Tourney Day!

As we get ready to lace 'em up around noon, here are a couple of quick tidbits about today's event:

• Doors open at 11:30am, with the introductions and tournament draw occurring at 12pm.
• There will be a table set up before you enter the gym where you can sign in, make the suggested minimum donation to contribute to the program, and get your tourney t-shirt. Details about the donation and t-shirt can be found here.
• If your family is coming out, there will be pizza available for $1 p/slice, and basketball activity stations for kids organized by the current Seagull players. The activity stations are free.
• Tourney format is double elimination, with each game lasting 20 minutes. Tourney rules will be posted at the scorers table for reference.
• Each game will be officiated by one Alumni and one current player; please refer to the Code of Conduct, and understand that by committing to play, you are also committing to adhere to those standards.

It should be another great year of action; see everyone around noon today!

Seagull Spotlight - Tom Niva

Once when he was interviewed about the characteristics a true shooter must possess, Boston Celtics great Larry Bird discussed many traits, but summed it up with one simple statement: “You never make any of the shots you never take”. While I can’t guarantee he ever read that quote, I can promise you once he stepped inside the 94x50, it was the mantra that Tom Niva lived by.

At 6’4”, the 1995 graduate was anything but your traditional “post” player. He was more than able to get his down low, but the excitement started every time he caught the ball behind the arc. That’s because if there was any glimmer of daylight between him and his defender, the ball was going up. And more likely than not, it was going in. The sharpshooting Niva combined with Jessen Schilaty to form a dynamic scoring combination, leading the 1995 team to a WesCo Championship and a 5^th place triumph at the State Tournament.

As his teammate, I saw a guy that had a bottomless bucket of confidenceJ Whether he was defending an opposing post player that was a half foot taller than him, or taking that aforementioned big man out to the perimeter so he could absolutely abuse him on the other end, he was fearless. It was an attitude that was infectious to the team, and created a level of internal belief and bravado that we couldn’t be touched.

This was personified in the Winner-to-State game against Cascade in the District Tournament. The Bruins had two 6’8” post players in Oregon State-signee Iyan Walker and future Alaska-Fairbanks post Mike Jones. Tom was Everett’s tallest player, and drew the assignment of the future Pac-10 standout. The two teams were engaged in a tight back and forth battle, when with 4:00 minutes left and the Gulls holding a two point lead, I witnessed the craziest thing I ever saw on a basketball court.

All I can recall was Kurt Koshelnik drove through traffic in the lane, and he dished to Tom, who was cutting in from the right wing. Between Niva and the basket was the 6’9” Walker, who was the WesCo equivalent of Dikembe Mutombo in the paint. Tom made one dribble, took off from just inside the block, and proceeded to dunk with authority over one of the most intimidating shot blockers on the West Coast. I lost my damn mind. I have never, and I mean NEVER – before or since – been that hyped on a basketball court. Tom Niva had never dunked before in a basketball game. Ever. And in typical Niva fashion, he had just done what seemed impossible, en route to helping lead us to a tourney berth that many thought was impossible. I absolutely loved playing with this dude.

So if you find yourself guarding Tom during the Alumni Tournament, and he’s got the ball and he’s posting you 20 feet from the basket, just know that shot’s going up. And just like 1995, more than likely it’s going in.

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EHS Alumni Basketball – What years did you participate in the Seagull basketball program?

Tom Niva – I participated in the Seagull program from 1991-1995

EHS AB – Before you were in high school, what events led to you knowing you wanted to play ball at Everett?

TN – My Mom was a Seagull and my brother Steve played basketball there. I remember going to games and watching Chris Chandler, David Vik and others growing up. My brother and I would play below the stands and Mr. Earl would always find my brother and I making trouble.

EHS AB – Tell us a little bit about the group of guys you grew up playing with.

