Signed, sealed and delivered. Makana Stone is off to play college ball at Whitman. (Sylvia Hurlburt photos)
Eileen and Josh Stone smile the smile of parents who are getting help paying for college.
Proud CHS coaches Amy and David King drop by to congratulate their beloved team leader.
Makana is joined by a pack of friends on her big day.
Walla Walla, there’s a Wolf coming your way.
Coupeville High School senior Makana Stone signed a letter of intent Friday to play basketball on scholarship at Whitman College.
“I chose Whitman because they are a successful and small liberal arts college, both academically and athletically,” Stone said. “I’m very excited to be able to receive a top-notch education and be able to play the sport I love at the collegiate level.
“I’m excited knowing through self avocation, focus, and hard work that Whitman is the place I will be most successful!”
The Missionaries boast a top-level NCAA D-III athletic program, with their women’s basketball team currently ranked #21 in the nation.
Whitman is 15-4 overall, 8-3 in Northwest Conference play.
Stone’s high school coach, David King, has seen her blossom on and off the court over the past four years, and is thrilled for her to have the opportunity to play at a higher level.
“Whitman College is getting a motivated and talented player. That’s just the basketball side of things,” he said. “She is an even better person and she will fit into any environment and connect well with her coaches and teammates. They are lucky to have her.
“I’m very excited for her and the opportunity at the next level,” King added. “I’m looking forward to watching her skills grow and be the best player she can at the college level.
“I believe with the athletic ability and talent she has, she will be successful for Whitman.”
Stone, a highly-focused, standout scholar as well as a basketball, track and soccer star, will have a chance to attend a stellar private liberal arts college.
The school, which was founded in 1859 as a seminary before becoming a four-year college in 1883, offers 45 majors and 32 minors, with a student/faculty ratio of just 9:1.
During her time at Coupeville, Stone has been a four-year starter on the basketball squad.
She recently passed 1,000 points for her career (joining former Wolf Brianne King in that rare club) and has 900+ rebounds and 200+ steals in her career.
Stone has led her squad to back-to-back 1A Olympic League titles as a junior and senior, and was tabbed as the league’s MVP last season.
Currently averaging 19 points a game for Coupeville (14-4 overall, 8-0 in league), with a double-double every time out this season, she would seem to be an absolute slam-dunk to repeat that honor.
