Connecting Generations and Giving Back - EHS Alumni Basketball & Everett AAU

As we get ready to hoop Saturday night, I wanted to quickly provide my annual update on where the proceeds from our Alumni Tournament donations are being utilized, and how the fundraising efforts at our event are helping create a tangible impact in the lives of future EHS students and basketball players.

For the past several years, the Alumni Tournament Committee has asked our alumni base to provide a donation to participate in our annual Tournament.  Last year's proceeds (approximately $1,150) went towards supporting Everett Hoop Club, which is the non-profit organization that operates the Everett AAU program for both the boys and girls programs.  While your donation may seem forgettable once you've signed up at the registration table and is just a means to play in our annual event, I hope that the following Everett AAU program update helps illustrate that these donations are vital to Everett Hoop Club's efforts to support our young student/athletes.

The 2017-18 season was a successful experience for both our boys’ and girls’ teams. Our 5^th and 8^th grade boys’ teams qualified for the Wesco Tournament, and all four girls’ teams finished near the top of the Cascade League. The girls’ side also traveled to Sunnyside in March for a tournament where the 8^th graders took 2^nd and the 6^th graders took 4^th against very stiff competition. It was a memorable experience for all the girls and their coaches! We expect that our program will make a beneficial difference in the quality of players coming to play at Everett, on both the boys’ and girls’ sides. We currently have 9 boys and 8 girls playing for EHS this year that graduated from our program last spring, included 5 at the varsity level (1 boy, 4 girls).

For our continuing players, during the off season in spring and summer our program continued to build skills by holding weekly 90-minute clinics at EHS, putting the kids through a demanding regimen of ball handling and shooting. Attendance was up, with around 30-40 kids per week. We could see a tangible difference during tryouts—they were flat out better players!

Achieving these outcomes wouldn’t be possible without the help of our supportive community.  As I’ve outlined in previous correspondence, Everett Hoop Club is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to providing player development and personal empowerment opportunities for kids in grades 4-8 attending Everett Public Schools that will one day feed to Everett High School.  Our volunteers, financial contributors, and coaches all play an equally vital role in ensuring that our program participants receive the coaching and mentorship necessary to be successful.  The kids are learning the values of leadership, collaboration, and hard work.  By instilling these values and placing our boys and girls on age-specific teams that compete against the best competition in the Puget Sound region, we are committed to using basketball as a conduit that not only develops their on-court abilities, but also teaches valuable life skills. 

Most importantly, Everett Hoop Club believes that every player who wishes to participate should be able to regardless of financial situation. 29 of our 91 participants this season are on either full scholarship or had their player fee reduced, and we are proud that financial hardship has never been a barrier for these players. Without Everett Hoop Club, these players may not otherwise have a chance to play at this level before high school.

However, this continues to create an operational challenge for our organization.  While EHC creates small revenue streams through tournament game admissions and concessions, fundraising is a necessary ingredient to offsetting the cost of maintaining a quality program.  For us to continue making this experience a reality for our kids, we are reaching out to community members like you and offering the opportunity to contribute.  As was the case last year, your contribution will go directly to Everett Hoop Club and will help purchase uniforms and equipment, as well as pay league fees, facility usage fees, player liability insurance, and other operating costs.  Most importantly, it allows us the ability to continue making positive impacts in the lives of our program participants.

For us to continue making this experience a reality for our kids, I am reaching out to our alumni base and offering the opportunity to contribute.  As was the case last year, your contribution will go directly to Everett Hoop Club and will help provide the means to purchase uniforms and equipment, league fees, facility usage fees, player liability insurance, and other operating costs.  Most importantly, it allows us the ability to continue making positive impacts in the lives of our program participants.

