The Grizzlies are currently 16-1 and are second in Wesco looking to compete in Tacoma at state. This year the Grizzlies were even ranked as the number 1 Washington 4A team. “Our coaching staff has been a huge part of our success this year,” Jo Lee said “We should be able to get to the dome this year.” All high school state tournaments are held in Tacoma at the Tacoma Dome and as of now the Grizzlies would make it in as the 25th ranked team in Washington.
This year the Grizzlies have been a fairly young team as starting point guard Reed Nagel is a sophomore, as well as Freshman Zach Albright who starts half of the games as a center. Freshman Aaron Thomas sees some varsity minutes as a swing player as well. “It can be a bit nerve wracking but I remember to stay confident, work hard, and believe in myself,” Reed Nagel said. This is the second straight year GP has had their starting point guard be a sophomore, as last year, now junior, Jo Lee played point for the team.
The team this year has new blood with Adam Loum and Isiah Cuellar who came from Mariner high school and also played for the football team this year. “GP basketball means everything to me, I’m super happy to be apart of something like this and I love the community that shows us support,” Cuellar said. “I think this team will end up in the state tournament proving a lot of people wrong.”
Starter Jo Lee who last year was all Wesco 1st team, has worked very hard, breaking the single game record for points with 49 during a single game. “I want to help the team by being the best leader that I can be,” Lee said. The last record was 38 against Bothell from Bobby Seibers, and this year Jo broke that with his 49 point game against Bothell yet again.
The connection the team has is at a all time high as we have seen a lot of blowouts, and close games where GP has come out on top. “I think what makes this team so special is we are all very skilled but more importantly we all like each other and don’t care about individual performances. We just go out there and win,” Nagel said. “Being the youngest doesn’t really change how I play I just go out there and have fun and take care of my body to play a full game.”
Team chemistry is very important for every aspect of sports and this years team has done many outside events to help boned for this season. “Our team chemistry is so good, and our ability to play as a team really helps us win games,” Jacob Veentjer said. “My favorite part of being on the team is just the great culture we have as we all all friends outside of basketball as well.”
With a new head coach from last season the team is winning games. “Everyone being coachable and wanting to win and have the best season possible is a huge reason for our success,” Sam Waldow said. “Everyone is so close to each other it really is a like a family”.