Eight of our Whatcom high school basketball teams are headed to their six respective state tournaments this week with dreams of capturing the “gold ball” — the state championship trophy.
And after taking three state titles and six state trophies last season thanks to the talented Class of 2024, this figured to be a “down” year. Yet, here we are, with three teams earning top seeds and two more seeded in the top three.
For complete coverage of each team’s state games, check out Whatcom Hoops every day.
So, what are the chances of winning a state title or a state trophy for the boys and girls teams from Lummi Nation, Lynden, and Lynden Christian, and the Meridian boys and Nooksack Valley girls?
Well, here’s your state guide for Whatcom’s Elite Eight, 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.
Lummi Nation senior Trevon Lee
Class 1B Boys
Lummi Nation Blackhawks
Seeding and record: No. 2 (22-3)
Starting lineup: Jerome Toby Jr., G, Jr., 5-8; Landon LaFontaine, G, So., 6-0; Dyson Edwards, G, So., 6-1; Trevon Lee, F, Sr., 6-3; Deandre James, C, So., 6-2
Reserves: Tony Abrams, F, Sr., 6-0; Rayshawn Bob, G, Sr., 5-10; Gregory Hawk, F, So., 5-9; Karson Revey, G, Sr., 6-0; Andrew Tangent, C, Sr., 6-2
Regional result: Defeated seventh seed Moses Lake Christian/Covenant Christian, 48-43
Next game: Thursday, 9 p.m., against the winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 8 Ocosta and No. 9 Wellpinit
If the Blackhawks win Thursday: They advance to the semifinals on Friday at 9 p.m. against either No.3 Willapa Valley, No.5 Neah Bay, or No.12 Garfield-Palouse
If the Blackhawks lose Thursday: They play a loser-out game on Friday at 2 p.m. against either Willapa Valley, Neah Bay, or Garfield-Palouse
Chances of winning state: The Blackhawks are definitely in the mix, which includes No.1 Almira-Coulee-Hartline and No.3 Willapa Valley, both of whom come to Spokane with long winning streaks. But Lummi Nation is battle-tested against bigger schools and is playing well. If the youngsters aren’t blinded by the bright lights of the big game, then Lummi has a legitimate shot at the gold ball.
Chances of earning a trophy: As the second seed, the Blackhawks only need to win one more game to earn another trophy and they’ll be favored Thursday. If two-time defending state champion Wellpinit wins Wednesday, then Lummi just needs to get past the Redskins’ mystique. And since Lummi won’t be intimidated by Wellpinit, chances are pretty good the Blackhawks will be adding another trophy to the trophy case.
Lummi Nation junior Ailina Rabang
Class 1B Girls
Lummi Nation Lady Blackhawks
Seeding and record: No. 9 (22-4)
Starting lineup: Jemma James, G, So., 5-4; Ailina Rabang, G, Jr., 5-5; Brianna Metteba, G, Jr., 5-4; Kashlyn Mack, G, Jr., 5-6; Celestine James, C, Fr., 5-9
Reserves: Robyn Jones, G, Sr., 5-3; Graciela Kapuni-Lopez, G, Sr., 5-3; Laraya Dennis, F, Fr., 5-5; Madelyn Williams, F, So., 5-8; Maeli Metteba G, 8th, 5-4
Regional result: Defeated 16th seed Muckleshoot Tribal, 61-39
Next game: Wednesday, 2 p.m., in a loser-out game against No. 8 Pateros
If the Lady Blackhawks win Wednesday: They advance to the quarterfinals to play No. 2 Waterville-Mansfield on Thursday at 2 p.m.
If the Lady Blackhawks lose Wednesday: Their season is over.
Chances of winning state: The Lady Blackhawks have seen what it takes to win a state title having played two-time state champion Neah Bay in tri-district and last season. As the ninth seed, they would have to pull off four difficult wins, the last three as heavy underdogs. But with no senior starters, watch out for next season.