So while we are asking for a suggested donation of $10, I'm hoping that each of us can dig a little deeper tomorrow and give a little extra.  Each of us had an experience wearing the Blue & Gold that enriched our life experience is some capacity, and this is a way we can give back and ensure the the next generation is given the best opportunity to have a similar experience when they get to EHS.  Additionally, all players/contributors that donate $15 or more at Saturday's event will receive this year's Alumni Tournament t-shirt (special thanks to H&L Sports and Screen Printing NW for their donation of the shirts to our event!).  Also, if you are unable to attend this year's event and would like to contribute to Everett Hoop Club, please learn more about the program and our kids at our GoFundMe page.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at The Pit Saturday night!

Regards,

Bobby Thompson

Class of 1996

EHS Alumni Spotlight - Adam Moore

As we lead into the 2018 EHS Alumni Tournament (12/29, 6pm @ EHS), we get to feature one of the most dynamic two-way players to ever put on the Blue & Gold: the Class of 2003’s Adam Moore.  

Adam was the prototype for what you’d create if you were going to the lab to build a standout high school basketball player.  At a wiry 6’7”, Adam was an explosive two-way player that dominated the paint defensively with his length and athleticism, and was a prolific shooter and scorer at the offensive end.  He was a two-time All-Wesco first team performer, and was the league MVP his senior season, averaging 22 points per game while shooting over 60% from the field. 

As the anchor of a strong group that was a preseason top-5 team in the state his senior season, Adam helped lead his team through a severe string of injuries that saw multiple players miss significant time.  His fiery play and ferocity attacking the hoop were staples in The Pit from 2001-03, as his rim-rattling dunks often brought the house down.  He went on to play 4 years of college ball, highlighted by his play at both Seattle University and Warner Pacific University.

While his play his junior and senior seasons was exceptional, one of my favorite all-time EHS basketball stories comes from when Adam tried out for basketball his freshman season.  

At the time, I was a volunteer assistant coach for the varsity team, and I was peripherally involved with the tryouts at all three levels (Varsity, JV, C-team).  The freshman class was very strong, with around 12 kids that were program locks and around 2-3 kids that were fringe and weren’t quite there yet.  After the first day of tryouts, the C-Team coach basically had his team picked, but didn’t know if he wanted to keep a couple of kids on the back end of that roster.  

Before the second day of tryouts, the coaches all caught wind of a story about how one of these kids that we were on the fence about.  We learned that this kid had given his money he’d saved for sneakers to a teammate that was also trying out.  The family of the kid who was the beneficiary had been in a costly car accident, and they had to use all their resources to deal with this accident, meaning the kid wasn’t going to be able to get basketball shoes.  The kid that gave up his sneaker money was a scrawny 5’9” wing player named Adam Moore.  The coaches thought this was a true act of kindness and what our culture was about, so they decided to keep Adam as player #14 on the C-team.  In all likelihood, if Adam hadn’t done this and hadn’t demonstrated his love for his teammates, I’m fairly certain the coaches would have cut a future all-state caliber player his freshman season.  

Adam took that opportunity, grew his game and physically matured, and because one of the most dominant players in Seagull program history. It’s without question my favorite story to tell the Everett AAU kids!

We caught up with Adam this week, and he was happy to discuss he’s time at EHS.  He highlighted his love for his crew, the enjoyment he took in playing with his PG Brad Allison, and what Seagull Basketball meant to him.

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

Adam Moore -1999-2003

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

AM – Playing at Evergreen Middle School. I had the choice to go to Cascade High School or Everett High School. All my friends went to Everett High. Everett High is the School of Champions!

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

AM –The group of guys I grew up playing with were a bunch of hard-nosed, tough players. We came up before the Facebook era so our after school festivities included trips to the YMCA or to Pat Mattson’s house where we would hoop (fight) for hours on end. 

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

AM –I just miss the Pit and the incredible atmosphere in there. Junior year playing against Jon Brockman at Snohomish was a good memory, amongst many. 

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

AM - My junior year and senior year we had really good teams. Some injuries to key players derailed our senior year title hopes. Junior year was our better team. 

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

AM –We had many battles with Mountlake Terrace and Mariner. Although we didn’t have much team success against Terrace, I was able to play well against them each time. Mariner was a tough team from South Everett that always caused problems. We hadn’t beat them until the last game of senior year when we held a 28-5 lead after the first quarter and won the game. 4A Wesco South was a tough conference. 

