This past weekend, the Seattle Prep Volleyball team beat Bishop Blanchet to win the District two championship. Seattle Prep will be heading to Kennewick for the 3A state tournament this Friday. We got a chance to talk to one of their key players, Lani Beadle, a Senior Libero, about the season and the upcoming state championships. Check it out after the jump!
Leading up to the final week of the regular season, Prep was good, but just couldn't quite beat Eastside Catholic and Blanchet. But then you guys beat Eastside and went on to beat Blanchet in the Metro and District playoffs. What changed, how were you guys able to dominate these teams when it counted the most?
As a team, we didn't look at Blanchet or Eastside Catholic any differently than we do any other in our league. We knew what we needed to do to in order to reach our goals. Rather than focusing our attention on the opponent, we focused on ourselves and how we could improve our game. We minimized errors, played TOGETHER, and had fun. Prep has something a lot of teams don't and that is PURE TEAM CHEMISTRY.
Is that something your coaches have been preaching, focusing on yourselves and not your opponent? How does the team keep things in perspective and still able to have "fun" when considering the high-stakes games this team has been in?
Yes, our coaches have emphasized this from the beginning of the season and it seems more relevant now than ever before. To answer your second question, we feed off the intensity and love of the game. We love playing with each other and that makes it fun. Every person on our team is very competitive and when we have to fight to win, it makes the game 100x better and fun for all of us.
Was this special team chemistry always present since the beginning of the season? Or has it slowly progressed to where the team is now?
The chemistry has always been there. As the season continues, we have just become closer and closer as a team. Our coach always tells us that we are a team of 14 and we win/lose as a team.
How have you yourself grown into a leader on this team? Take me through your four years in the Prep Volleyball program.
I have grown tremendously as leader due to the prep volleyball program. The coaches have taught me what I can do to encourage my teammates and to lead by example. I entered the volleyball program as an awkward freshman playing outside hitter for the C-Team at Prep. My sophomore year I made the transition onto varsity as a libero and from then on I continued to play libero for Prep. Being on the team for three years has helped me determine what kind of leadership works and what doesn't.
Did you ever foresee yourself being a senior leader on a team bound for state?
Yes, we have worked hard as a team and "State '09" has remained a long-term goal throughout the season.
What's the future looking like? Do you want to play volleyball at the next level?
I don't know. I am playing club volleyball this season and I guess I will see what happens.
Well, thanks for your time, and good luck in the playoffs.
Thanks Kev, anytime. no comments
Tomorrow night, O'Dea will be in familiar territory as they face off against Liberty in the first round of the 3A state playoffs. O'Dea has been dominant the whole season with a fierce running game and a pain-inducing defense. Two weeks ago they clinched the Metro League title outright.
We got a chance to talk to one of their players that has been instrumental in their success this season, Senior Right Guard, Dominic Salle. Check out the interview after the jump!
First off, congratulations on making the State tournament! What specific aspects of this team make a deep run in State possible?
Thank you, this year we have a very well rounded team. What helps us the most is our depth. We have enough players that very few starters have to play both offense and defense. This is an advantage compared to teams that have most of their starters play both ways.
Would you say that was a weakness of the team last year?
I would not say that was a weakness of last year's team, we did have a couple more starters playing both ways but not many more. What hurt us the most last season was our injuries. We had to deal with many injuries to key players all throughout the season.
Who are some of the key players on this team?
All of the offensive and defensive lines are key. A couple of our key skill position players are Gabe Lee (QB,DB), Devante Curry (TE,DE), Keenan Forch (RB), Michael Martin (RB), Zach Fogerson (RB,LB), Jerry Jordan (LB), and Conner Lane (LB) along with the rest of our starters that have all been doing a great job.
How is it playing with Zach with knowing that you're playing with a D1 recruit?
Zach is a great player and a huge contributor to our team. On the field I honestly dont think about the fact that he is a D1 player, he is my teammate just like everyone else on the team. We all work together as one unit not worrying about who is playing D1 or not.
You've improved markedly since your freshman year, what do you credit this improvement to?
Nothing but hard work. I spent a ton of time lifting and preparing in the offseasons with my teammates and it has paid off.
What has kept you motivated?
My sophomore year we made it to the state championship and barely lost, ever since then my goal has been to get back and win it. I want my senior year to end with both a metro and state title, that is what has kept me motivated.
