Arendse To Idaho!
The University of Idaho announced that Keri Arendse, Skagit Valley College's athlete of the year, had accepted a full scholarship to continue her basketball career in Moscow. The Burlington-Edison graduate will have two years of eligibility remaining after leading Skagit Valley to the championship game in 2009 and a 21-4 record in 2010.
Hill Finally Returns LeRoy Hill was back at the VMAC this week after missing the last two weeks of team related activities with the Seahawks. Hill was arrested earlier this year on a charge of domestic assault which could also lead to probation violations from a previous arrest for drug charges in Georgia.
Spring Season Ends
With an 8-5 loss to Hoquiam on Saturday afternoon, the Anacortes Seahawk Softball Team's season came to a close. I've included a link to our podcast page which will give you the opportunity to listen to all five games that the Hawks played in Selah this weekend!
2A Tournament Time Set For Seahawks
The Anacortes Seahawk Fastpitch Softball Team will take on the Selah Vikings in the first round of the 2A State Tournament on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM.
Blaine Advances To State, Picks Up A 4-2 Win Over AHS
Kyle Olason struck out 11 Seahawks as the Borderites picked up a 4-2 victory at Volunteer Field last night. The win marked the first time since 2005 that the Borderites have advanced to state. Olason had pitched a shut out until the final inning of play but the Seahawks made things interesting in the 7th.
With Blaine nursing a 4-0 lead, Anacortes scored two runs before clean up hitter Jackson Kirkpatrick strolled to the plate with runners on 1st and 2nd with two outs. The junior was never able to swing the bat though. Tyler Hayes ambitiously tried to steal 3rd base but a heads up play by Olason trapped Hayes in between 2nd and 3rd. The Seahawk right fielder was caught in a pickle and eventually tagged out to conclude Tuesday nights game in dramatic fashion.
Blaine will play for the district one number one seed when they meet Arch-Bishop Murphy on Saturday afternoon. Anacortes will meet Burlington-Edison for the third time this year at 2:30 PM in an elimination game. You can listen to AHS& BEHS at 2:30 on AM 1340 and 1340thewhale.com
Tigers Can Lock Up #2 Seed Tonight
With a 3-2 eight inning victory over Anacortes last night, the Burlington-Edison Tigers are now in position to secure the number two seed in Districts. If the Tigers take down the Seahawks at 4:00 PM this afternoon, BEHS will have surpassed AHS for the number two seed. Districts begin on Saturday from Volunteer Field in Anacortes.
We'll have AHS & Burlington at 4:00 PM this after on AM 1340 and 1340thewhale.com
Seahawks Sweep Season Series Against Lynden
A six run first inning provided enough ammunition for Anacortes to defeat the Lynden Lions 10-5 at Volunteer Field Thursday Afternoon. The Seahawks batted around in the 1st, pounding out three hits and drawing another three walks. The six run inning was even more impressive considering the success that was seen in the top of the first by the Lions.
Blake Groves drilled a three run homer over the left field wall to supply an early lead to Lyndenrighty Andrew Rivas. The lead was short lived. Even though Tyler Lingbloom followed up Groves with a two run homer of his own in the 3rd inning, the Lions just couldn't over take the Seahawks. Rivas pitched into the 6th inning but ended up picking up the loss as Anacortes scored 10 runs in 5 2/3 innings of work against Rivas.
Anacortes' starting pitcher didn't fare much better. Cody Culp entered Wednesdays game with brilliant, shocking numbers. The Sophomore had yielded just two total runs in 26 innings of work. After Lingbloom tagged him for the two run homer in the 3rd, he was removed in favor of Cory Campbell. The native of California didn't disappoint.
Campbell tossed a shut out for the remainder of the game and put the Hawks in position to wrap up the number two seed in the district playoffs. If Anacortes can split with Burlington next week, the Seahawks will enter district play with the number two seed. If the Tigers sweep, the BEHS will slide past the Hawks and sit behind Sehome as the second best team about 2A teams.
The 'Whale' will have live broadcasts of both games next week, starting with Burlington at Anacortes on Monday afternoon at 4:00 PM!
Alysia Fine's 4 RBI's Carry The Bulldogs
Mt Vernon shortstop Alysia fine drilled three doubles down the left field line that fed to four RBI's and a 9-0 Bulldog victory over Mt. Baker tonight. Devin Hiltz went five innings allowing just three hits while striking out five before Stephanie Whitman replaced her to take care of the final two innings.
The Bulldogs improved to 2-2 in conference play and 5-6 overall.
Sehome Does It Again
Thursday afternoon the Sehome Mariner's picked up their 10th straight victory in boys baseball as they crushed Sedro-Woolley 11-1. Carl Henkel completed five innings of work in his first start with the varsity unit easing his way to his first win of the year. The game concluded after five innings as the 10 run rule was enforced.
John Albert came up with three hits while Colin Peterson added two hits and two RBI's. Sedro dropped just their 2nd game of the season in NWC play while Sehome remained even with Mt. Vernon for the conference lead with an 8-1 record. The Bulldogs only loss this season came on Monday against the Cubs.