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

AM –In high school, Jon Brockman was the toughest matchup toe to toe. Although we only played once in the playoffs. Wesco South had players in my era along the lines of Chris Keller, Drew Matzen, Craig Chambers, Luke Hammond, Ryan Webb, etc. 

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

AM –Brad Allison and I had a real connection on the floor. Brad was always the pick to my roll. A cerebral player who knew how to get me the ball in my sweet spot. Brad made everyone a better player with his unselfish demeanor and high basketball IQ. 

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

AM –There are many games that stand out during my high school career. The one standing out most is my junior year at Jackson going 14/16 from the field. That was a breaking out game for me and propelled us forward to finish the year strong and make the playoffs. We started 5 juniors this 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?

AM –Looking back, Seagull basketball helped shape me into the man I am today. Being an athlete at “The School of Champions” is a big deal. From being held accountable, learning from great leaders and coaches and building lifelong relationships with my teammates. I graduated 15 years ago and my teammates are still some of my best friends to this day. 

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

AM –It sounds cliché, but enjoy every second. I’m sure all of us old heads say the same thing. It’s true guys, enjoy the practices, enjoy the film studies, enjoy getting together, enjoy the relationships and the battles, enjoy the hard word. Don’t take shortcuts. It all goes in the blink of an eye. ENJOY THE JOUNREY AND GO GULLS!!

EHS Alumni Spotlight - Bryan Lucas

Throughout the history of Everett High basketball, there have been guys who come on the scene their senior year and make a dramatic impact on the program. One such example is today’s Seagull Spotlight: the Class of 2015’s Bryan Lucas.

As a talented 6’0” off guard, Bryan spent his first three years of HS at Archbishop Murphy, and then decided to transfer back to EHS for his final year.  He came out for his senior season of basketball with the desire of playing ball with the group of friends he’d grown up hooping with: PG Nolan Rogge, scoring machine David Popach, sharp shooting Dominic Barashkoff, and bruising post Noah Juarez.  With a solid core of seniors and a talented underclassmen crew that included Chris Bell, Byron Lewellen, Desmond Burton, and Nate Tuck, the 2014-15 squad had tons of promise and the ability to make some noise in Wesco, and maybe make a run at a state tournament berth.

As can be the story, the team struggled to find continuity out of the gate, and they went into January with a 2-7 record.  I remember going to watch this crew play, and felt like they were on the brink of breaking through and being a pretty solid team. While I was impressed with Popach’s ability to score, and the promise of the younger kids, I was surprised to see this guy that I hadn’t seen play before named Lucas flying all over the court creating havoc with his defense and his intensity.  He played with a high motor, and always seemed to make the right play for his team.  Every game I went to, he’d score in the 8-10 point range (I thought he should have shot it more), but he was much more impactful doing the dirty work for his team: winning 50/50 loose balls, taking charges, making the extra pass for an easier bucket. This “new kid” was making a tangible impact.

The team righted the ship in the second half of the season, and ended up qualifying for districts and drew a first round game against a talented Meadowdale team that had smashed them earlier in the season.  Making matters more challenging was that Popach would miss the game with an injured foot, thus on paper it wasn’t looking like it would be promising for the Gulls without their leading scorer.  

In stepped Bryan!  He went off for a career high of 22 points, but more importantly led a stinging team defensive effort that saw the Seagulls limit the Mavericks to 11 first half points, pacing the Gulls to a 45-36 win.  While the Seagulls would drop their next two district games, I truly believe that the effort and leadership Bryan showed that night built the foundation and the expectations for the young players for the next two years, propelling the program to great success in the following seasons.  All from a guy who came in and made an impact with his one season of varsity basketball…pretty special.

Nowadays, Bryan (along with Nolan) is coaching Everett AAU’s 6^thgrade boys team, and it’s instilling the same lessons he learned playing Seagull basketball with the younger kids.  He is a promising young coach, and someone that is creating the same positive culture for the AAU program as he did for his HS team!

