Will Whatcom County’s amazing run of boys basketball success ever end? In the past six postseasons, Whatcom teams have won eight state titles and earned 15 state trophies.
Last season, Lynden won its historic third straight Class 2A state championship; Lynden Christian took third and was one bucket away from reaching its fourth straight 1A title game; and Lummi Nation added a sixth place to its growing 1B trophy case.
With the talented class of 2024 now history, it may be hard to reach the same heights, especially with perennial powers Lynden and LC graduating much of their state teams.
But most of the rest of the county should be better. Bellingham and Squalicum return nearly all their squads and expect to battle the Lions, Anacortes, and Lakewood in the 2A ranks.
The 1As will be even more competitive, with the Lyncs the early favorites. But Nooksack Valley, Meridian, and Mount Baker returning almost all their key players guaranteeing an exciting district tournament. And Lummi Nation is loaded again and expected to be the class of the Northwest 1B League.
Here’s a look at each of our 11 boys teams:
For a preview of this season’s changes, check out New Season Brings New Changes.
For the girls preview, check out Girls Preview.
Senior Kincaide VanHouten
Bellingham Bayhawks
Last season: 12-11 overall, 9-6 in Northwest Conference
Top returnees: Kincade VanHouten (Sr.), Harmon Wienkers (Sr.), Gabe Van Hofwegen (Sr.), Myllo Wright (Jr.), Joe Harward (Jr.)
Top newcomers: Fabian Singh (Sr.), Barrett Johnson (Jr.), Calvin Van Hofwegen (So.)
Outlook: The Bayhawks broke into the upper echelon of the NWC last season and despite losing several starters to graduation Bellingham should still be a force to contend with. Having a balanced lineup with veterans VanHouten and Van Hofwegen, now-healthy sharpshooter Wienkers, and Wright and Harward, who were standouts late last season, should make the Bayhawks competitive on a nightly basis and dangerous come playoff time.
Coach Brad McKay’s quote: “I’m excited to see where this group goes. We have not played a lot together; with all the guys in new roles, it will be interesting to see what we can accomplish. We should be able to provide some exciting nights in the gym.”
Senior Josiah Weeda
Blaine Borderites
Last season: 4-17 overall, 2-13 in NWC
Top returnees: Abdul Kanagie (Sr.), Jacob Dohner (Sr.), Josiah Weeda (Sr.), Kai Kerwin (Jr.), Landon Melton (Jr.)
Top newcomers: Beckum Bleazard (Sr.), , Landon Brown (So.)
Outlook: The Borderites will be running new systems under first-year coach Chas Kok that proved successful during his stint at Burlington-Edison. All-Whatcom Hoops forward Weeda has recovered from the injury that cut short his breakout season, and he will be a key on offense along with Kanagie and Melton, both of whom finished strong last year. Expect the Borderites to be among the most improved teams by season’s end.
Coach Chas Kok’s quote: “The Borderites will be successful if we can commit to being for others, making the extra pass, and doing the little things no one sees without hesitation. Practices so far have been really upbeat, competitive, and a collaborative learning experience. I’m excited to see what we will look like in February if practices and buy-in continue at the level it has been early.”
Junior Mantaj Singh
Ferndale Golden Eagles
Last season: 7-14 overall, 6-9 in NWC
Top returnees: Lincoln Thomas (Sr.), Mantaj Singh (Jr.), Jonah Brillowsky (Sr.), Hunter Willis (Sr.)
Top newcomers: Tommy Mack (Sr.), Cooper Vincent (Jr.), Raj Grewal (Sr.), Kaveer Dhillon (Jr.)
Outlook: After improving by six wins last season under first-year coach Luke DuChesne, the Golden Eagles are looking to take another big step forward this season. The building blocks are there with scoring machine Singh, big man Brillowsky, and defender supreme Thomas back, and a group of experienced and athletic upperclassmen returning.
Coach Luke DuChesne’s quote: “The Golden Eagles have a lot of returners and are looking to be a competitive, tough team that will give each opponent their best effort. We are excited to get on the court.”