TN – I grew up playing with a group at the Boy’s and Girls Club of Mukilteo. Some of that group ended up at Kamiak/Mariner and Cascade. Evergreen Middle School is where we had an excellent group that ended up constituting 3 of the 5 starters in the State Championship my senior year when we finished 5th in State. No one All Star more important than the rest, just a good group of players that understood their roles and talents.

EHS AB – What are some of your most unforgettable moments you recall from your playing days?

TN – Unforgettable Moments… There were many… But our winner to state game against Cascade is the first that comes to mind. Jessen Schilaty and I had career games with over 25 points each and I dunked on Ian Walker (All State Player) with 4 minutes left in the game. The other is losing to the eventual state champion Evergreen. Not our best game, but the best example of what Seagull Tradition is all about. We regrouped as a team and won the rest of our games to finish 5th. That’s what the tradition of Everett High is all about. No one ever thinks Everett High is going to win, except for those who are from Everett.

EHS AB – What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High? What made you guys great?

TN – The best team was the Senior Season with some veteran leadership and young talent. What made us great? We were a TEAM> We had some fine players, but we were so unselfish and it was all about reaching our goals and not worrying about who else was out there. We truly, were not afraid of any team we played.

EHS AB – What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with? How did you guys fare in those battles?

TN – Cascade was an obvious must win for us. The winner to state game was about as intense as it could get. Packing the house at Snohomish for the game with a standing room only, no seats were left. Any game at the Pit was also fantastic. Being able to build a large enough crowd to pull out the extra bleachers was money!

EHS AB – Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?

TN – The best players were Kyle Sweet from Snohomish and Ian Walker. Both 6’7 and 6’9 and excellent in the post. Good thing they were never comfortable around the 3 point line, which is where I had the most fun.

EHS AB – Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most? How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?

TN – I enjoyed playing with the entire group. If I had to pick one, it would Chuck Schelle. Chuck and I grew up playing with one another since age 6 in the Boy’s Club Days. We played at Evergreen Middle School together and through High school. Chuck was completely unselfish and understood his role on the team and made the big shots when he had to. He had a HUGE fan following from many of the EHS fans which also made for a big boost in support. Just good people like Chuck that make teams like ours click.

EHS AB – Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull? What makes that game stand out?

TN – Again, I’ll go back to the Cascade winner to state game. The pressure, the noise and the Team all playing for each other make that win as special as they come.

EHS AB – Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?

TN – You know, there’s just something about being from Everett and specifically going to Everett High that gives me a sense of responsibility to act in a certain way. Having Darrell Olson as my coach in multiple sports helped teach me that. There will always be a pride in what I do and how I do it that comes from not only my family, but what I do and will always do will represent Everett High School in the best way I can. Being in management now for over 12 years, I continue to reference our 1995 EHS team as a group that didn’t have the best talent, but were definitely the best Team. That’s what EHS will always stand for to me.

EHS AB – If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?

TN – I’ve watched some games over the past couple of years and it’s more than just advice to the team. I think the spark that made EHS Basketball great is more than just talent on the court, it’s the community that backs them. All it takes is having a good group of kids that are committed to excellence and being the best. Advice: Manage the process of being great today… And then again tomorrow. “Winning is not a 1 time thing, but an all the time thing”. Expect the best from the team and the fans, and you’ll find success.

Alumni Spotlight - Ross Rettenmier

When I was around 8 years old, I feel in love with the game of basketball. This love came from experiencing the game in many different facets and venues. I played games with my second grade squad at the Everett Boys and Girls Club. My mom started letting me walk to Whittier Elementary to shoot hoops by myself, where I pretended I was Dale Ellis, Xavier McDaniel, or Tom Chambers hitting game winners. I went to Sonics’ games at the old Coliseum, and remember watching the Soups play against the “Showtime” Lakers with Magic, Kareem, and Worthy with chants of “BEAT LA!” echoing throughout the arena.

