Brian Shank (left) with older brothers Andy (center) and Matt.
Shank drives on CJ Smith during the first day of basketball practice. (John Fisken photo)
Utah’s loss continues to be Whidbey’s gain.
When Dr. Jim Shank took the Superintendent position with the Coupeville School District, he brought several of his athletic children with him.
Matt Shank, a senior at CHS, was an All-Conference football lineman this fall, while his younger brother Brian is a rising star in multiple sports.
He’s played tennis and football and competed in track for the Wolves and is kicking off his second season as a hoops player, a sport that unites him with Matt.
“I‘ve always wanted to play basketball. I never got a chance to play in Utah,” Brian Shank said. “I enjoy the defensive end.”
He can usually be found banging away at power forward or center, yet he also showed a surprisingly soft touch from long distance last season during JV games, banking home three-point bombs while barely ruffling the net.
It’s a skill he considers a strength, along with his inside shot-making.
Shank remains intent on fine-tuning his game, however, with the hope of jumping up to join his brother on the Wolf varsity.
“I want to be able to dribble better and to be able to dunk,” Shank said.
During his school hours, he favors biology, PE and English classes.
The sophomore draws inspiration from a variety of teammates, coaches and family members, reeling off an impressive list of positive influences on his game and person.
“Coach (Brett) Smedley, Dante Mitchell, DeAndre Mitchell, my dad, Matt, Jared Helmstadter, CJ Smith, Anthony Bergeron and Joel Walstad.”
All of whom will be thrilled to see him score big.
Coupeville Sports 