Alumni Spotlight - Byron Lewellen

At about 11:50am every December 31st, I find myself trying to wipe endless amounts of rust off of my jumper and crossover. The start of the Alumni Tourney is only minutes away, and I'm one of many trying to find some consistency in a game that gets far less repetition than it used to. While I never seem to get dialed in for tourney action, I find it to be my favorite part of the day's festivities. It's a time to catch up with friends I played with, watched play, or coached. It's that cameraderie that makes the day special for me.

Inevitably, while there are many faces I know, I always see that face that I'm unfamiliar with, or that looks familiar and can't place. To this end, I thought it might be fun to profile some of these faces: individuals that (to me) embody Seagull Basketball. In the days leading up to the Tourney, I hope to get as many stories out as possible. Again, I'm limited to my contact list, so if you have contact info or ideas for someone to feature, please don't hesitate to contact me via email at bobthompson78@gmail.com.

The first installment goes to Byron Lewellen, a member of the Seagull program from 1992-96. At 6'1", Byron was by no means what someone would deem the prototype power forward. But what he lacked in height, he more than made up for in the intangible department. His relentless work ethic, combined with an unmatched love for team and program, made him the emotional catalyst for each team he played on. He repeatedly took on the task of battling bigs that were consistently a 1/2 foot taller than him, winning those battles more often than not. And if you're matched up with him at the Alumni Tourney, be sure you're gonna catch an elbow or two as Byron tracks down a rebound or beats you to a loose ball. The following are Byron's thoughts via email on his time as a Seagull:

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

Byron - 1992-1996.

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

BL - I didn't pick up a basketball until I played for a gnarly, rag-tag, bottom feeding team at the BG Club in North Everett. It wasn't long until I was saving my $5 per-week allowance and bought my first hoop. Watching my dad hang that hoop up outside of our garage was probably one the proudest moments of my young life. That was my own money hanging up there!

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

BL - I grew up playing ball with Bobby Thompson, Kurt Koshelnik, Craig Anderson, Aaron Taylor (now that I'm thinking about it, there are so many!) and bunch of guys that ended up going to CHS and MPHS.

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

BL - Some of my most unforgettable moments playing include Bobby Thompson doing a back flip underneath the hoop at EdCC because he held on to the rim trying to dunk when we were in the 8th frick'n grade! He nearly killed himself, but besides that, it was pretty cool! There are just too many memories..umm, back-to-back dunks in the Sehome game my senior year was pretty awesome. Sehome went 30-0 that year, but we played them pretty tough. (Jessen) Schilaty's 3pt shot to send us into overtime in our win over Rogers to take 5th in state.

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

BL - The best team that I was a part of was the 1995, 5th in State team. If you were around during this time, you know how special this team was. We were picked 5th in our league and only went seven guys deep. What really made it special wasn't that we took 5th, it was why: to put it simply, we were best friends... family. I've never seen or experienced anything like it since. http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19950124&slug=2101058

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

BL - Battles... CHS in '95 was pretty tough. We played them 3 times that season, 1-1 reg season, and beat them to go to state out at Snohomish in a district game. They starting line up included 6'7" and 6'10"...we topped out at 6'4". http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19950201&slug=2102455

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

BL - Best player...at my position F/C...Mark Spink who played for Sehome and went on to play at Gonzaga. Iyan Walker, CHS, 95.

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

BL - Teammate I enjoyed playing with the most: The Cobra (Chuck Schelle, '95). Who was so humble, worked hard, shot three's, and was one of the most intelligent kids I'd knew in HS. Because of these qualities, he brought out the best in all of us during the 95 season.

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

BL - Most memorable game was our win against Rogers to take 5th. Schilaty came straight down the court and hit an NBA three to put us into overtime. From there, we kicked their ass.

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

BL - When I was a part of the EHS basketball, it meant being a part of a long-standing tradition that included playing with pride, toughness, and class. These are all attributes that I've tried to carry with me into adulthood and pass along to my son(s) and the kids I've coached.

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

BL - Refer to (the last answer).