But above all, what cemented my love for the game was the getting the opportunity to watch my uncle Larry Harris (EHS Class of ’78) compete in various Pro-Am leagues and tournaments throughout Snohomish County. I worshipped my uncle, and the guys he played with, because it looked like so much fun to compete at such a high level. It was around this time that I saw Ross Rettenmier play hoop for the first time.

While it was a joy to watch my 6’7” uncle compete in his athletic prime, I was blown away by the game that Ross had. He was probably around 30 years old at the time, and while he was still playing above the rim, I was drawn into the endless array of post moves he possessed. He simply dominated everyone he went up against. So I started asking my uncle questions about him, and over time started picking up tidbits on his background. Like that he had gone to Everett High. And that he was the cornerstone of the 1975 team that went 27-2 and placed 2nd in the State Tournament (Picture above right is from State Title game at Hec Ed vs. Lincoln HS). And that he went on to star at Gonzaga. And that he was the best big man my uncle had ever competed against.

December 31st, 1987, my uncle took me to my first EHS Alumni Basketball Tournament, where I got to watch the ’75 team play together for the first time. Watching the camaraderie these guys had, coupled with how hard they competed…it opened my eyes for the first time to what it meant to play Seagull Basketball. As I left “The Pit” that day, I walked down the hallway that is home to the framed pictures of the greatest teams in Seagull history. And there was the 1975 team. Studying their team photo and the other pictures and trophies littered throughout that hallway, it was then that I knew I wanted to play Seagull Basketball. Even though I wasn’t alive when they were making their mark, Ross and the 1975 team had made a lasting impact on me. Simply put, they are the best team that Everett Basketball has produced in the last 70+ years, and the standard of what success is both on and off the court.

Ross was kind enough to share his thoughts on his experiences playing Seagull basketball, the guys he grew up with that were part of that squad, and the impact that Head Coach Joey Richer had on his life:

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EHS Alumni Basketball – What years did you participate in the Seagull basketball program?

Ross Rettenmier – I had the privilege of playing for two great coaches - Norm Lowery as a sophomore and Joe Richer as a junior/senior. I was probably the #12 guy on the freshman team for Charlie Cobb. Lucky to make the team. Craig McLennan (the head football coach) was the jayvee coach and I split varsity/jayvee time my sophomore and junior years playing in a program that had subs who could start on many of the teams we played.

EHS AB – Before you were in high school, what events led to you knowing you wanted to play ball at Everett?

RR – Like many Everett High bound kids, I thought that playing for EHS would be the equivalent of playing in the NBA. I went to some games and was in awe. Later, as a freshman, I brought a ball to school every day and played before and after school. I remember thinking I'd died and gone to heaven when senior sharp-shooter Tom Kingshot (class of 72) shot hoops with me one morning. Playing for Everett was thought to be the ultimate honor.

EHS AB – Tell us a little bit about the group of guys you grew up playing with.

RR – Unlike the guys I played with as a senior, I didn't play any organized ball until my freshman year. Never played on a real team until then. I played intramurals at South Junior/Port Gardner and was exposed to a high level of player in Mike Collord who was scoring in the 20's and 30's as a 6th, 7th and 8th grader. Those guys(Mike Collord, Don Levin, Tom Rife) played all over with the Boys Club and guys at Immaculate (Jerry Barhanovich and Dave Duffy) were playing in CYO league. I came to the game really late and then couldn't get enough. It was all I did in my free time for most of my high school years.

EHS AB – What are some of your most unforgettable moments you recall from your playing days?

RR – There were so many, but a couple that stand out were the crowd at the district game against Anacortes which was played at Cascade to a standing room only crowd. My older brother couldn't get in and had to listen on the radio in the parking lot. We were down by 10 with 2 minutes to play and came roaring back to put the game in overtime. Incidentally, that was without the benefit of 3-pointers. While we ended up losing the game, I'll never forget that crowd! The other strong and impactful memory was when we returned to Everett after the loss to Lincoln of Tacoma. The station wagons carrying team and coaches came back a different way, going down Colby instead of Wetmore. As we approached EHS block, we saw a huge crowd filling the area around the auditorium. The bus stopped and we soaked up the cheers from the fans who had watched us through our memorable season. Incredible!