If you could compare yourself to one college or pro player, who would it be, and why?
I have never really compared myself to a college or pro player. I have always been a huge fan of Olin Kreutz of the Chicago Bears as a lineman that I look up to.
Do you plan on playing football in college?
I would like to play football in college if the opportunity comes, most likely at a Division III or NAIA school.
Well, thanks for your time and good luck in the playoffs!
Thanks Kevin no comments
Tanner Riley will be entering his final season of basketball at Mount Si. Next year, Riley will be playing basketball at the University of Portland. He was ranked number eight on our player rankings last week. We got a chance to talk to Riley about his basketball career so far, this upcoming season, and his future at Portland. Check out our interview with him after the jump!
What is your mindset like going into your final season of high school basketball?
I want to make the most of it, doing everything I can to go as far as I think the team can. I expect nothing less but to be in the state championship.
Besides yourself, who are some key returners on Mount Si that will help make this goal a possibility?
We have 8 seniors this season that all have varsity experience. I think our senior leadership and experience will be huge. Luke Zupan and Zander Nelson are the two other captians and will be a huge part of our success this year.
How was your off-season? Are you fully recovered from your ankle injury?
My off-season after my injury kinda sucked. However, it was good for me at the same time. I did a lot of rehabbing and lifting and really got the chance to sit back for a couple months and watch the game from the sideline. This really helped me understand the game even more. I would say my ankle is feeling a lot better but not quite a 100% probably like 90%, it is taking a lot longer than I expected, but I will be ready to go in our first game.
I understand you played for Friends of Hoop for the past couple of years, how was it playing with an AAU team with so much talent? What are you going to miss most about AAU basketball?
FOH was great for me, it is a lot more different playing with people just as good if not better than you. Practices were extremely competitve and you got a lot better going up against your teamates every practice. Our team was expecially cool because egos were put aside and we really played together and became really close as a team. We ended up beating some of the most talented teams in the country because of the way we played together. It really is a great program, just look at our starting five who are all playing D1 next year.What I will miss most about AAU and FOH are the trips we got to go on and the competition we got to play against. I became really close with all of those guys.
Who was the starting five for FOH? Who was the best player you've ever defended?
Our starting five was Aaron Bright, Joe Harris, Ryan Nicholas, John Gage, and Me. In Atlanta we played Team Elite and I matched up with Brandon Knight for half the game, I would say he is the hardest player I've ever had to defend.
What would you say is your biggest strength as a basketball player?
My biggest strength I would say is my stroke, all around shooting mid range and long range.
If you could compare yourself to a current college player or NBA player, who would it be?
I have always seen me as playing like OJ Mayo. He just can shoot it and is athletic enough that he can finish at the hole and create for himself.
We recently ranked the top players in the state, check it out. Are there any players we missed out on? Any underrated players that you think are going to have breakout seasons this year? How do you feel about where you're ranked?
Yes I've seen it. I think Isiah Umapig will have a break out year, he really impressed me this summer how poised he was. I think where I am ranked is right on. The players ahead of me all have been just as successful as me if not more and have got a bunch of credit for it. I think the top ten is pretty right on. The top eight could go any way.
Why did you choose Portland? Did you have any other offers on the table?
Yes I had offers from Portland, Eastern Washington, Portland State, Seattle U, and University of Montana. Three more schools were getting to the point to offering me. I chose Portland because they have great coaches. I think the WCC is a great conference with some great teams. The Portland program is on the uprise and it's a great school academically. It felt like a great fit for me.
Well, thanks for your time, and good luck this season!
Anytime Kevin no comments
The high school basketball season is officially under way! We got a chance to talk to one of the state's top guards, Shelby Lyman from Archbishop Murphy. Lyman will be heading off to Cornell next season to play basketball. Check out our interview with her after the jump!
What individual and team goals do you have entering this basketball season?
As a team we want to win another Cascade Conference title and another District 1 title, and then hopefully make a run at the State Tournament and get a trophy. Also we want to learn from last year, like what we did to be successful and how we can improve on things that maybe weren’t as good as they should have been. As far as individual goals go, I just want to do what I can to get the team a win. Also I want to push this team to improve and become the best we can be.
Who is your main competition in the league this year?
Kings should be pretty good this year, they have some starters coming back and a new coach. Also Sultan is returning their top score and some core players as well.
