Whatcom Girls, Boys Dominate All-NWC Teams

Whatcom Hoops March-8-2022
Nooksack Valley's Devin Coppinger was named the league MVP.

There aren’t many leagues that can claim three state championship teams and two state runners-ups, which is why the all-Northwest Conference boys and girls teams can boast of some of the top players in the state. League champion and Class 1A state runner-up Nooksack Valley had two of the top honors on the girls side. … Read more

State 2022: Some Final Thanks … And Apologies

Whatcom Hoops March-8-2022
The Lynden band and fans know how to celebrate state titles.

Four years ago, the Lynden Christian boys and girls and the Lynden boys won basketball state championships. It was arguably, the greatest sports day in the history of Whatcom County. When there was no daily newspaper coverage, several friends pointed to me and said I should do something about it. Thus in 2019, Whatcom Hoops … Read more

3A State: Loss Ends Historic Season For Ferndale Boys

Whatcom Hoops February-23-2022
Jazen Guillory goes up for a shot in Tuesday's game. (Photos courtesy of Charlotte Wells)

The dream season was bound to come to an end eventually, but the Ferndale boys basketball team was hoping it would last a little longer. The Golden Eagles found themselves in a matchup with a team that could match their 3-point shooting and lost to Kennewick, 80-62, in the play-in round of the Class 3A … Read more

3A Boys State Preview: Ferndale On The Road To Glory

Whatcom Hoops February-22-2022
Mark Schlichting and the Ferndale faithful have had lots to get excited about.

Who would have thought the Ferndale boys basketball team would be going to state after starting the season 1-7 and losing three starters to injuries or sickness? The Golden Eagles, that’s who. Ferndale is a team on a mission and despite a season full of challenges, the Golden Eagles won three straight games at district … Read more

Time To Cheer! Nine Teams Headed To State Regionals

Whatcom Hoops February-21-2022
The LC girls and eight other teams are heading to state.

After explaining what was going on with our Whatcom County basketball teams, a friend at church summed it up: “That’s complicated.” That it is. The good news is that despite the confusing phraseology and the complicated formats, three girls teams and six boys teams are headed for state. To save money, the WIAA — the … Read more

Boys Roundup: Ferndale Loses, Lummi Wins, Both To State

Whatcom Hoops February-20-2022
Jazen Guillory (23) and Mark Schlichting led Ferndale in the district finals. (All photos courtesy of Charlotte Wells)

The Ferndale boys basketball team couldn’t quite hit the shot for a fairy tale ending as the Golden Eagles lost to Mountlake Terrace in the final seconds of their Class 3A District 1 championship game, 58-53, on Saturday, Feb. 19. But wait! Ferndale’s Cinderella story isn’t over yet as the Golden Eagles have already qualified … Read more

Historic Win Gives Ferndale Boys State Berth; Squalicum Ousted

Whatcom Hoops February-17-2022
The seniors celebrate as the Ferndale students storm the court. (Photos courtesy of Charlotte Wells)

Against all odds, the Ferndale boys basketball team made history. And the Golden Eagles aren’t done yet. Despite too many losses on the court and off the court, Ferndale upset Stanwood in the Class 3A District 1 semifinals, 72-65, on Wednesday, Feb. 16, and qualified for the state tournament for only the fourth time in … Read more

Girls Playoffs: Nooksack Valley Tops Meridian, Sehome Wins

Whatcom Hoops February-16-2022
Lainey Kimball and the Pioneers came out on top in their battle with Meridian.

The top-ranked Nooksack Valley girls basketball team bounced back from a disappointing loss to defeat Meridian, 59-36, in their Class 1A District 1 consolation final on Tuesday, Feb. 15, and leave the Trojans disappointed with the sudden end to their season. With the win, the Pioneers claimed second in the tournament and moved on with … Read more

Ferndale Boys Believe, Fly Into 3A District Semis

Whatcom Hoops February-13-2022
Luke Wells (24) and Mark Schlichting (13) helped shoot Ferndale into the semifinals.

Five weeks ago, the Ferndale boys basketball team was 1-7 and in danger of not making the playoffs. But they never stopped believing. And after Saturday’s 73-51 victory over Cascade (Everett) in the Class 3A District 1 quarterfinals, the high-flying Golden Eagles are one win away from what seemed like an impossibility a month ago: … Read more

District Roundup: Lynden, Sehome Boys Roll; Ferndale Girls Fall

Whatcom Hoops February-12-2022
Mathew Storms had five 3s to lead Sehome into the semis. (File photo)

The Lynden and Sehome boys basketball teams, the top two seeds in the Class 2A District 1 tournament, opened with impressive victories Friday night, Feb. 11, to move into the semifinals and one step away from berths in the state tournament. The Lions’ victory came at the expense of the Squalicum boys, who fell into … Read more