Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Girls Basketball’ Category

Anna Powers (center) enjoys her time as an athlete. (Photos courtesy Kelly Powers)

Anna Powers rarely stops moving.

Or at least it seems that way, as the speedy three-sport athlete finds time to excel in cross country, basketball, and track and field, while also filling her free hours with tons of other activities.

Powers, who will be a freshman at Coupeville High School this fall, “loves taking pictures, shopping, hiking, baking, and going to the pool with my friends.”

Then toss in reading and doing puzzles, plus playing badminton — “I have a net in my back yard, and I play with my family all the time” — plus her involvement in Scouts and theater.

Loppers in hand, Powers clears the trail.

Being a Scouts member has her working on service projects, fine-tuning her culinary skills — “I’m an excellent s’mores maker!” — and backpacking through nature.

Meanwhile her love of musicals brings Anna and big sis Allie to the stage at the Whidbey Playhouse.

The Powers siblings are featured in a production of “Mean Girls Jr.,” and can be seen (and heard) in action between July 19-August 2.

As she juggles her many interests, the outgoing young Wolf has already made a name for herself as an athlete to watch.

Powers ran all three years she was in middle school, capping her 8th grade season of cross country by claiming top two finishes in five of her seven races.

Zipping down trails just seems to come naturally to her.

“My favorite sport is 100% cross country,” Powers said. “I love the people, the competition, the bus rides, and I guess the running.

“Also, my coach, Mrs. (Amber) Wyman was such a good coach; she made the practices fun and silly but also effective.

“Also, fun runs during the summer are a great way to see my friends and get some good exercise.”

Powers has already set goals for her high school harrier career, and, once again, shows a strong balance there.

“I want to go to state for cross country and I want to letter in cross country,” she said. “I also want to have fun!”

As a track and field star, Powers competed in eight different events across three CMS seasons, running relays, clearing the hurdles, chucking the shot put and discus, soaring as a long jumper, and powering through both the 800 and 1600.

Always ready to tackle a new challenge with a positive attitude.

Meanwhile, upholding her commitment to staying busy, she balanced two different basketball teams, playing for both the middle school squad and the high school JV team as an 8th grader.

Powers plans to stay with all three of her sports as she makes the transition to high school, getting something positive out of all her diverse pursuits.

“I like being a part of a team, competing, and having a practice to look forward to after school; the exercise is also a bonus,” she said.

“I hope that doing multiple sports makes me a well-rounded and competitive athlete.”

Through it all, Powers has drawn support from family and friends, and she pays special tribute to her mom, Kelly, for being her go-to person.

“My mother has always been a huge supporter of all my sports,” she said.

“She has been my coach countless times, and she has always helped me whether it be helping me fix my hurdle form or waking up early to make me a breakfast sandwich before school.”

The ever-busy star, momentarily at rest.

Read Full Post »

Zayne Roos rains down buckets against South Whidbey. (Julie Wheat photo)

Zayne Roos is a true daughter of the prairie.

The talented young woman, who will be a freshman at Coupeville High School in the fall, is a sixth-generation member of the Sherman farming clan, meaning she’s connected to about 92% of everyone in Cow Town.

Not surprisingly, that means she has a large fan club guaranteed to follow her athletic exploits with interest.

And Roos, who also finds time to “enjoy writing, reading, crocheting, and hiking,” has been making big strides.

She’s already played at the high school level in both her sports, going to the state tourney as a member of the CHS varsity softball squad this spring.

Before that, she bounced between programs on the hardwood, playing both middle school basketball and suiting up for the high school JV squad as an 8th grader.

Roos plans to keep churning away in both sports, though hoops have the slight edge for now.

“I love both my sports, but my favorite sport is basketball,” she said.

“I’ve played it every year since 4th grade, and love playing with a team. I like the team and individual aspects of it and being able to rely on my teammates.

“Knowing that we are there for each other, on and off the court.”

Roos is proud of her work on the defensive end of the floor in basketball, while being committed to working on her offensive game, “specifically shooting.”

On the diamond, she is looking to “improve overall,” with an eye on being part of successful programs in both sports.

“I’d love to hopefully help both softball and basketball teams go far in their seasons,” Roos said. “And be up there with some of the best basketball players our school has had.