Chances of earning a trophy: The Lady Blackhawks are determined to bring home the school’s first trophy since 2009, but they’ll have to win at least two games starting with the rematch with Pateros. The earlier game was a close loss on the road so look for Lummi to “upset” the eighth-seeded Nannies and then anything can happen.
Lynden Christian senior Gannon Dykstra
Class 1A Boys
Lynden Christian Lyncs
Seeding and record: No. 3 (22-2)
Starting lineup: Dawson Hintz, G, So., 6-0; Carter Ahlers, G, Sr., 5-8; Gannon Dykstra, G, Sr., 6-1; Luke Van Kooten, F, Sr., 6-5; Kaden Veldman, F, So., 6-4
Reserves: Gunnar Dykstra, G, So., 5-9; Eli Maberry, G, Jr., 6-2; Boyce Robertson, G, Jr.,6-2; Harvest Howell, G, So., 5-11; Wyatt Kamphouse, G, So., 5-8; Chris Kooiman, F, So., 6-3; James Vos, C, So., 6-8
Regional result: Defeated sixth seed Seton Catholic, 74-57
Next game: Thursday, 7:15 p.m., against the winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 5 King’s and No. 12 Bellevue Christian.
If the Lyncs win Thursday: They move into the Friday’s semifinals and play either No.2 Royal, No. 8 Bear Creek, or No. 9 Chelan at 9 p.m.
If the Lyncs lose Thursday: They play a loser-out game Friday against either Royal, Bear Creek, or Chelan at 2 p.m.
Chances of winning state: The big four — Annie Wright, Royal, LC, and Zillah — appear on collision courses to meet in the semis and final. Barring a major upset on Thursday, the state champ will have to beat two of the other three. Lynden Christian has as good a chance as anyone, especially now that the Dykstra brothers are healthy enough to play. And if Annie Wright is as good as they say, the Lyncs wouldn’t meet them until the final, where anything can happen.
Chances of earning a trophy: The only way the Lyncs don’t trophy is if they look past King’s (or Bellevue Christian), which is dangerous anytime but especially at state where underdogs always seem to bite the favorites. Fortunately, LC traditionally gets up for its long-time rival, which means the Knights (if they win Wednesday) better be ready.
Meridian senior Talon Jenkins
Meridian Trojans
Seeding and record: No. 7 (17-8)
Starting lineup: Talon Jenkins, F, Sr., 6-7; Jaeger Fyfe, G, Sr., 6-3; Canyon James, G, Sr., 6-0; Pierce Brzozowski, G, So., 5-10; James Hedahl, P, Sr., 6-6
Reserves: Damion Hayes, G, Jr., 6-0; Brock Haugen, F, Sr., 6-1; Matthew Blankenburg, G, Jr., 5-10; Daniel Larson, P, Jr., 6-5; Trey Alexander, G, So., 5-11; Gabe Galbraith, G, So., 5-10; Josiah Harris, G, So., 5-11
Regional result: Lost to No. 2 Royal, 65-47
Next game: Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., in a loser-out game against No.15 Overlake
If the Trojans win Wednesday: They move into Thursday’s quarterfinals to play No. 1 Annie Wright at 5:30 p.m.
If the Trojans lose Wednesday: Their season is over.
Chances of winning state: The odds certainly are stacked against the Trojans winning the gold ball. Should they get by Overlake on Wednesday, they’d face the tournament favorite, Annie Wright. And if they shock the world by winning that game, they’d probably end up meeting defending state champion Zillah in the semis, and then either Royal or Lynden Christian, two teams that handled the Trojans earlier in the playoffs, in the finals. It would indeed by a tournament run for the ages.
Chances of earning a trophy: To earn a trophy, a team only needs to win two games, not upset all the favorites. So, if the Trojans get back on track and beat Overlake on Wednesday, even if they don’t pull off the upset on Thursday, a trophy is still a distinct possibility. All it would take is a victory over either Cashmere or Seton Catholic, two solid clubs that Meridian could match up with. And with five seniors on the roster, Meridian will want to go out strong on Saturday holding a trophy.
