By Declan O’Malley, Journal contributor
After winning the district tournament, Friday Harbor High School is headed to the state tournament for the first time since 2022. The Wolverines earned the district title after defeating Orcas Island and Mount Vernon Christian.
“Winning districts was a defining moment for this team. It was the result of hard work, a healthy dose of fun, and a steady buildup of confidence by a young team that really believes it can win any game,” said Head Coach Jon Smith, who is in his second year leading the program.
Friday Harbor will compete in the first round of the Class 2B state tournament this Saturday, May 24, against No. 3 seed Ilwaco High School at Castle Rock.
“I think this is a great matchup for us because, much like our team, Ilwaco is a young group with only one senior,” said Smith. “As the No. 14 seed, I love that we’re the underdog in this postseason. It fits our team’s personality—we just keep fighting and improving as the year progresses, and we’re primed to surprise some people with how well we’re playing.”
The Wolverines have been on a hot streak, especially on the pitching and fielding side.
“We’ve been pitching and playing defense extremely well, and our hitting has been clutch,” Smith said. “We want to improve on the finer points of the game, which we’ve been focusing on in practice this week, so we can take advantage of the small mistakes made by our opponents. At this level, the most subtle moments often decide who wins and who goes home—and we don’t want to go home.”
Smith also praised the unity and energy of the team.
“Our whole team has been playing well together, and the momentum and energy of all the boys—whether in the game or in the dugout—has carried our wave of success,” he said.
If Friday Harbor defeats Ilwaco, they will advance to the quarterfinals later that same day to face the winner of the Toledo vs. Jenkins matchup. A win there would send the Wolverines to the state semifinals on May 30 in Selah, with a chance to play in the state title game on May 31.
