Coupeville Sports

Jonathan Valenzuela (left) and Scott Hilborn played in All-Star games Thursday in Anacortes. (Photos courtesy Jon Roberts)

One more time on the diamond, but with a twist.

Coupeville High School seniors Jonathan Valenzuela and Scott Hilborn were on opposing teams Thursday night in Anacortes.

The duo played in the Northwest Regional Feeder All-Star Games, one of a series of events held to decide players picked to participate in the All-State series June 23-25 in Yakima.

Drawing from a pool of 300 players from across all classifications (4A-1B), invites will go out to 72 diamond men when rosters are set June 5.

Thursday night, Hilborn and Valenzuela suited up with players from 18 other schools, including a pair from next-door neighbor Oak Harbor.

Each team gets a Wolf of its own.

Other schools saw their players grouped together on the same team, but Coupeville’s stars landed on opposite sides, with Hilborn repping the American team and Valenzuela playing for the National squad.

Both won, with the American team pulling out a 5-3 victory in the opener, before the National lineup rebounded for a 4-1 triumph in the nightcap.

Hilborn pitched in the opener, tossing two innings on the mound, while also finding time to wear a pitch while being plunked.

Game two saw Valenzuela playing second base and eking out a walk at the plate, while his CHS classmate manned shortstop for the opposing squad.

Hilborn helped turn a pair of double plays, while also getting to gun down Valenzuela on a chopper to short.

The All-Star games come on the heels of standout seasons from the duo, who led Coupeville to a Northwest 2B/1B League title, a 17-6 record, and the program’s first win at the state tourney since 1987.