Lynden Christian senior Danya Dykstra
Class 1A Girls
Lynden Christian Lyncs
Seeding and record: No. 1 (21-3)
Starting lineup: Danya Dykstra, G, Sr., 6-0; Estela Hernandez, G, Jr., 5-10; Ella Fritts, G, Jr. 5-10; Allison Shumate, F, Sr., 6-0; Ellie Pierce, G, So., 5-4
Reserves: Tyra Dykstra, G, Fr., 5-5; Kortnee Tolsma, G, So., 5-4; Alisa Scott, F, Sr., 5-10; Kayla Yun, G, Jr., 5-4; Sara Van Loo, F, Jr., 5-9; Jocelyn Eshuis, F, So., 6-1
Regional result: Defeated eighth seed Naches Valley, 57-54
Next game: Thursday, 10:30 a.m., against winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 7 Cashmere and No. 10 Montesano
If the Lyncs win Thursday: They advance to semifinals on Friday at 3:45 p.m. against either No. 3 Zillah, No. 4 King’s, or No. 11 Wapato
If the Lyncs lose Thursday: They would play in a loser-out game Friday at 9 a.m. against either Zillah, King’s or Wapato
Chances of winning state: Despite Saturday’s near-loss to a tough Rangers squad in regionals, the Lyncs are right where they were expected to be. If they are on, there’s no team they can’t beat soundly. If they aren’t on … well, Saturday showed what can happen. But this is what they’ve been working toward all year, so while the Lyncs will face three good teams, there’s a good chance there’ll be another banner lifted in the LC gym.
Chances of earning a trophy: It took a very good (and very under-seeded) Naches Valley team playing probably the best three quarters of its season to scare an unprepared Lynden Christian squad, and that combination isn’t going to happen twice in Yakima. So expect the Lyncs to earn one more trophy even if it’s not the gold ball.
Nooksack Valley senior Kate Shintaffer
Nooksack Valley Pioneers
Seeding and record: No. 9 (17-8)
Regional result: Defeated 16th seed Hoquiam, 64-42
Starting lineup: Kate Shintaffer, G, Sr., 5-7; Payton Bartl, G, Jr., 5-7; Chayleigh Davis, G, Jr., 5-7; Peyton Duque, G, So, 5-5; Grace DeHoog, F, Jr., 6-1
Reserves: Lisette Flores, G, Fr., 5-2; Kaitlyn Biondolilla, G/F, So., 5-6; Natileah Harmon, G/F, Fr., 5-7; Raegan Burke, F, So., 5-10
Next game: Wednesday, 2 p.m., against eighth seed Naches Valley
If the Pioneers win Wednesday: They advance to the quarterfinals to play No. 2 Bellevue Christian on Thursday at 2 p.m.
If the Pioneers lose Wednesday: Their season is over.
Chances of winning state: The obstacles are many and difficult for the Pioneers to have a three-peat, starting with a tough Naches Valley club. And things only get harder with the possibility of having to beat the top two seeds, Bellevue Christian and Lynden Christian in consecutive days. Considering the path they’ve already come with basically a whole new, young team, lifting the gold ball might have to wait another year.
Chances of earning a trophy: The obstacles are many and difficult for Nooksack just to earn a trophy, starting with a tough Naches Valley club. But the funny thing is, these Pioneers are a tough bunch, too, and they won’t underestimate the Rangers. Then even if Nooksack Valley doesn’t upset Bellevue Christian, the Pioneers could still make it to Saturday by beating No. 5 Annie Wright or maybe No. 6 Seton Catholic. And if we know one thing about Valley girls, they don’t give up easily.