Did you do anything this off season to prepare for this upcoming season, your senior year?
I ran cross country this year to come into the season in better shape and I went to the gym and did some lifting and agality stuff. I got a lot of shots up this offseason and spent a lot of time working on my ball handling, mainly moving the ball quicker.
What would you say is your biggest strength as a basketball player?
My shooting and my ball handling.
Are there any particular college players or pro players that you model your game after?
I loved watching JJ Redick play while he was at Duke. Each year he added something to his game and became a complete player and a great leader and that is what I have tried to do while at Murphy. I took a lot of things I watched him do and tried to intergrated them into my game. Like coming off screens and I watched how he created his on shot.
So why did you choose Cornell, were you getting recruited by any other colleges?
Yes, I was. I narrowed my choices to Whitman and Cornell, but I also had interest from Rochester and Seattle Pacific. I chose Cornell because of the education, they have a great business program which was one of the things I was looking for in a school. Also the team and the coaches reminded me of the Murphy team and coaching staff so I felt comfortable when I was on my visit. Another reason why I decided on Cornell was because of location. I want to go away for school just to experience living in another part of the country.
Well, thanks for your time Shelby, and good luck this season!
Thanks! no comments
Junior Hikeem Stewart will be a critical player for Rainier Beach this season. With the departures of D'Vonne Pickett and Corey Stern, Stewart will be a one of the first scoring options on Rainier Beach along with teammate Jaamon Echols. He was ranked as one of the players to watch in our player rankings We got a chance to talk to Stewart about his basketball career so far. Check out our interview with him after the jump!
What are your team and individual goals for this season?
My goal this season is to lead my team to a state title. We're trying to go undefeated this season. My individual goal is to average a double double on points and assists.
Who are some key players on Rainier Beach this yourself besides yourself and Lonnie Pearson? Any under-the radar guys people should watch out for?
We have Kadeem Stewart my brother who is lightning quick, then we have Jaamon Echols who can score in bunches. We also have Jeffery Perkins who is super athletic and a monster on the boards, he is very valuable to the team.
Speaking of brothers, what are Lodrick and Rodrick up to?
They are hooping overseas; both are doing good over there. Rodrick is the leading scorer of in his league, they should be in the NBA next year. It's great having them as big brothers they give me alot of advice on recruiting and stuff so it's cool to know I have them as a resource.
Where exactly are they playing? How often do you talk to them?
In Finland. I talk to them everyday on Facebook and update them on how I'm playing how I'm doing in school and things like that.
What's it like having your brother Kadeem on the team?
Me and Kadeem play off each other on the court. It's fun because I always know where he is on the court and he always knows where I'm at. We feed off one another when we're on the court together.
Do you play for an AAU team? If so, for who?
I play for Friends of Hoop. I practiced whit the top team but played with the second team. I played with Michael Washington from Oak Harbor, he's pretty good, Nate Sikma from Bellevue, he's real fundamental, and Anthony Bowden who is super athletic from Franklin Pierce.
Who is the best player you have ever had to guard? Who in your opinion is the best player in the metro league?
The best player I had to guard was Peyton Siva, he was so crafty with the ball. I think that we have 3 of the best players in metro on my team; myself, Lonnie Pearson, and Jaamon Echols. We are going to be very hard to guard.
If you could compare yourself to one NBA/college player who would it be and why?
I would say Brandon Roy because he's so smooth and makes great plays with and without the ball. I try to add his basketball IQ and skills to my game.
What's the future looking like? Are any colleges interested?
Washington St., Washington ,Seattle U, Santa Clara, Gonzaga, and UNLV. It's a very long list right now. I'm undecided , there are some more big time programs that are recruiting me.
Is there anything else you'd like to say?
To all the fans: Rainier Beach basketball is back!
Check out the rest of our interviews here! no comments
This year, the Seattle Prep football team surprised a lot of people this season, finishing 3rd in metro and clinching a berth in Districts. Although they loss at Districts, this team is on the rise. One of the key components was Senior wide receiver, Sam Angelo. Check out our interview with him after the jump!
Why did you choose to just start playing football last year?
I started playing last year because basketball wasn't working out and I have always wanted to play. Coach Roehl saw my athleticism and encouraged me to come out and play. I did and had fun so I decided to come out my senior year even though I was just starting to understand the game.
What has been your favorite part about playing?