We caught up with Bryan and got his thoughts on his season playing for EHS, the battles they had with Meadowdale, and the bond he had with the guys he grew up playing with.

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

Bryan Lucas– 2014-2015

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

BL -The main reason I wanted to play basketball at Everett was to stay with the group of guys I grew up playing AAU with all the way through high school. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen but was able to play again with these guys Senior Year one last season. 

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

BL - The main guys I grew up playing with starting in the second grade were Dominic Barashkoff (EHS Alum) and Nolan Rogge (EHS Alum). We grew up very close so we acted like brothers on the court. It was fun because we knew how to communicate on another level which gave us an advantage growing up. 

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

BL - Playing Arlington in a must win game and Chris Bell, Noah Juarez and I (All Starters) all fouled out with 3-4 minutes left in the game only up by around 5. It was a crazy feeling not being able to impact the game and watching our guys get the win. Another unforgettable moment was a game at Getchell and Nolan stole the inbounds from half court pass to seal the game with 3 seconds left up by 1. 

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

BL - I only played 1 year at Everett high School so obviously the 2014-2015 Team. 

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

BL - Meadowdale.We played them at the beginning of the season and in a tie-breaker playoff game at the end of the season. We lost by 25 at the beginning of the season and were out for revenge holding them to 34 points in the playoff game at home. We battled with the same kids growing up so there was also a lot of history. 

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

BL - Michael Painter from Marysville Pilchuck. He had a big size advantage on me and was quick and could shoot the ball lights out. Really tough match up both times we played them. He went on to play college ball.

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

BL - I would say Dominic Barashkoff. Grew up playing with him and is one of the least selfish players I have ever played with. He is really smart with the basketball and can pass the ball really well. Also, can shoot the ball really well and is easy to trust on the court.

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

BL - Easily the playoff game against Meadowdale. David Popach (Leading Scorer) was out with an ankle injury and it was a must win game. We played the best defensive game of the season holding them to 11 first half points. Dom, Nolan, and I led the top of the press and harassed the ball the whole game which worked really well. We ended up winning the game by 11 and knocking Meadowdale out of the playoffs which was a good feeling sending them home. Nolan had a few key steals down the stretch and I hit a few key shots to get it done. 

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 - The biggest trait is hard work. Whether it’s on the basketball court, school, or your everyday job, hard work is always necessary to accomplish the task ahead. Talent can only get you so far and its up to you to make the most of what you are capable of. 

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

BL - Don’t take any game, practice or experience in basketball for granted. The last thing you want (basketball or life) is to look back on an experience like basketball and say to yourself “I could have worked harder” or have any regrets at all. Leave it all out there and enjoy every second of it. 

EHS Alumni Spotlight - Radar Seiha

As we get ready for this year’s EHS Alumni Basketball Tournament, it seems like a perfect time to highlight some Seagull legends of yesteryear.  This week at the blog, we’re going to try and feature a different alum each day, so everyone can get a feel for different guys that put on the Blue & Gold, and why their experience meant so much to them...both then and now.

Today’s spotlight is on Radar Seiha.  Having graduated from EHS in 1999, Radar was an integral part of a golden era of Seagull Hoops.  The program went to the State Tournament three straight seasons in the late 90’s, and along with Zlatko Savovic, John Richer, Adam Sowinski & co., Radar played a key role in helping the ’99 team make it to the Big Dance at the Kingdome. 

During his time donning the Blue & Gold, Radar was the consummate Gull.  As a 5’9” combo guard, he wasn’t the guy you were necessarily counting on to drop 30 on someone, but he was the glue guy that was willing and able to knock down a big shot and compete on every possession.  Radar’s strongest attribute was a trait that was synonymous with the success of EHS Basketball at that time: he had an irrational confidence in himself and his team that helped propelled his crew to greatness.  There may have been guys that were bigger, faster, or stronger than him, but his relentless drive and self-belief that he was going to win his individual battles was infectious to his team, and set the example not only for his crew, but for all the players in the program. 