EHS AB – What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High?

RR – I played at Everett during some real glory years. We won conference and went to state each of the four years I was there. I got to watch some great teams from the bench and then play on the most successful team in the 35 years after the 1940 team. We went 23-0 before losing in overtime at district to the team (Anacortes) that we then beat them in the regionals (in another great game). We went on to finish 27-2, losing in the championship game to a really strong Lincoln of Tacoma team that featured Steve Matzen who went on to play and captain at UW.

EHS AB – What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with? How did you guys fare in those battles?

RR – We had very few close games through league. Our really epic battles were against Anacortes (splitting) and a really good Blanchet team to win conference. Our semi-final game against University High of Spokane was really tough and I actually thought they were a better team than Lincoln.

EHS AB – Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?

RR – Definitely that would be Gary Nelson, a three year starter at Anacortes who ended up going to Oregon. At 6'9" he was that tallest and toughest. Ironically, he was being recruited by Gonzaga and the GU coach came to watch him one last time when we played Anacortes and I ended up being the one they ultimately pursued. (Though going to Oregon was a bigger deal than Gonzaga back then)

EHS AB – Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most? How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?

RR – I can only say that each of the guys that I played with my senior year was great. We had an uncommon chemistry. Most of us were good friends and have stayed that way. Our two captains, Mike Collord and Jerry Barhanovich were amazing leaders. Joe Richer inspired us to be our best and the most fun we had was when we had run up a big lead and everyone played.

EHS AB – Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull? What makes that game stand out?

RR – That would definitely be the state championship game against Lincoln. We had a 6 point lead going into the 4th quarter and were within 1 with about a minute to go. It was a hard fought game with great coaches strategically battling too. Jerry Barhanovich set the tournament assist record (later topped by Carl Ervin of Cleveland) and Mike Collord set the single game assist record - and it still stands today!

EHS AB – Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?

RR – It's really hard to separate the traits that were taken from my EHS experience from other maturing experiences that have shaped who I am. I learned that hard work and preparation are essential to success. I learned that team is number one. I learned to value experiences with people. Joe Richer is no longer with us. He was an incredible person who gave a number of young men one of the best experiences of their lives to that point.

EHS AB – If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?

RR – Enjoy it! Put your teammates ahead of yourself. Try to play each game like it's your last.

The OFFICIAL 2011 EHS Alumni Tourney T-Shirt

Ok, maybe it's not as sought after as the Spokane Hoopfest tees yet, but we're going to get there. With a bit of throwback to the old school Everett royal blue, this shirt is pretty nice! So here's the deal: we've only got 50 of them...well, actually 49 because I've got mine:) So to make sure you get yours, be sure to take the following steps:

1) Get to "The Pit" before the Alumni Tournament starts on Saturday (tip-off @ noon),

2) Make the suggested minimum donation of $5 to play (all proceeds go towards supporting the EHS Boy's Basketball program),

3) Sign your name on the chalkboard representing your class, then...

4) GET YOUR T-SHIRT!!!

It's that simple. Special thanks to Dave Rucker, Ross Rettenmier, H&L Sports, and Screen Printing NW for throwing this collector's item together. Again, we are asking that all participants make the aforementioned donation to participate. It's not much, and it puts money back into a program and school that gave so much to all of us.

So get to "The Pit" early, and get your tee!

Alumni Spotlight - Reggie Limar

Looking back at the last 20 years of EHS basketball, there’s a laundry list of backcourt players that impacted the program. But surely love has to be given to the front court players that put in work and were key cogs to the team’s success.