“I’d also love to improve overall, and I hope I can be an inspiration to younger athletes.”

Roos and Co. advanced to the state softball tourney this spring. (Jackie Saia photo)

Roos, who enjoys spending time with her family and friends and tending to her two cats and dog, likes being part of something bigger than just herself.

“Knowing that we are there for each other, on and off the court and field,” she said.

“I also like the physical aspects of both sports, since they keep me disciplined. And I love being able to be outside during softball season.

“I’ve also made a lot of friends through sports, which is fun both during the season and on the off-season.”

Her parents, family, and coaches all get shout-outs from Roos for “being very supportive of me,” and she has a special connection with her teammates.

Two, in particular, have been positive role models for her.

“My teammates always push me to be the best I can,” she said. “And two I respect and learned a lot from, in both basketball and softball, are Ava Lucero and Cami Van Dyke.

“They’ve both helped me improve so much in both sports, and I owe them a lot.”

Read Full Post »

Megan Richter has stepped down as CHS varsity girls’ basketball coach. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

Family is calling.

After taking a season off for maternity leave, Coupeville High School varsity girls’ basketball coach Megan Richter has decided to step away from the hardwood for good.

For now, at least.

Richter, who has led the CHS program since 2021, left open the option of returning to full-time coaching in the future.

But for now, working full-time as a teacher, joining with husband Bennett to raise two rambunctious young kids, and trying to finish her master’s is a lot, and something had to give at the moment.

“It’s been a pretty hard decision to make and I’m pretty sad leaving,” Richter said. “But I know it’s what’s best for me and my family.”

Richter sent a letter to players and parents Monday, detailing her thought process.

This decision has been incredibly difficult because I have truly loved being a part of this program.

From building the program to working alongside so many dedicated athletes, families, and coaches, these years have been some of the most rewarding of my life.

Watching our players grow as athletes, teammates, leaders, and young women has been a privilege that I will never take for granted.

I want to sincerely thank all of the families, players, assistant coaches, our athletic director, and the community for the support you have given me and this program.

Everything we accomplished was the result of countless people investing their time, energy, and belief into Wolf basketball.

At this point in my life, I feel called to spend more time with my family and be more present with them.

While I am stepping away from the high school program, I will continue to stay involved through CYBA and remain committed to supporting the growth of basketball in our community.

I don’t see this as the end of my coaching journey — just a pause for now. Basketball has given me far too much for me to walk away from it completely.

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your lives and your daughters’ journeys. 

The relationships and memories made through this program will stay with me forever.

I am incredibly proud of what we built together and excited to watch the program continue to grow and thrive.

Richter, a three-time CHS Female Athlete of the Year winner, is the #4 scorer in Wolf girls’ basketball history, pouring in 1,042 points while playing between 2006-2010.

After working as a middle school and high school JV coach, she replaced Scott Fox as varsity coach when he stepped down in 2021.

That allowed Richter to follow in the footsteps of her parents, Willie and Cherie Smith, who led the CHS girls’ hoops program from 1994-2000.

Read Full Post »

Cami Van Dyke, off to kick butt and take names. (Julie Wheat photo)

She was made for the spotlight.

From a young age, Cami Van Dyke has often played above her age group, showcasing the same skill and inner drive that big sis Sydney brings to all her sports.

Given the chance to breakout this year as an 8th grader, Cami took advantage, finishing second in scoring for the Coupeville High School JV girls’ basketball team, before putting together a stellar year as the starting shortstop for the Wolf varsity softball team.

Starting from day #1, the second of Grant and Colleen’s four children was a force to reckon with on the diamond, spraying hits to all fields while gunning down runners from deep in the hole with laser-like throws.

Cami was a Second Team All-League pick and the CHS Rookie of the Year, helping fuel a run in which the Wolves finished 19-4, won league and district titles, and played three games at the 2B state tourney.

She whacked the ball at a .483 clip in her debut performance, piling up 28 hits, 26 runs, 11 walks, 14 stolen bases, and 23 RBI while forming an impenetrable defensive wall on the left side of the infield with Sydney, who plays third base for the Wolves.

All before officially reaching high school as a student, which will happen this fall, when Cami begins her freshman year.