The Whale will be back in action this afternoon at 4:00 PM as we head to Mt. Vernon for high school softball. It's Mt. Baker at Mt. Vernon, 4:00 PM on AM 1340 and 1340thewhale.com
Seahawks Stifle The Storm
The Anacortes High School baseball team came from behind to top Squalicum 6-5 at Volunteer Field Wednesday night. The Hawks improved to 4-4 (3-3 Classification Play) while the Storm fell to 3-5 (1-5) on the season. Quinn Moore had the Hawks trembling at the plate most of the night as he held AHS to three hits and two runs through six innings. The 7th wouldn't be so kind.
Squalicum scored the games first run but after serving up a two run homer to Braiden Darling, it was the Storm that initially came from behind. Andrew Forhan& Christian Foster both hit two run homers as Jonah Richards departed the game after being tagged with three runs in 5 1/3 innings. Cory Campbell was penned for the final two runs on Forhanshomer to right field but Campbell would get the last laugh in the 7th.
With the Storm possessing a 5-2 lead heading into the bottom of the 7th it appeared as if Squalicum was ready to be right back in the 2A hunt in the NWC. To make matters worse for the Seahawks, their 6-7-8 hitters were scheduled to bat. All three hitters had yet to come up with a hit on the night.
Preston Madden quickly infused a dose of confidence into his team as he was hit by a pitch. Billy King advanced Madden to second with a hard grounder up the first baseline that Jeremy King fielded. With Madden in scoring position, DH Tyler Hayes stayed patient and drew a savvy full count walk off of Moore.
Cody Culp stepped to the plate recognizing the importance of getting Darling back to the batters box with a chance to represent the winning run. Moore didn't make it easy on Culp, but Cody lured Moore into pitching ball four with the count full. The tide had turned and the bases were loaded. Darling didn't disappoint. The Seahawk shortstop scorched a shot down the left field line that plated Madden and Hayes.
Cory Campbell then strolled the plate and immediately dropped one into right center field that scored Culp& Darling to win the game. Campbell welcomed the mob of teammates who tackled him by second base as the Seahawks walked away victorious for the third straight game. Anacortes is back at Volunteer Field for a 4:00 date against Ferndale on Thursday afternoon.
MV Tops Meridian 2-1
Dan Barnett pitched his second straight complete game as Mt. Vernon eclipsed Meridian 2-1 in a Northwest Conference baseball game Wednesday afternoon. The Bulldogs have now won five straight games and will look for their 6th straight at 4:00 PM this afternoon. It's Mt Vernon & Blaine on AM 1340, and online at 1340thewhale.com!
Seahawks Smoke Sehome
An under manned Anacortes High School baseball team destroyed the Sehome Mariners 13-3 in five innings at Volunteer Field tonight. With eight players unavailable, the Hawks watched as freshman Billy King and sophomore Corey Campbell crushed all three Mariner pitchers that they faced.
Sehome struck first as John Albert tripled off of Landon Macy before Anthony Pitsch brought him home on a two run homer. The fireworks would end abruptly for the M's. Anacortes grabbed a run on a Jonah Richards single before exploding in the 2nd inning. A 2-1 deficit turned into a 6-2 lead as the bottom of the order went 3-3 to set up one of the more memorable moments of Campbell's career.
With Ben Wilson struggling to get an out, Campbell didn't miss an opportunity to belt a stunning grand slam that eventually game the Hawks a four run lead heading into the 3rd inning. Anacortes never looked back. Macy stayed in control for the rest of the game while King came up with his third hit in the fifth inning that ended the game. The two run double, King's third double of the game in fact, plated two Hawks to make it 13-3 as Anacortes 10 run ruled one of the leagues premier institutions.
Sehome clipped Anacortes 5-4 earlier this week to pick up their first win of the year, but it was all Anacortes tonight as the Sehawks improved to 1-1 on the year while Sehome fell to 1-2. Our next broadcast will be Friday afternoon once again from Volunteer Field. It's Anacortes& Mt. Vernon at 4:00 right here on AM 1340 and 1340thewhale.com
Lions Return To State
The Lynden Lady Lions handled the AnacortesSeahawks with ease in a 52-33 win Wednesday night. The Lions locked up another state tournament birth while the Hawks season ended in Mt. Vernon High School. After allowing an Amanda Bessler put back to open the game, the Lions never trailed again after reeling off eight of the next nine points to take an early 8-3 lead which they never relinquished.
Hannah Shine scored 10 points and teammate Kellie Flouit chipped in eight as the Lions built an early lead an never looked back. Anacortes pulled with in eight points at half time but a dominant third quarter allowed the Lions to take a 19 point lead into the 4th quarter. Bessler, KendleSmithee, and Arie Boyd led the Hawks in scoring with 11, 8, and 7 points respectively.
Archbishop Looks Like A Champion
The Archbishop Murphy Wildcats reached the 2A state championship game in 2009, this year they're looking for more then an appearance. With a 65-32 win over Anacortes last night, the Lady Wildcats proved that they're a force to be reckoned with. Savannah Fletcher scored 12 points in the first half as the Wildcats led by 18 at the break and never looked back. Archbishop has now won 19 games in a row after dropping their first two games of the year.