Since 6’10” David Vik led his team to a 3rd place finish in the 1990 State Tournament, there’s been a number of traditional/non-traditional bigs that forged a strong imprint on the teams they played on. Chad Holliston was a crafy 6’4” post that wasn’t afraid to dunk on would be defenders for the ’93 team. 6’4” Mike Pederson had an array of post moves, and completely outplayed Lake Washington’s 7’1” David Stirring in a 1994 district tourney game again Donald Watts’ LW squad. Tom Niva has an inside-out game (ok, mostly outJ) that helped the ’95 team place 5th in state. 6’6 Adam Moore was an All-State caliber performer for the ’03 team. 6’7 Andy Blacker and 7’1 David Safstrom patrolled the lane for the ’05 and ’06 squads, with Saffy taking his talents to Division-I Lehigh University. And then there was Reggie Limar…

At 6’4” and the build of a D-I linebacker, Limar possessed athleticism, strength, and all-around game that made him the ideal high school power forward. His build allowed him for physically dominate opposing post players, but it was his highly developed post game that allowed him to truly stand out. As an assistant coach to the varsity team at the time, I recall the beauty of the ball rotating around on offense to allow Reggie to pin his man out in the post. Without fail, he would hold his man off outside the key, and have a clear path of about 6 feet to the basket, which more times than not resulted in a rim-rattling dunk. He epitomized automatic low-post offense.

I think what I had forgotten about Reggie is what a stat sheet monster he was. When I went to the Seattle Times archives search to find info on him and his squad, the search result previews from articles show stat lines like “28 points and 14 rebounds”, “16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 5 steals”, “19 points and 14 rebounds”. These would be career outings for most players, but this is what Reggie did EVERY NIGHT. The results translated to team triumphs: Along with his brother Steve, Josh Daniels and John Richer, Limar was a part of two state tournament teams, with the 2000 team placed 7th in state. Reggie parlayed that success into 3 appearances on the All-WesCo team, and selection to the 2001 3A All-State game.

Reggie was happy to share his experiences playing at Everett with the blog: below are his thoughts:

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EHS Alumni Basketball – What years did you participate in the Seagull basketball program?
Reggie Limar –From 1998-2001.

EHS AB – Before you were in high school, what events led to you knowing you wanted to play ball at Everett?

RL – To be honest I thought we (me and my brother) were going to playing at Mariner High School but as my freshmen year approached we moved to North Everett and that’s when I learned I would be a Seagull!

EHS AB – Tell us a little bit about the group of guys you grew up playing with.

RL – I grew up playing with and against some of the best guys in the state! Played locally for a the same coach for almost 10 years and he lead me to an AAU team that traveled all over the US playing with the likes of Nate Robinson of UW, Will Conroy of UW, The Stewart twins of USC, Roydale Smiley of USC, Anthony Washington of UW, and Randy Green of WSU!

EHS AB – What are some of your most unforgettable moments you recall from your playing days?

RL – Playing at State is probably one of the best things you can be a part of when you high school ball!

EHS AB – What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High?
RL – The best team that I was a part of was my junior year with the class of 2000! I think it all started with Coach Olsen… Some people didn’t like his high energy and passion for the game but for us (me especially) he fueled the fire and got us all on the same page and expected the best out of us! We made each other better… and gave everything we had every game! We had some of the best guys in the state on our team that year and took 7th that year!

EHS AB – What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with? How did you guys fare in those battles?

RL – Man, I think we had more intense battles with Stanwood then any other team in my years at Everett. I can remember every game being sold out and down to the wire. Weather it was a regular season game or the playoffs to go to state I think we got the best of them in 99 and 00.

EHS AB – Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?

RL – I remember battling with Josh Ellington of Stanwood the most, he was one of the only guys that liked the physical contact like I did and we went back and forth every game but we played against a lot of great players but the best were probably: Jamaal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Ryan Appleby, The whole Mount Vernon Squad, Teyo Johnson, and Amon Gordon!

EHS AB – Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most? How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?

RL – There’s no way I could name just one teammate, I played with such a great group of guys every year! They all brought something different to the squad.

EHS AB – Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull? What makes that game stand out?