Lynden senior Jack Stapleton
Class 2A Boys
Lynden Lions
Seeding and record: No. 1 (25-1)
Regional result: Defeated eighth seed Mark Morris, 70-50
Starting lineup: Gordy Bedlington, G, So., 6-1; Malachi Koenen, G, So., 5-9; Jack Stapleton, F, Sr., 6-7; Brant Heppner, F, Sr., 6-6; Spencer Adams, G, Jr., 6-5
Reserves: Jayden Navarre, G, Fr., 6-2; Brody Price, G, Jr., 6-0; Malachi Bowman, F, Jr., 6-5; James Ellis, G, Jr., 6-1; Markus Koenen, G, Fr., 5-9; Charlie Broersma, F, Jr., 6-2; Ty Jorgenson, F, Jr., 6-5
Next game: Thursday, 10:30 a.m., against winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 7 Foster and No. 10 Prosser.
If the Lions win Thursday: They would advance to Friday’s semifinal against either No. 5 Selah, No. 6 Lakewood, or No. 11 Columbia River
If the Lions lose Thursday: They would play a loser-out game Friday at 9 a.m. against either Selah, Lakewood, or Columbia River.
Chances of winning state: The Lions chances seemed to improve with the shocking elimination of Grandview and with West Valley (Spokane) losing in regionals. Yet all five of Lynden’s possible quarterfinal and semifinal opponents have “upset alert” written all over them. Prosser and Foster are dangerously underrated, Selah won the tough Yakima Valley district, Columbia River just put up 94 points in its regional win, and Lakewood, of course, already beat the Lions. Still, Lynden is the state champion three times over and will be until someone figures how to beat the Lions in the SunDome, which has only happened once in the past 18 state games.
Chances of earning a trophy: When you’ve placed in the top three in 11 of the past 12 state tournaments, there’s a pretty good chance that the streak will continue, especially if you come into Yakima with a 25-1 record and No.1 ranking. Of course, the SunDome’s bright lights will be new to most of these Lions so a total collapse is possible … oh, who are we kidding? These Lions have been waiting for their moment to shine since they were in grade school and they’ll have it this week.
Lynden senior Kiki York
Class 2A Girls
Lynden Lions
Seeding and record: No.1 (25-0)
Starting lineup: Lexi Hermanutz, G, So., 5-11; Rian Stephan, F, Jr., 6-2; Kiki York, F, Sr., 5-8; Finley Parcher, G, So., 6-0; Payton Mills, F, Jr., 6-2
Reserves: Degitu Bowler, G., Jr., 5-5; Reese Nyhoff, G, Jr., 5-6; Rihanna Newomb, G, Jr., 5-5; Jules Slayton, F, Jr., 5-5; Izzie Stephan, G, Fr., 5-9; Melanie Anderson, G, Sr., 5-5; Aubrey Basart, F, So., 5-9
Regional result: Defeated No. 8 Bainbridge, 58-26
Next game: Thursday, 5:30 p.m., in quarterfinals against the winner of Wednesday’s game between No 7 Columbia River and No. 10 Port Angeles
If the Lions win Thursday: They advance to the semifinals on Friday at 7:15 p.m. againsteither No. 5 Archbishop Murphy, No. 6 Prosser, or No. 11 Eatonville
If the Lions lose Thursday: They would play a loser-out game Friday at 12:15 p.m. against either Archbishop Murphy, Prosser, or Eatonville
Chances of winning state: The route to the final seems to have gotten easier with No. 4 W.F. West being upset at regionals, which means Bearcats are in the same bracket with undefeated No. 2 Ellensburg and undefeated No. 3 Deer Park with all three battling for one spot in the final. But should the Lions avoid a major upset in the quarterfinals or a minor upset to usually tough Prosser or archrival Archbishop Murphy in the semis, Lynden still needs to beat one of the other biggies in the final. Don’t be surprised if it comes down to Lynden-Ellensburg Part II for all the marbles (and don’t bet against the Lions winning all the marbles and the gold ball again).
Chances of earning a trophy: Barring injuries to the entire starting lineup or the team bus breaking down, there’s no way this talented, physical, and mentally tough group won’t bring home a trophy. Yeah, as someone keeps reminding me, that’s why they play the games … but if the Lions are playing the games, there’s no way the they lose two in a row after destroying everyone they’ve played so far.