Senior Tony Abrams
Lummi Nation Blackhawks
Last season: 24-3 overall, 11-0 in Northwest 1B, Class 1B sixth at state
Top returnees: Jerome Toby Jr. (Jr.), Tony Abrams (Sr.), Dyson Edwards (So.), Karson Revey (Sr.), Trevon Lee (Sr.), Deandre James (So.), Landon LaFontaine (So.)
Top newcomers: Tracy Powell (Jr.)
Outlook: Earning a state trophy would be a highlight for most programs, but sixth at state was a disappointment for the Blackhawks last season when they were top-ranked for most of the season before injuries derailed their 1B title hopes. They will get another chance this season with a typical Lummi team — fullcourt pressing and high-scoring. Led by all-state point guard Toby, bruising Abrams, sharp-shooting Edwards, and athletic Revey, they’ll be experienced and hungry to return to Spokane.
Coach Jerome Toby’s quote: “I look forward to seeing if this group of Blackhawks can play up to its potential. We have gym rats and very coachable young men.”
Senior Brant Heppner
Lynden Lions
Last season: 25-4 overall, 14-1 in NWC, Class 2A state champions
Top returnees: Brant Heppner (Sr.), Jack Stapleton (Sr.)
Top newcomers: Spencer Adams (Jr.), Gordy Bedlington (So.), Ty Jorgenson (Jr.), Malachi Koenen (Jr.), Malachi Bowman (Jr.)
Outlook: Will the Golden Era ever end for the green and gold? Lynden has five state titles in the past six tournaments and top-three finishes in 11 of the past 12 state tourneys. But the Lions haven’t had to rebuild like this season. Fortunately, they can start with all-stater Heppner and Stapleton, two of the best forwards in the league. If Lynden can once again produce the shooters and ballhandlers, especially in the backcourt, the Lions’ string of state success should continue.
Coach Brian Roper’s quote: “Our guys are hungry to make their own mark and establish their own legacy. Our off-season commitment in the gym and weight room has been terrific. The coaches love working with these guys.”
Senior Gannon Dykstra
Lynden Christian Lyncs
Last season: 24-3 overall, 13-2 in NWC, Class 1A third at state
Top returnees: Gannon Dykstra (Sr.), Luke Van Kooten (Sr.), Dawson Hintz (So.), Kaden Veldman (So.)
Top newcomers: Boyce Robertson (Jr.), Gunnar Dykstra (So.), Carter Ahlers (Sr.), Eli Maberry (Jr.), Harvest Howell (So.)
Outlook: The Lyncs’ class of 2024 went 11-1 at state, winning two state crowns in addition to third last year. However, with only one returning starter — all-state guard Gannon Dykstra (who has already signed with Biola University) — and no more all-star post players inside, LC will be relatively short and inexperienced this season. But despite a late start because of the football team’s playoff run and some early-season injuries, don’t feel too sorry for the Lyncs. They’ll be quick, athletic, and able to shoot with any team in the state. If they can survive December, they will be dangerous in March.
Coach Tim Zylstra’s quote: “We have our work cut out for us, and lots of newcomers will have to step up for us. Everyone that’s part of our program knows what our standards are. Now, we have to put the work in to meet and exceed those standards to become a good team. It’s a whole new challenge, and we’re looking forward to seeing where that takes this group.”
Senior Talon Jenkins
Meridian Trojans
Last season: 14-12 overall, 6-9 in NWC, Class 1A state appearance
Top returnees: Talon Jenkins (Sr.), Jaeger Fyfe (Sr.), James Hedahl (Sr.)
Top newcomers: Canyon James (Sr.), Damion Hayes (Jr.), Pierce Brzozowski (So.), Nate Payne (So.), Trey Alexander (So.), Matt Blankenburg (Jr.), Brock Haugen (Sr.)
Outlook: A buzzer-beating victory at district propelled the Trojans to state last season, and it may take another exciting playoff run to return. Fortunately, Meridian has two of the most exciting players in the NWC — all-Whatcom Hoops guards Jenkins and Fyfe — who can drive or shoot the 3 with the best of them. The key will be incorporating inexperienced youngsters with potential and being able to battle inside with the league’s bigs.