RL – For me personally it was the game against Evergreen High School because I dropped 38 points, 14 rebounds, and had 6 dunks! The all around battle was would have to be the Stanwood games my junior year, I can remember being physically and emotionally exhausted after every game!

EHS AB – Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?

RL – Teamwork and commitment me more to me now because of Seagull basketball! I took away lifelong friendships and memories!

EHS AB – If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?

RL – Seize the moment! Don’t take one day for granted…put school and your grades first, if you put in as much time and effort in your school work as you do ball or sports period you will accomplish true success! Practice, practice, practice! There wasn’t one day that went by that I wasn’t in the gym working on my game!

Alumni Spotlight - Sam Nunez

Open gyms. Pick-up runs. Playgrounds. All places where you go to get a game, and can often find yourself amidst a hodge-podge of, umm, “basketball talent” (those different personas are broken down beautifully here). You get into these settings, break into your squads, and everyone gives their 5-second scouting report about the guys you’re facing, and what you need to do to shut them down. Inevitably, someone drops the phrase “He’s can really shoot” or “He can fill it up” about some guy on the other squad. The dreaded sharp shooter. It’s safe to say that Sam Nunez has heard this directed towards him fairly consistently throughout his life as a basketball player.

As an All-WesCo performer during his senior season that averaged 13.5 ppg, Nunez teamed up with Tim Bjella and Zlatko Savovic to create of most formidable backcourt combinations in Seagull history. While Bjella was the energetic floor general, and Savovic was a matchup disaster for opponents with his ability to get to the rim, Nunez was the “zone breaker”. His ability to fill it up from the outside was a valued tool for the 1998 team that went 21-7 and advanced to the State Tournament.

Sam possessed one of those silky smooth jumpers that many players spend countless hours in the gym trying to replicate. His ability to come off screens and catch the ball squared up and ready to shoot was a lethal skill set. He was also crafty off the dribble: he had a strong handle that allowed him the ability to create space for his jumper, but also gave him the capacity to beat his defender off the dribble and finish with a strong mid range game. While he made it look easy, he was the consummate “gym rat”: you wound always find him working on his game at the YMCA, EHS, EvCC, or any North-end outdoor court.

That work ethic and passion for the game translated to success at the collegiate level: he was a standout 2-guard at both Everett Community College and Portland’s Concordia University. He made the most of these opportunities, and continues to translate the same passion he played with to his off-the-court endeavors: he recently completed his MA in Educational Leadership from Concordia, and is now working as a youth pastor in the Portland area.

Sam was willing to share his thoughts on his time wearing the Blue and Gold, and how his experience helped form the individual he’s become:

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EHS Alumni Basketball – What years did you participate in the Seagull basketball program?

Sam Nunez – 1995-1998.

EHS AB – Before you were in high school, what events led to you knowing you wanted to play ball at Everett?

SN – The entire “Pit” experience! Watching the students stand in unity. Hearing the band welcome the player onto the court and sitting next to my friends and family wile watching players like Jamie Sluys, Mike Vik, and some other guys who were on the court.

EHS AB – Tell us a little bit about the group of guys you grew up playing with

SN – They were goofballs! All of ‘em! I loved each and every one of them. They were like family to me. Each one of them added a unique dynamic to the locker room.

EHS AB – What are some of your most unforgettable moments you recall from your playing days?

SN – Bus rides, playing 007 on Nintendo64 during team dinners, but none could compare to getting off the bus and walking into the Kingdome before our game at the state tourney.

EHS AB – What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High?

SN – All of our teams we competitive and great, but if I had to pick one it would be the my senior year. We were all such good friends and had fun both on and off the court. It made for a special year.

EHS AB – What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with? How did you guys fare in those battles?

SN – Arlington. They beat us on our home floor to take the lead in the league standings and then we met for the final game of the year at their place to decide the league title. A player from their team hit a half court shot at the buzzer to win the game! But…they lost in districts and we went to state…just thought I’d throw that out there☺

EHS AB – Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?