He did this with an undeniable swag: there isn’t a Seagull in the last 25 years that brought more style and flair to their hoop game as Radar did!  With classic celebrations after 3’s, an uncanny ability to interact and feed off the crowd’s energy, and possibly the strongest style sense in the program’s history (armbands, kneebands, and amazing hair with frosted blond streaksJ), he truly loved and treasured his opportunity to play Seagull Basketball.

The blog got a chance to catch up with Radar this weekend to get his thoughts on his EHS playing experience, why Everett doesn’t lose to Cascade, and why you need as much ketchup and mustard as possible when you competeJ

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

Radar Seiha – 1995 - 1999 (Class of ‘99).

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

RS – I grew up playing for AAU teams and in tournaments with other talent from the Everett area. I used to go to Cascade & Everett HS games during my middle school years to watch them play, and I told myself I wanted to be in that same atmosphere. 

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

RS - I was fortunate as a Freshman to be around some really good Varsity players who always had me tag along during pickup games at the “Y.” Playing w/ guys like Bobby Thompson, Sam Nunez & many more made me a better player since I was the youngest in the group.  As the years went by, we had more talent around & it was a memorable experience with a lot of great guys from freshman year to JV to Varsity.

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

RS - Our first game, freshman year.  I was excited to show out, but little did I know that showing out can be perceived as showing off or showboating.  

We were playing Mountlake Terrace and we were up for most of the game. I remember one play like it was yesterday... I stole the ball at half court, drove to the hoop, but before I laid the ball up, I wrapped the ball around my back like I saw Chris Webber do in a game. I ran back on defense pointing to the crowd because they were loving it. There were other moments during the game where I was playing to the crowd & raising the roof after certain plays. The crowd was cheering and making noise so I was only living in the moment and loving it.  

Then in the 4th quarter I was pulled out of the game.  We were up by a few points, but ended up losing.  Coach Overstreet & Assistant Coach Rettenmier had a talk with me after the game in the coach’s office.  They told me that it’s not ok to put too much ketchup & mustard on the hot dog while playing.  All I remember was just having fun while playing the game I loved.  There was never intentions to show off or be disrespectful to the opponents or the game.

I’ll also never forget playing in the Kingdome in the state tournament(s), and winning the Sportsmanship Award at the WIAA Boy’s Basketball State Tournament 1999.

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

RS – That’s a tough one. ‘97-‘98 team was undefeated all season long, if I remember correctly.  The ‘98-‘99 team was my senior year, and winning playoff games to go to State was a big deal.  We were all proud to make it to the “Big Dance.”

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

RS – Cascade HS. Not only were they our rivals, but there were players on those teams that I played with during the off season or previously on different Select/AAU teams.  I’d say we fared pretty well over the years. Seagulls don’t lose to Bruins. Lol.

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

RS - That whole Rainier Beach squad in ‘99. They had Jamal Crawford & Nate Robinson on that team.  But I remember battling back n forth w/ Ricky Frazier all game long.  Although Jamal Crawford was something else! My guy Zlatko “Zo” Savovic did his thing & showed out against him though.  

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

RS - I loved playing with all the fellas, but Zo was somebody that always encouraged me & pushed me.  Whether it be practice, drills, scrimmaging or the game.  He always gave it his all and in return I had to give it right back.

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

RS – Playoff game at MPHS. Winner In, Loser Out game vs Jackson HS. We won that game and it was an amazing experience. I was happy for the team, the coaches, the fans/students/alumni & the city of Everett. 

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

RS - Leadership & Accountability.  The history & traditions of the “School of Champions” may not be visible until you’re out of school, but now looking back on it, I can see why the program was the way it was. The discipline from 5am practices AND after school practices taught me how to be reliable & responsible.  

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

RS – Know why it’s called the “School of Champions.”  Learn about the history of Everett High School.  Be proud to be a Seagull.  Have a lot of fun & enjoy it. Everyone is a big part of a huge tradition & you will be a part of history. Live it up!