REDMOND MUSTANGS
• Coach: Jeff Larson, seventh season.
• Last season: 5-11 4A Kingco Crest Division, 6-14 overall
• Turnout: 39
TOP RETURNERS
• Sr. Andrew Squiers, guard: Has developed into a solid leader on and off the floor. “He plays as hard as anyone I have ever coached,” according to Larson.
• Jr. Jason Harrington, forward: Very smart player with good instincts, he has worked hard to become more versatile, can play any position.
• Jr. Conner Floan, forward: A much-needed presence in the paint at 6-6. Solid rebounder and has developed a mid-range jumper. Can guard post and perimeter.
KEY NEWCOMERS
• Sr. Alex Brechner, guard: Energetic player with some Varsity experience who is willing to do the little things to be successful.
• Sr. Joe Mercer, forward: Smart player who will provide stability and leadership.
• Jr. Leslie Ellis, guard: Very good basketball instincts and has the ability to change a game with his shooting.
• Jr. Peter Hendron, guard: Poised under pressure and very versatile, can play inside or on the perimeter.
KEY GAME
• Tuesday, Jan. 18 at home vs. Garfield: The Mustangs get to battle the Tony Wroten Express in the form of a Bulldogs team that has been at the state tournament in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The ability to stay competitive in this contest will go a long way to a potential postseason run.
DID YOU KNOW?
Galen Squiers, a 2007 Redmond graduate and older brother of Andrew Squiers, is currently a senior and playing basketball for St. Martin’s University.
THE OVERLAKE SCHOOL OWLS
• Coach: Justin Prohn, 1st season
• Last season: 3-9 in 1A Emerald City League, 8-14 overall
• Turnout: 22
TOP RETURNERS
• Sr. Andrew Donaldson, post: Long, athletic player will provide an inside presence on defense.
• Jr. Cameron Lui, guard: Point guard vastly improved over summer. Will be relied on to take care of the ball and set up scoring chances.
• Jr. Jackson Umberger, wing: Versatile, athletic player had a great summer and may be most improved on the team.
• Jr. Daniel Johnson, guard: Good shooter will provide the team with a “defensive stopper” attitude.
• Jr. Dean Poplawski, guard: Another solid shooter who brings two years of varsity experience to the team.
KEY NEWCOMERS
• Sr. Grant Munoz, guard: All-league soccer and tennis player brings great work ethic and leadership to the hardwood.
• Fr. Will Spencer, post: Tallest player on the team at 6-5, has potential to be an impact player with development.
KEY GAME
• Saturday, Jan. 22, at home vs. Bellevue Christian: This will be the Owls’ second and final regular-season meeting against the Vikings, who are a perennial power in the Emerald City League and return a strong and talented roster.
DID YOU KNOW?
Overlake School athletic director John Wiley stepped down as head coach after 15 years at the helm of the Owl boys’ team last season. Prohn has been Wiley’s assistant since 2004.
COACH’S CORNER
“They’re a great group of players that work hard, want to get better, and are giving it their all so far this season. The team will need to play together, develop team chemistry, and continue to build on skill development throughout the season in order to be successful. Health and teamwork will be the keys for this year’s team and we bring back some experience so it will be interesting to see how well we play this season.” – Head Coach Justin Prohn
THE BEAR CREEK SCHOOL GRIZZLIES
• Coach: Scott Moe, 6th season
• Last season: 11-0 in Sea-Tac 2B League, 26-2 overall, finished 5th at state
• Turnout: 26
TOP RETURNERS
• Sr. Ryan Strandin, forward: 6-6 post player is one of the league’s most formidable inside players. Great work ethic and a “beast” according to Moe.
• Sr. Lucas Peterson, guard: Floor leader and pure shooter will help fill the shoes of graduated star Jamie Meyer.
• Jr. Erik Domas, forward: Big, athletic player down low has shown a lot of improvement.
• Jr. Aaron DiGenova, guard: Great leader in the backcourt will get his chance to shine this season.
• Soph. Gabe Rongve, guard: Quick and athletic, a superb defender.
KEY NEWCOMERS
• Frs. Luke Blankenbeckler, Jesse Leuenberger, Collin Feight, guards: Three young guards can shoot the basketball; they represent the future of the Grizzlies’ program.
KEY GAME
• Friday, Jan. 7 at home vs. Chief Leschi: The first of two meetings against a tough Warriors squad that returns all starters from last season. Very likely that the Grizzlies and Warriors will meet for the league championship.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the past four years, head coach Scott Moe and the Grizzlies have amassed a record of 86-15 (.851) including two state-tournament appearances.
COACH’S CORNER
“We’re young, (but) have a chance to be pretty good by the season’s end.” – Head Coach Scott Moe