SN – While in a EHS jersey? To name a few…Doug Wrenn, Grant Leap, Mark Bigalow, Teyo Johnson, Kevin Burleson, Ryan Appleby

EHS AB – Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most? How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?

SN – I don’t think I could name just one person. However, my boys in high school Corey Gunnerson, Adin Terrill, Nick Dire, Tim Bjella all were special during those times!

EHS AB – Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull? What makes that game stand out?

SN – What makes that game stand out? State qualifier, @ MVPHS vs Lynden. Such a special memory and fun post game celebration.

EHS AB – Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?

SN – Teamwork, trust and leadership are just a few, but have effected the way I live my life today. Sports are simply a platform us to display our character and on that platform sits who you really are. Sports should never define you.

EHS AB – If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?

SN – Sports are simply a platform for us to display our character and on that platform sits who you really are. Sports should never define you, but rather put your God-given talents on display. Suiting up in that locker room and running out onto Richer Court is not an obligation, but rather a privilege. Enjoy it!

Alumni Spotlight - Vesna Sophan

Throughout the years, there have been many game-changing players that have led Everett High to various levels of success, be that WesCo championships, state tournament births, or unbelievable regular season wins. Many have gone on to play at the college level, with a handful of guys taking their trade to the various professional leagues throughout the world.

Knowing this, I would be hard-pressed to make an all time All-EHS squad. It would be very strong. In having this “debate” a few years ago with friends, the conversation shifted to who your first round pick would be if you were building said squad (nothing like evolving a little fantasy basketball into this blog!). When it came to me, I didn’t hesitate in picking Vesna Sophan.

Having graduated in 2003, the 5’11” shooting guard/small forward was a valuable part of the most talented-laden Seagull team of the past 20 years. The ’02-’03 squad was a preseason Top 5 team in the state, and was primed for a run at the title. With a front line that featured 6’7 All-State performer Adam Moore, 6’6 Pat Mattson, and 6’4” Sam Wertheimer, complimented by Sophan, 4-year PG Jamie Lee, and a strong bench that allowed for a 10-11 player rotation, this team was deep. But with the team hampered by serious nagging injuries to both Wertheimer and Lee early in the season, it was decimated by a season-ending knee injury to Sophan early in the campaign. Unfortunately, the team struggled to rebound from these injuries, and missed the playoffs.

I’m convinced that with a healthy Sophan, the team would have contended for a state crown. The reason I believe that is the same reason I would take him with the first pick in the EHS hoops fantasy draft: no one played harder and with more passion than Vesna Sophan. He possessed an inside-out game that was an absolute headache for defenders, coupled with a tenacity and fervor for rebounding the basketball that was unmatched. He also played with a savvy intelligence and unselfishness that was infectious to his teammates, bringing out the best in their abilities. If you need any proof of this, watch his squad at the Alumni Tourney next week, and look for the guy that seems to be everywhere on the court. It’s these traits that make Vesna the classic basketball player you’d want to build a team around.

Thanks to Vesna for sharing his thoughts below on what being a Seagull meant to him:

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EHS Alumni Basketball – What years did you participate in the Seagull basketball program?

Vesna Sophan – I played basketball all four years (2000-2003).

EHS AB – Before you were in high school, what events led to you knowing you wanted to play ball at Everett?

Vesna Sophan – I was originally enrolled at Cascade High School, because I felt that their sports program overall had better opportunities to play at the collegiate after graduating. But I decided that I couldn't play against my closest friends so I re-enrolled at Everett and to this day never regretted that decision.

EHS AB – Tell us a little bit about the group of guys you grew up playing with.

Vesna Sophan – One thing I know about the group of guys I played with was that we loved, breathed, and studied basketball 24/7. We would spend countless hours before, during, and after school playing any sort of pick-up games at the YMCA, outdoor courts at Everett, or even in our own backyard. When we played together, we were unselfish, and knew what each other’s strengths and weakness are on the court. We were attached at the hips back then and that continues to this day. I am very fortunate to continue to have them as best friends and consider them a part of my family.

