Wolverines basket ball teams play against Orcas

By Kathryn Wheeler

Journal contributor

Boys’ basketball

On Tuesday, both teams came out in force as the boys the Orcas Vikings battled the hometown Wolverines, ultimately beating Friday Harbor 74-50. It was a game to remember. The largest crowd of the season turned out, and seemed to be battling just as much as the players with abundant cheering and jeering. The atmosphere was energetic and resulted in a fast level of play and a high quality of play from both sides. Junior Jack Anderson put on one of the biggest shows of the night, scoring over a third of the team’s points alongside Junior Chris Gustafson, responsible for another third, much of which came from rebounds, a trait he has become known for. While the Wolverines went nearly point for point with Orcas, the Vikings came out strong after breaking away in the fourth quarter.

Girls’ basketball

On Tuesday, the girls of Friday Harbor fell to Orcas 33-43, in a largely point-to-point battle until Orcas broke away in the 3rd quarter. Captain Mia Blackman was a driving force behind the Wolverines, scoring 14 points, 12 of which came from picture-perfect three-pointers from the field. Major point contributions also came from Vera Schoulz and Mia Germain. The team appeared in sync and calm as they played, with a level of confidence that has clearly grown throughout the season.

The Friday Harbor girls’ basketball team lost a tough game to the Orcas Vikings, 43 to 33 in Turnbull Gym. The first half was close throughout, with multiple lead changes and neither team ever ahead by more than four. The score at halftime was Orcas ahead by two, 23 – 21.

Unfortunately for the Wolverines, the Vikings had a strong third quarter, extending the lead to 35 – 26, and ultimately winning the game.

Friday Harbor was led by senior Mia Blackmon, with a season-high point total of 16, to lead all scorers. McKenna Clark had another well-balanced and impactful game, with four points, five rebounds, four assists, and seven steals.

On Friday, Feb. 4, according to head coach Sue Grenfell, the Wolverines traveled to La Conner, and the score will not convey how tough and together the team played.

Led by four seniors with a great deal of state tournament experience, La Conner won by a score of 65 – 18. However, Friday Harbor met their team goals of playing with aggression and composure, trying new skills, and getting important contributions from everyone on the team.

The Wolverines were once again led in score by Mia Blackmon, who finished with nine points. Junior McKenna Clark led the team in rebounds, with five, and in assists, with three, while also contributing four points.

The last regular season game will be at home on Friday, Feb. 10 against Coupeville.

Contributed photo by Kathryn Wheeler From left to right: McKenna Clark, Caylee Mortan and Mia Germain.

Contributed photo by Kathryn Wheeler Audrey Allen and teammate block an Orcas Viking.

Contributed photo by Kathryn Wheeler McKenna Clark passes the ball over the head of an Orcas Viking.

Contributed photo by Kathryn Wheeler You are only as strong as the foundation that you stand on. The Friday Harbor High School Cheerleading Team advanced their stunting skills in their last half-time routine. In this action shot, Paige Carlton-Flierl pulls an Arabesque while being based by her powerful stunt group.