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!