Braves Raves
By Amylynn Richards
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
The boys had their first game of the season at home on Saturday, Dec. 5 against 1A team the Blaine Borderites. The Braves won the game 61-35. The game was a “great all-around team effort,” said Coach Scott Novak. Team highlights: Mike Wilbur, 12 points; Landy James, 11 points; Sten Mejlaender, 13 rebounds; DJ Carr, 9 rebounds.
The boys have two away games next week: Friday, Dec. 10 against Adna; and on Saturday, Dec. 11 against Pe Ell. Make plans to see the boys play Cedar Park Christian School on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
FINAL SECONDS – La Conner Braves’ Priscilla Ponce Venegas tries for one final shot as the buzzer signals the end of the girls’ basketball game on Friday. Kelly McClung, number 14, and Katie McKnight, number 34, look on. Lakewood Cougars won 37-31. – Photo by Amylynn Richards
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
There was a large turnout to watch the first home game coached by Marla Quesnell on Friday, Dec. 3 against the 2A League Lakewood Cougars. The Braves played hard, but in the third quarter, the Braves were not able to score. The Cougars took control and the game became intense, keeping the heat on the Braves through the fourth quarter. The Cougars won the game 37-31.
“We couldn’t shoot them out of their zone,” said Coach Quesnell, “they are a 2A school. It was not their first game, so I was happy.”
Team highlights: senior Sammie Miller scored 12 points; junior Nikki Finley, 8 points; junior Priscilla Ponce-Venegas, 7 points; freshman Kelly McClung, 2 points; and freshman Katie McKnight scored 2 points.
The Lady Braves took on the Blaine Borderites, which is a 2A school, on Saturday, Dec. 5. The Borderites won 40-37
“We had some foul trouble early on in the game,” Quesnell said, “a pivotal player, Priscilla, was fouled-out of the game.”
Quesnell had the big picture in mind before the start of either game: to get the girls ready for league play, and put three freshmen on the court during the Blaine match up to help them build confidence and experience before the first league game of the season tonight, away at Friday Harbor.
The Borderites got a lucky break in the final moments of the game, sinking a 3-pointer; the Braves “didn’t have time to get a shot up,” Quesnell said. “I’m happy with our first two games. We played bigger school; and we’re aiming to win league games.”
Team highlights: Katie McKnight scored 16 points; Sammie Miller, 9 points; Priscilla Ponce-Venegas, 8 points; Nikki Finley, 2 points; and Kelly McClung, 2 points.
“Katie found her shot and she was confident with the ball. She was a scorer on Saturday night.”
The next home game will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. against Cedar Park.
WRESTLING
On Saturday, Dec. 5, the La Conner Braves joined much larger schools for a Jamboree on Saturday, Dec. 5 in Stanwood: 4A team Marysville; 4A Stanwood; and 3A Glacier Peak.
Coach Mike Compton said, “The La Conner wrestlers held their own with the big schools. Many of our kids had victories and we had 4 wrestlers in the finals.” Dalton Zavala, Dan Biladeau, and Cameron Wischhusen each earned second place in their weight classes, and Brandon Drye was Jamboree Champion at 215 lbs.
COACH OF THE YEAR
The Braves volleyball coach, Suzanne Marble, was selected again this year as the Northwest 1A/2B League Coach of the Year. She shares the title with Darrington coach Greg Powell.
VALUABLE PLAYER
Senior Lauren McClung was voted the 1A/2B Northwest League Most Valuable Player. McClung shares the title with Darrington’s Hailey Wales.
VOLLEYBALL 1st TEAM
The Braves hold three out of nine possible honor positions for league “First Team,” which is voted upon by coaches in the 1A/2B Northwest League at the end of each season. Senior Lauren McClung was selected as Middle Hitter, senior Candice Pedroza was selected as Setter, and junior Priscilla Ponce-Venegas was selected at Outside Hitter.
For Second Team, junior Emily Anderson was selected Middle Hitter and Kelly McClung as Setter and Right Side Hitter.
Honorable mention went to senior Samie Miller.
The Braves concluded the season as second place in State.
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
The Braves football team was selected for the Northwest League sportsmanship award. Go, Braves!
FOOTBALL
Brandon Drye was selected to the First Team for the 1A/2B Northwest and 2B Seatac leagues All-Opponent Team for the running back position.
Two Braves were named to the Second All-League Offense Team, Cameron Wischhusen, Offensive Line and Travis Silva, Offensive Line.
Honorable Mention Offense Team went to Conner Anderson, Quarterback and Garrett Wilbur, Running Back.
Two Braves were selected for the First Team Defense, Nathan Parker, Defensive Line, and Brandon Drye, Linebacker.
Conner Anderson was selected to the Second Team All-League Defense as Linebacker, and Landy James was selected Defensive Back.
Honorable Mention, All-League Defense Team goes to Mikey Wilbur, Defensive Back.
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