Van Dyke, who was also a strong middle school volleyball player, stalking the floor in pursuit of balls while providing leadership to her squad, wants to keep the good times rolling across the next four years.

“My goals for my high school sports career are to improve my skill level, become a stronger teammate, work hard in practices and games, while also continuing to grow as an athlete while helping my team succeed,” she said.

Van Dyke uses her Jedi mind skills to freeze the basketball in midair. (Teagan Calkins photo)

While still young, Van Dyke has a pretty clear-eyed view of her best traits and areas she’d like to improve.

“My strengths are being athletic, having strong hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and working well with a team,” she said.

“Playing sports has helped me become a well-rounded athlete who can adapt to different challenges and use a variety of skills.

“Areas I can improve on include increasing my speed and strength, building confidence, and becoming more consistent in my performance.”

Away from sports Van Dyke likes “spending time with my friends, listening to music, and staying active,” while hailing PE and science as her favorite classes, with the latter being because she “enjoys learning how things work.”

While she’s deeply committed to whichever sport is in season, softball is her favorite, she admits.

“It’s mainly because of the positive environment around me and because I have been playing it my whole life,” Van Dyke said. “Also I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

“What I enjoy most about being an athlete is the opportunity to compete against other teams, stay active, and continue improving my skills.

“I also enjoy being part of a team and spending time with people who share the same passion and love for sports as I do.”

As she continues to grow as an athlete and student, Van Dyke will continue to look towards her mentors for guidance.

“My family and coaches have had a big impact on me by always supporting and encouraging me to work harder every day and never give up when times get hard,” she said.

“They have taught me the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and having a positive attitude.

“Their guidance and belief in me have helped shape me into the person and athlete I am today.”

Van Dyke and Emma Cushman kicked off their varsity softball run with a trip to state. (Grant Van Dyke photo)

Read Full Post »

Finley Helm, rockin’ a letterman jacket as she prepares to start her high school career. (Photos courtesy Jerry Helm)

Not a day in high school yet, and already Finley Helm is starting to fill up a letterman’s jacket.

The oldest of Jerry and Lindsey’s three talented children, she’ll be a freshman at Coupeville High School this fall yet already has her first varsity letter thanks to playing soccer as an 8th grader.

Helping the Wolves revive their female pitch crew after a two-year shutdown, Finley played multiple positions and was one of eight girls to net a goal last fall.

She also spent a fair amount of time in net, daring other teams to shoot on her, then frequently denying their best efforts.

Soccer is her favorite sport — the super-busy teen also plays basketball, volleyball, and track and field, while competing in taekwondo and race car driving — because it lets her show multiple sides of her personality.

“While playing goalie I get to throw my body around to dominate, and when I play forward, I get to score goals,” Helm said.

“You will not score on me!!”

The daughter of athletes, she’s inherited their drive and work ethic, but is her own person.

And don’t mess with that confident young woman, as evidenced by this direct quote:

“I’m very competitive, so I love the competition … Don’t test me, David Svien.”

During her middle school days, Helm also played basketball at both levels, suiting up with the high school JV, then bouncing back to CMS for a second season.

Away from sports she “love painting and art a lot,” enjoys history class, and spends some of her free time listening to pop and rap or watching horror movies and romantic comedies.

Not that there’s much time “away from sports,” as Helm has embraced every challenge thrown her way.

Along with the traditional school sports, she followed her mom into taekwondo and has racked up multiple awards for her work on the mat.

And then there’s the world of auto racing, where Finley and lil’ sis Scotlyn rip up the track in Washington Quarter Midget Association races.

She takes something from every one of her pursuits, building an impressive body of work.

“As an athlete, my strength is being comfortable with being physical,” Helm said. “Taekwondo has taught me how to battle physically.

“An area I’d like to work on is communication with the defense while I’m playing keeper,” she added.

“And to get better at the sports I enjoy and branch into other sports I’ve never played before.”

Through it all Helm battles for the team name on the front of the jersey, while always acknowledging that the family name on the back has helped shape her pursuit of excellence.

“There are a lot of people who I could name,” she said. “But most notably my parents, from coaching me in sports, to teaching me how to fight.”

Gazing into a bright future.

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »