South Whidbey’s Lewis Pope wears #15 on his basketball jersey to honor his late father Henry, who was born Sept. 15. His dad’s initials and the number are also on a cross Pope now wears. (Photo courtesy Teresa Pope)
After signing his letter of intent Wednesday to play basketball at Central Washington University, Pope enjoys the moment with his mom and sisters. (Nanette Streubel photo)
Every time the son plays, you can see the father.
As he’s risen to become the most electrifying high school hoops star on our Island, South Whidbey’s Lewis Pope has helped keep the memory of his late father Henry burning bright.
Henry’s unexpected death in the summer before Lewis entered 8th grade left a huge hole in the community.
The elder Pope, who was recruited to play college ball for the University of Washington, was a popular longtime coach who devoted countless hours to his community, both on and off the court.
As hoops fans have watched Lewis develop from a precocious freshman to a well-seasoned senior who signed his own college letter of intent Wednesday with Central Washington University, they have witnessed something special.
Like Manny Martucci in Oak Harbor in the early ’90s, or Makana Stone at Coupeville in recent years, the younger Pope often hits levels rarely seen on Whidbey courts.
A silky-smooth ball handler who can slash to the hoop for quick buckets, pull up and nail daggers from the outside, or use his passing skills to set-up teammates like Kody Newman and Levi Buck for success, Pope is dangerous in all aspects of the game.
Before he goes to college, Pope will have a final chance to showcase those skills in front of all three Whidbey fan-bases this season.
South Whidbey hosts Coupeville Dec. 9 and travels to Oak Harbor Dec. 20 in non-conference games.
A gym rat who “plays basketball year round,” Pope lives and breathes hoops, while still finding time to excel in school, where he enjoys math class and is a member of the National Honor Society.
On the court, though, is where he is the most free to create.
“Basketball is my favorite sport because I love everything about it,” Pope said. “The competition, the work ethic needed to be successful and the camaraderie.
“I love everything about the game of basketball and what it has to offer.”
While his natural talent carried him to the top of the Falcon depth chart very quickly, it’s taken hard work, and a lot of it, to stay on top of the mountain.
“I think I’m a well-rounded player but I believe I can always be better and work on all aspects of the game of basketball,” Pope said. “I want to leave my mark on the Falcon program by continuing to work my very hardest and try to bring out the best from every one of my teammates.”
Growing up in a rural, small-town environment, while still having big city-caliber coaching, has been a double blessing for the high-flying Falcon.
“Everyone is so nice and they all want the very best for you and your success,” Pope said.
“I also believe we are extremely lucky to have Coach (Mike) Washington, because he gives his all for the team and shows us every day at practice how to work hard by his actions.”
While he plays for his coaches, for his teammates and for his classmates, it is ultimately his family which most inspires and drives him.
“My family played a huge part in making me the person I am,” Pope said. “They all have supported me on and off the court, no matter what.
“Both of my sisters, Sam and Taylor, have always been there for me on and off the court, even giving me rides to the gym when I couldn’t drive.”
It all began with his parents, though, Henry and Teresa, who had 27 years of marriage together, raised three stellar children and impacted countless lives.
“My mom and dad first got me involved in basketball at a very early age and taught me the fundamentals of basketball and how to play the right way,” Pope said. “They both have always supported and encouraged me throughout my entire life.”