Coach Shane Stacy’s quote: “I feel very fortunate to be able to be around these coaches and players every day. Good school, good kids, and good parents. These kids work hard and are receptive to coaching. I am looking forward to watching our younger role players emerge throughout the year. We will depend heavily on them.”
Junior Carter Hill
Mount Baker Mounties
Last season: 4-19 overall, 1-14 in NWC
Top returnees: Luke Smith (Sr.), Carter Hill (Jr.), Kell Reardon (So.), Darius Gilstrap (Sr.), Jordan Bailey (Jr.)
Top newcomers: Cole Lukes (Sr.), Peyton Abitia (Jr.), Chris Armbright (Sr.)
Outlook: While the young Mounties took their lumps last year, their improvement by season’s end and the return of almost all their key players will mean them delivering more lumps this year. Hill, Smith, and Reardon were all-Whatcom Hoops selections and give the athletic Mounties a balanced attack. Mount Baker is deep and experienced, which makes it dangerous even in the ultra-competitive Class 1A field.
Coach Tony Clark’s quote: “We are an athletic and competitive team that will work hard every night. We will continue to be aggressive and look to execute on both ends of the court.”
Senior Brady Ackerman
Nooksack Valley Pioneers
Last season: 12-12 overall, 7-8 in NWC
Top returnees: Brady Ackerman (Sr.), Caden Heutink (Sr.), Cory Olney (Sr.), Tristan Kamphouse (Sr.), Cole Coppinger (Jr.), Dane Ackerman (So.)
Top newcomers: Lance Van Berkum (Sr.), Westin Silves (Jr.), Owen Wichers (Jr.)
Outlook: Only a last-second district loss last season prevented the Pioneers’ dream of returning to state for the first time since 2011. But the dream could definitely become a reality thanks to a senior class that has been leading Nooksack Valley since they were sophomores. Brady Ackerman and Heutink were all-Whatcom Hoops picks at post and point guard, respectively, and they join Olney and Kamphouse as returning starters. The Pioneers have all the pieces to end the Yakima drought.
Coach Jason Heutink’s quote: “We’re looking forward to this year with a group that has a lot of experience. We believe we can compete with anyone, and we are ready for every challenge. It was a big learning curve for all of us last year; I’m excited to see how we’ve all grown from it.”
Junior Nolan Wright
Sehome Mariners
Last season: 11-12, 7-8 in NWC
Top returnees: Nolan Wright (Jr.), Quincy Tanovan (So.), Cooper McAtee (Sr.), Grady Evans (Sr.)
Top newcomers: Xavier Kelley-Scott (Jr.), Klay Jackson (Jr.), Alex Miller (Jr.), Bane Mitchell (So.), Channer Rusk (So.)
Outlook: The Mariners were already going to be small and inexperienced, and after losing posts Cole Turrell and Carter Duckworth to injuries, the team will be really small and inexperienced. Wright is one of the league’s best guards, Tanovan is an exceptional shooter, and McAtee came off the varsity bench, but the Sehome roster will be filled with 6-foot guards with little big-time experience. Still, if the football team’s success is any indication of Sehome’s desire, don’t count out these Mariners.
Coach Brad Jackson’s quote: “This is an extremely young team, especially from an overall experience standpoint. The attitude is excellent, and they are very competitive. We don’t have much size, so hustle and determination will need to be our calling card. I expect them to be a scrappy, together type team.”
Senior Marcus Nixon
Squalicum Storm
Last season: 9-12 overall, 7-8 in NWC
Top returnees: Marcus Nixon (Sr.), Jaxon Hofer (Sr.), Kai Smith (Sr.), Hunter Calloway (So.), Zachary Watt (Jr.), Cole Burke (Jr.), Ezra Nichols (Sr.), Laki Fagaautau (Jr.)
Outlook: The Storm had an up-and-down last season, which was no surprise since they had no seniors. But now Squalicum has everyone back, including its starting lineup. All-Whatcom Hoops guards Nixon and Calloway can dominate on both ends of the court, and Nichols, Hofer, and Watt head a deep and athletic group for first-year coach David Dunham that is looking to break into the 2A elite.
Coach David Dunham’s quote: “It’s too early to tell how good we can be; our hope is to continue stacking good days in practice and see where we land when it’s all said and done.”