My favorite part was learning from last year's seniors and anticipating my senior year where I hoped to be a lead role on the offense. I really enjoyed having a year to learn the game, which I felt was key to acheiving my hopes of being a regular contributor to our offense as a senior. My favorite part was learning from last year's seniors and anticipating my senior year where I hoped to be a lead role on the offense. I really enjoyed having a year to learn the game, which I felt was key to acheiving my hopes of being a regular contributor to our offense as a senior.
What did you do to become the leader on the field like you have this season?
It was a combination of the weightroom, passing tournaments, camps, and coaching. I was playing football every opportunity I got, working to get better. Coach Roarbach, the new receivers coach this year, forced me to perfect the "swim move" which allowed me to beat guys off the line and result in some big plays. He also taught me better footwork which gave me better position to make a play on the ball, no matter where it was.
What would you say are your biggest strengths as a football player?
I think my biggest strengths are my speed, footwork, vertical and ability to get to the right spot to make the catch, even if the ball is not thrown on target.
Are there any particular recievers you model your game after?
I think in some ways I model my game after Wes Welker. This is because he is not the biggest or the fastest, but he runs sharp routes, has great hands in traffic and he fights for extra yards.
Seattle Prep surprised a lot of people this season by finishing 3rd in metro and making the district playoffs. What do you credit the team's success to?
I credit the success to the coaches. We added several new coaches this year, but more importantly Coach Clawson was back for his second year as head coach and was determined to bring success back to the program. The practices were more organized, there was more time spent in the weightroom, and the players worked hard to improve from last season
I know you play Wide out, but do you play on Special teams or defense at all?
In addition to wide receiver I played on kickoff return, gunner on kickoff and punt and was a backup corner. no comments
Why did you choose to just start playing football last year?
I started playing last year because basketball wasn't working out and I have always wanted to play. Coach Roehl saw my athleticism and encouraged me to come out and play. I did and had fun so I decided to come out my senior year even though I was just starting to understand the game.
What has been your favorite part about playing?
My favorite part was learning from last year's seniors and anticipating my senior year where I hoped to be a lead role on the offense. I really enjoyed having a year to learn the game, which I felt was key to acheiving my hopes of being a regular contributor to our offense as a senior. My favorite part was learning from last year's seniors and anticipating my senior year where I hoped to be a lead role on the offense. I really enjoyed having a year to learn the game, which I felt was key to acheiving my hopes of being a regular contributor to our offense as a senior.
What did you do to become the leader on the field like you have this season?
It was a combination of the weightroom, passing tournaments, camps, and coaching. I was playing football every opportunity I got, working to get better. Coach Roarbach, the new receivers coach this year, forced me to perfect the "swim move" which allowed me to beat guys off the line and result in some big plays. He also taught me better footwork which gave me better position to make a play on the ball, no matter where it was.
What would you say are your biggest strengths as a football player?
I think my biggest strengths are my speed, footwork, vertical and ability to get to the right spot to make the catch, even if the ball is not thrown on target.
Are there any particular recievers you model your game after?
I think in some ways I model my game after Wes Welker. This is because he is not the biggest or the fastest, but he runs sharp routes, has great hands in traffic and he fights for extra yards.
Seattle Prep surprised a lot of people this season by finishing 3rd in metro and making the district playoffs. What do you credit the team's success to?
I credit the success to the coaches. We added several new coaches this year, but more importantly Coach Clawson was back for his second year as head coach and was determined to bring success back to the program. The practices were more organized, there was more time spent in the weightroom, and the players worked hard to improve from last season
I know you play Wide out, but do you play on Special teams or defense at all?
In addition to wide receiver I played on kickoff return, gunner on kickoff and punt and was a backup corner. no comments
Junior Brett Kingma from Jackson High School is one of the best shooters in the state of Washington. Along with Seattle Pacific bound Ryan Todd and transfer Marshall Massengale, Kingma helps form one of the top back courts in the state. He was ranked number 12 in our statewide player rankings. We got a chance to talk to Kingma about the current season and his future playing basketball. Check out our interview with him after the jump!
What are your team and individual goals for this season?
Our goal as a team is to win a state championship. We've been thinking about that ever since we were young and this is possibly our best chance to do it. My personal goal is to lead my team and make sure that we accomplish our team goal. I feel like my scoring will come if I get other guys involved.
