah (21-4) vs. #11 Columbia River (18-7), 3:45 p.m. (loser out)
#7 Grandview (18-7) vs. #15 Foster (18-7), 5:30 p.m. (loser out)
#5 Tumwater (21-3) vs. #13 West Valley (Spokane) (16-7), 7:15 p.m. (loser out)
#8 Renton (12-12) vs. #9 Lynden (18-7), 9 p.m. (loser out)
Thursday, March 5
Winner of Selah-Columbia River vs. #4 Pullman (20-3), 3:45 p.m.
Winner of Grandview-Foster vs. #1 Bremerton (21-2), 5:30 p.m.
Winner of Tumwater-West Valley (Spokane) vs. #6 Anacortes (20-4), 7:15 p.m.
Winner of Lynden-Renton vs. #2 R.A. Long (25-0), 9 p.m.
CLASS 2A GIRLS
LYNDEN LIONS
Seeding and record: No.1 (23-0)
Starting lineup: Lexi Hermanutz, G, Jr., 5-11; Rian Stephan, F, Sr., 6-3; Rilanna Newcomb, G, Sr., 5-5; Finley Parcher, G, Jr., 6-1; Payton Mills, F, Sr., 6-2.
Reserves: Degitu Bowler, G., Sr., 5-6; Reese Nyhoff, G, Sr., 5-7; Jules Slayton, F, Sr., 5-5; Izzie Stephan, G, So., 5-11; Aubrey Basart, F, Jr., 5-9; Charlotte Somma, G, So., 6-0; Emily Dykstra, P, So., 6-4.
Regional result: Defeated eighth seed Selah, 67-45
Next game: Thursday, 10:30 a.m., in quarterfinals against the winner of Wednesday’s game between No.2 Deer Park and No.10 Mark Morris
If the Lions win Thursday: They advance to the semifinals on Friday at 3:45 p.m. against either No.4 Clarkston, No.6 W.F. West, or No.11 Nathan Hale
If the Lions lose Thursday: They would play a loser-out game Friday at 9 a.m. against either Clarkston, W.F. West, or Nathan Hale.
Chances of winning state: What many predicted would be the championship matchup — No.1 Lynden vs. No.2 Deer Park — will now be played Thursday in a quarterfinal, thanks to the Stags being upset by Ellensburg in regionals. Anyone else would be bummed, but the Lions found themselves in the exact same situation in 2020 and ended up stomping No.2 Ellensburg on the way to a state title. Nothing is a given and the road will be that much harder, but these Lions have been preparing for this moment all season long. Expect them to be up for the challenge and claiming a three-peat.
Chances of earning a trophy: Again, the seeding committees don’t hand out the trophies; teams have to earn them on the court. But if there’s ever a team that is prepared to earn a trophy, it’s these Lions. Even if they are upset on Thursday, they will take it out on whoever they play Friday, so unless the SunDome springs a leak and they cancel the tournament, you can rest assured the Lynden trophy case will get more hardware.
CLASS 2A GIRLS STATE TOURNAMENT
At Yakima SunDome
Wednesday, March 4
#6 W.F. West (20-5) vs. #11 Nathan Hale (14-9), 9 a.m. (loser out)
#2 Deer Park (21-3) vs. #10 Mark Morris (18-6), 10:30 a.m. (loser out)
#5 Archbishop Murphy (18-6) vs. #12 Port Angeles (18-6), 2:15 p.m. (loser out)
#8 Selah (19-8) vs. #9 Fife (20-5), 2 p.m. (loser out)
Thursday, March 5
Winner of W.F. West-Nathan Hale vs. #4 Clarkston (21-3), 9 a.m.
Winner of Deer Park-Mark Morris vs. #1 Lynden (24-0), 10:30 a.m.
Winner of Archbishop Murphy-Port Angeles vs. #2 Prosser (22-3), 12:15 p.m.
Winner of Fife-Selah vs. #7 Ellensburg (20-5), 2 p.m.
