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!