Who will be your biggest competition this year in Wesco?
Our biggest competition looks to be the 3A schools Meadowdale, Glacier Peak, and Shorecrest, but we can't overlook the 4A teams either because they are the teams we are battling with for the first seed in districts for WesCo South. We are not going to overlook anybody but instead take it one game at a time.
What would you say is your team's biggest strength?
We are a really fast and athletic team full of shooters and guys that are basketball savvy.
Besides you and Ryan Todd, who are some other players that will surprise some people this season?
Marshall Massengale will help us out a ton with his ability to do a little bit of everything including locking down the other team's best scorer. Austin O'keefe and Mike Wishko are two big guys that never get much credit but are really tough players that know how to rebound and play physical, not to mention that both of them have range out to the 3 point line and will hit shots consistently.
Are you still rocking a mohawk or are you going with a regular cut this season?
I'm growing my hair out to kind of shake things up a little bit and get that Matt Bouldin look.
Nice. Are there any current/former college or NBA players you model your game after?
I idolize Stephen Curry because I feel that our games are very similar and he proved that you can get to the highest level by showing an incredible ability to score, and how tremendously basketball savvy he is. He just plays the right way.
I know you're only a junior, but what's the situation looking like for college? What schools are showing interest? Do you have any scholarship offers?
Most of the Pac-10 and other schools on the west coast are showing interest, including Ivy League schools on the east coast. I have about 10 offers or so and look to pick up a lot more throughout this season and spring. I'm looking to make a decision sometime in the summer.
Are you 100% recovered from your injury last season?
Yeah, at times it feels a little awkward because I still don't have full pronation but it's pretty close to 100%. Sometimes subconciously I think I tend to try to stay away from any oppurtunity of falling on it because I still have a plate and six screws supporting my bone.
Did you do anything different this off season compared to past years, besides rehab?
I was on a pretty heavy weight lifting routine, something that was pretty new to me but has helped a ton. I was back at the gym every day working to fix my ball handling and shooting in order to be in the best form for this season.
I understand you play for ECBA, who is in the starting lineup?
Last year it was me, Chris McGrath from Cascade, Simi Fajemisin from Lynnwood, Conner Hamlett from Meadowdale, and Zack Johnson from Stanwood.
Who is the best player you've ever had to guard?
Probably Avery Bradley from Bellarmine Prep during the summer after my freshman year.
Thanks for your time.
Thanks for the interview!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI--0h2gdaA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1] no comments
What are your team and individual goals for this season?
Our goal as a team is to win a state championship. We've been thinking about that ever since we were young and this is possibly our best chance to do it. My personal goal is to lead my team and make sure that we accomplish our team goal. I feel like my scoring will come if I get other guys involved.
Who will be your biggest competition this year in Wesco?
Our biggest competition looks to be the 3A schools Meadowdale, Glacier Peak, and Shorecrest, but we can't overlook the 4A teams either because they are the teams we are battling with for the first seed in districts for WesCo South. We are not going to overlook anybody but instead take it one game at a time.
What would you say is your team's biggest strength?
We are a really fast and athletic team full of shooters and guys that are basketball savvy.
Besides you and Ryan Todd, who are some other players that will surprise some people this season?
Marshall Massengale will help us out a ton with his ability to do a little bit of everything including locking down the other team's best scorer. Austin O'keefe and Mike Wishko are two big guys that never get much credit but are really tough players that know how to rebound and play physical, not to mention that both of them have range out to the 3 point line and will hit shots consistently.
Are you still rocking a mohawk or are you going with a regular cut this season?
I'm growing my hair out to kind of shake things up a little bit and get that Matt Bouldin look.
Nice. Are there any current/former college or NBA players you model your game after?
I idolize Stephen Curry because I feel that our games are very similar and he proved that you can get to the highest level by showing an incredible ability to score, and how tremendously basketball savvy he is. He just plays the right way.
I know you're only a junior, but what's the situation looking like for college? What schools are showing interest? Do you have any scholarship offers?
Most of the Pac-10 and other schools on the west coast are showing interest, including Ivy League schools on the east coast. I have about 10 offers or so and look to pick up a lot more throughout this season and spring. I'm looking to make a decision sometime in the summer.
Are you 100% recovered from your injury last season?