EHS AB – What are some of your most unforgettable moments you recall from your playing days?

Vesna Sophan – One moment that stands out was my first basketball game as a freshman. I was a nervous little kid playing on the freshmen team, running plays in my head so I won't forget them. After winning the tip-off, we were on a fast break and the ball was passed to me on the left-side of the court. Without hesitation, I shot the jumper and made it from 15 feet away. That got me comfortable and we ended up winning the game against Mountlake Terrace.

Another moment I recall was my sophomore year playing a double overtime game against Stanwood. The gym was packed, waiting for the varsity game to start. Both teams have been playing a tough, physical basketball game. Tied, we had to in-bound the ball at the opposite end of the court with 3 seconds left. We had four across the free throw line, near the inbounder. As the whistle blew to start the count, I faked towards the inbounder to receive a short pace and ran towards our basket. John Cronin threw the perfect one-handed pass down court to me, I caught the ball and took one dribble and laid it up as time expired! The crowd went wild and we celebrated with hugs and fist pumps. That night, I got to suit up for the first time in a varsity game. It was an awesome experience.

The most memorable moment was the second game of my senior year. We were co-favorites with Kamiak to win our division and we had to play them at their house. The students were hostile, the Kamiak fans were loud. It was a playoff atmosphere. From tip-off to the end of the game, we played flawless basketball. We thrived under the pressure. We played balance, fundamental, and physical basketball. It was the best game we played as a team. That game reminded me of how much I wanted us to win, and tested how competitive we were.

EHS AB – What was the best team you were a part of during your time at Everett High?

Vesna Sophan – The best team I was a part of was my junior season. There were many players that had graduated the previous year and most of us were knew to the varsity level. Most of the players on the team that year were juniors but we had confident and wasn't afraid to step-up to the challenge. We had some ups and downs but playing at the varsity level for the first time with my closest friends was an amazing experience.

EHS AB – What opposing team do you recall having extraordinary battles with? How did you guys fare in those battles?

Vesna Sophan – Aside from the rivalry we had against Cascade, I loved playing against Jackson High School. They had some solid talent on their team and matched up well against us. They were a well-balanced team athletically. Each year, we would split the season series with both teams winning on their home floor. It was always intense, physical, and always competitive. Another bright spot playing Jackson was the eye candy.

EHS AB – Who was the best player you recall going toe-to-toe with?

Vesna Sophan – The best player I played against at the time was Brent Lillibridge. He was a senior and I was a junior, but he was strong, athletic, and pretty quick. He was Jackson's top scorer but my challenge was to contain him. Both games, I was able to frustrate him offensively and defensively. But he was a great competitor and loved the passion he played with.

EHS AB – Who was the teammate you enjoyed playing with the most? How did that individual bring the best out of everyone else?

Vesna Sophan – I enjoyed playing with everyone of my teammates. We were all so competitive growing up, playing against one another everyday, we would always come out and try to better the other person on both sides of the court.

EHS AB – Can you recall the most memorable game you played in as a Seagull? What makes that game stand out?

Vesna Sophan – The most memorable game for me as a Seagull was the Kamiak game just because of the intensity we played with as a team and how we came out to prove we were the best team in WESCO that year.

EHS AB – Looking back on your experience, what traits were you able to take with you to help forge the person you’ve become?

Vesna Sophan – Competitiveness, passion, and commitment. These are the traits that every person should follow suite whether playing basketball or in life.

EHS AB – If you could give the current group of Seagull basketball players any advice, what would you tell them?

Vesna Sophan – Go out and play as much basketball as much as you can. But don't just play the game, learn it, study it! The game is not just physical, but also mental. You will become the best basketball player you can be once you understand the game of basketball. Guaranteed!