Yeah, at times it feels a little awkward because I still don't have full pronation but it's pretty close to 100%. Sometimes subconciously I think I tend to try to stay away from any oppurtunity of falling on it because I still have a plate and six screws supporting my bone.
Did you do anything different this off season compared to past years, besides rehab?
I was on a pretty heavy weight lifting routine, something that was pretty new to me but has helped a ton. I was back at the gym every day working to fix my ball handling and shooting in order to be in the best form for this season.
I understand you play for ECBA, who is in the starting lineup?
Last year it was me, Chris McGrath from Cascade, Simi Fajemisin from Lynnwood, Conner Hamlett from Meadowdale, and Zack Johnson from Stanwood.
Who is the best player you've ever had to guard?
Probably Avery Bradley from Bellarmine Prep during the summer after my freshman year.
Thanks for your time.
Thanks for the interview!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI--0h2gdaA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1] no comments
University of Portland-bound Senior Ryan Nicholas from Gonzaga Prep is arguably the best big man in the state of Washington. Nicholas has led his Bullpups to a No. 2 ranking the 4A classification. He was ranked number nine in our statewide player rankings. We got a chance to talk to Nicholas about the current season and his future playing basketball. Check out our interview with him after the jump!
Gonzaga Prep has been pretty successful so far this season, what do you credit the success to and what is different about this year's team compared to last year's team?
Our success this year can be attributed to the trust each of us have in one another. We know that the other four guys on the court will do their job and that makes it much easier to get your own job taken care of. Last year we started four seniors and that has been cut back to two this year. We are a much younger team, but the young guys have really stepped up big so far this season as I knew they would.
Who are some the younger guys that have stepped up their games this year?
The three that first come to mind are Parker Kelly (Junior), Chris Sarbaugh (Junior) and TJ Bracey (Sophomore). Chris and TJ have done a great job at the pointguard position by handling the pressure teams have been throwing at us. Parker is our best shooter and has made some big threes for us throughout the season.
How has your game developed in your four years at Gonzaga Prep? Take me back to your freshman season.
Since my freshman season I have put on roughly 60 pounds, which has allowed me to become a more physical player. I have also worked to increase my shooting range and ballhandling skills. The coaches at Gonzaga Prep continually stress the importance of defense in the game of basketball, so practices include a good amount of defense drills and the coaches make sure proper technique is taught. Working on this aspect of my game for the past four years has made me a much better defender.
What would you say are your biggest strengths as a player?
I would say what makes me the most valuable is the fact that I always give everything I have from tipoff to the final buzzer. I feel that I run the court well and work to get a hand on every rebound.
Are there any areas of your game you are looking to still improve?
Definitely. I want to improve my lateral quickness and defensive footspeed along with my shooting range and ballhandling. I feel that these are areas that can really help elevate my game.
Is there a certain college or pro player that you model your game after?
I watch a lot of film on Hakeem Olajuwon because he has the best post footwork I have ever seen and I'd like to incorporate some of his moves into my game. I also love watching Clemson's Travis Booker play because he never stops competiting, and that something I admire. In reality, however, I just try to play my game and work to become the best player I can be.
Who is the best team you've faced in your opinion this season and/or in your past seasons?
Last year we lost in overtime to Garfield in the State Tournament and they were the best team I have had the opportunity to play against so far in highschool. Along with Tony Wroten they had a solid inside game along with good supplementary guards.
Who is the best player you've ever had to guard?
Josh Smith without a doubt. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to play against a lot of great players this summer with Friends of Hoop, but none were as difficult to guard as Josh.
So why did you choose Portland? Did you have any offers from other colleges?
My other offer was from Eastern Washington, but I was in contact with Montana, Montana State, Seattle U, NAU, Cal Poly and Portland State. I decided to commit before the major Summer tournaments because I knew right away that Portland was the place for me. The coaches are great and have been together for multiple years and I see myself fitting into their system very well.
Thanks for your time Ryan. Good luck with the rest of the season.
Thank you Mr. Cacabelos, it was nice talking with you. no comments
Daniel Cheledinas is one of the scorers at the high school level in Washington. Cheledinas is currently leading his King's high school team alongside teammate Ryan Hoff. These two players will most likely get to showcase their talent at the 1A State tournament if their team plays up to its potential. We got a chance to talk to Cheledinas about his season so far. Check out the interview after the jump!
First off, congrats on your season so far. What were some personal and team goals you set at the start of the season?
Our goal as a team this season is to win a State Championship. We've been working hard for this season all through the Summer and fall to give ourselves an advantage, so hopefully it pays off in the end with a championship. My personal goal is to be an all around player and do whatever my team needs me to do to win.
How has the season been going so far? Do you guys look like you're on track to take the championship?
Our season started off on a high note with big victories over Blanchet and Archbishop Murphy. From there we went on to play some great competition in California which gave us valuable experience for the rest of our season. Unfortunately recently we came down with two injuries to two of our key players. Fortunately we still have a large portion of the season so playing without them will make us a better team in the end. We still have a long way to go to get to where we want to be at the end of the season but if we keep working hard we can do it.
Why do you have such a great passion for basketball?
I have such great passion for basketball because it is a sport that I have always played since I was little and it is the one I eventually picked over others when I got to high school and needed to narrow down what sports I participated in.
Who is your biggest competition in the league this season?
In the Cascade conference, the league we play in, our biggest competition is Coupeville because they are they only on other 1A team besides us in our league. In the state our biggest competition this year is going to be Vashon Island. They are the defending state champs and have players that create matchup problems for us.
What is it going to take to beat the defending state champs?
To beat the defending champs we are going to have to get better as a team in every game we play this season. We are also going to have to have to keep our composure in the fourth quarter of games, something we havent been doing very well recently.
Who is the best player you've ever played against or played with?
Over the years I have played with many good players. The best high school player I have played with was probably josh smith from kentwood. One of the best shooters I have ever played against was Garrison Carr from Issaquah high school who played at American University a few years ago.
What's the college situation looking like?
I have some schools on the west coast taking interest in me. I'll probably make a decision sometime after the season on what I am going to do next year.
Thanks for your time Dan.
No problem.
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University of Montana-bound Senior Michael Weisner is one of the best kept secrets in the state preps basketball scene. Weisner is currently leading his Walla Walla team alongside teammate Gary Winston. These two players will most likely get to showcase their talent at the 3A State tournament if their team plays up to its potential. We got a chance to talk to Weisner about his season so far. Check out the interview after the jump!
How's your season gone so far? Did you set any goals as a team or yourself personally?
So far our season is going well. As of now we are in first in our league and are proud of that. We lost a couple of really close games earlier in the season, but since then we have been playing good basketball. Last year we made it to state and our team goal was to get back there and to place there. Individually, as a leader, it is my goal to take my team to state and place and also to be recognized as a player that works hard in every aspect of the game.
What's it like to play with another great talent like Gary Winston?
I've been playing with Gary for four years now for our high school and also in the summers and it's been a lot of fun. It's a good combination having both him and me on the same team so they can't focus on just one of us. It's always fun playing with a player of his status, and I wish him the best of luck at U of I next year.
What would you say are some of your biggest strengths as a basketball player?
My shooting ability is my biggest strength, I also think I'm good at setting people up for their shots. I also love to compete and I hate losing and I think that helps me as a player.
Off the top of your head, who are the best players you've ever played against?
That's hard to say. I've played against a lot of really good players during the summers in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, but for sure Josh Smith and Peyton Siva, and John Stockton...that guy can still play.
Is there a certain pro or college player you model your game after?
Not necessarily. I like to take bits and pieces from a lot of different players, but if I had to choose one it would be Manu Ginobili because he's left handed like me and he's crafty with the ball and can shoot and those are things I also like to do.
Kamiakan, Eisenhower, and Richland have all made things really interesting in the Big 9. What's your opinion on the strength of the league this year?
The Big 9 this year is really good. I've been playing varsity basketball for three years and this year is by far the best it has been yet. There are no easy games in our side of the league this year, it's been really competitive.
Why did you choose to sign and play for Montana? Were you being recruited by any other colleges?
I was recruited by WSU, Portland State, Montana State, and Portland and Utah State for a little bit. Eastern Washington and Montana were my offers, I chose Montana because it was my favorite out of any of the school I just mentioned. I really like the school and the community/fan base there. The coaches are probably the main part though, they can guide me and coach me to have a good career there.
Did you play AAU last summer?
Yes, my team was higher hoops. I played with Gary Winston, David Stockton, and some other players who went and are going on to play college football. We went to local tournaments as well as ones in Las Vegas and L.A.
Thanks for your time Michael.
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