The Seahawks have lost two in a row after winning four straight. Anacortes' Amanda Bessler and Arie Boyd both scored nine points in last nights loss for the 10-11 Seahawks. Anacortes will look to starve off elimination tomorrow afternoon at 1:00. You can listen to Anacortes and Cedarcrest at 1:00 PM on AM 1340 and 1340thewhale.com
The Evan Coulter Legend Grows
The Burlington-Edison Boys Basketball team wallopedAnacortes 79-38 to end the 2010 regular season with a 17-3 record, 11-2 in NWC play. The Tigers locked up the number two seed in the district playoffs as Evan Coulter continued a stretch of games that needs to be applauded. 43 points against Ferndale, 26 against Sehome, 28 against Squalicum and 32 at Anacortes.
For the season the senior averaged 22.6 points a game which was good enough to break a fifty year record previously held by Burlington's Marv Hendrickson. Anacortes concluded the season with a 9-11 record, 6-7 in conference play. The Seahawks were eliminated for playoff contention on Thursday night when Mt. Baker & Sehome both picked up wins to knock the Seahawks out.
Chris Stoneham scored six first quarter points and finished with 10 in the game as the senior earned a start in his final game in a Seahawks uniform while Jackson Kirkpatrick led the Hawks in scoring with 13.
Welliver's Six Three's Not Enough
The Anacortes Boys Basketball team missed out on a chance to clinch a district post season birth Tuesday night when Mt. Baker pulled away in overtime to pick up a 62-53 win. The Seahawks were playing in front of their home town fans for the second to last time this season but after taking their first lead of the game since early in the first half, Anacortes watched as the Mountaineers scored the games final 10 points to gain a nine point win.
Sophomore Matt Welliver scored 24 points on six three pointers including the go ahead basket in over time. Welliver's three pointer to make it 53-52 would be the last points of the evening of Anacortes. The Seahawks now have to hinge their post season hopes on a win over Burlington-Edison on senior night this Friday. The game will be broadcast on 'Whale TV' at 7:00.
Even if Anacortes can upset BEHS, they'll need help from Bellingham or Blaine to starve off elimination from the post season tournaments.
With The Playoffs In Site, Seahawks Roll
The Anacortes girls basketball team destroyed Sedro-Woolley 68-33 in Williams Gym Tuesday night. The Hawks were on top 23-9 after the first quarter. Anacortes didn't feel the need to allow the Cubs to get close at any point in this game as they took a 22 point lead into the half. Amanda Bessler scored 14 points and picked up 9 rebounds while freshman Melanie Martin filled up the stat sheet scoring five points, dishing out six assists, and fighting for five rebounds.
Arie Boyd hit a couple of big three's to open the game up as Boyd continued her hot shooting one game removed from a 25 point performance. The Seahawks are now in sole posession of 4th place among 2A teams in the NWC. With three games remaining in the regular season, the Hawks can clinch a playoff birth with two wins or two Sehome losses. Mt. Baker is still in the fold too but if the Seahawks continue to take care of business, Ken Welk will have his team back in Mt. Vernon for districts at the end of the month.
Welliver's 5 Three's Carry The Hawks To Victory
Matt Welliver& Jackson Kirkpatrick accounted for 43 of Anacortes' 68 points in Friday nights 68-58 win at Bellingham. The victory ensures the Seahawks of a one game lead over the Red Raiders for the final play off position in the Northwest Conference with four games remaining. The game was won in the first quarter as the Seahawks took a 23-8 lead heading into the second. Cory Geffe stroked home a three pointer for the first points of the night and the Seahawks never looked back.
Welliver couldn't be contained in the first half and finished with 25 points in the game while a steady dose of Kirkpatrick and Geffe was no much for the Red Raiders. Andrew Troutman and Myles Ayers worked tirelessly for the struggled Raiders who've now dropped five straight to fall to 4-5 in conference play. Troutman finished with eight points and 12 rebounds while Ayers put up a double double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Hawks Win Sets Up Game Of The Season On Friday
The Anacortes boys basketball team refuses to walk the plank just yet. Faced with a defining and deciding game against Ferndale Tuesday night, the Seahawks played like a team that still has their sites set on the playoffs. The Seahawks demolished the Golden Eagles 56-43 last night. The Hawks led by more then 20 points through out the 4th quarter before Jeff Frost went on a scoring spree to close the gap to 13 in the final seconds.
Frost finished with 20 points but it wasn't nearly enough to Ferndale. The Golden Eagles kept the game close in the first seven minutes of play. In fact, they had a one point lead before the Seahawks hit back to back three's to take an 18-13 lead into the 2nd quarter. Anacortes finished with eight three's in the game as Matt Welliver hit four, Cory Geffe added three, and Tyler Hayes knocked home one.
The Seahawk lead grew to 11 at half time and 16 after the 3rd quarter. The win boosts the Seahawks post season chances and sets up a duel Friday night. Anacortes is now 4-4 in NWC play. Their opponents Friday, the Bellingham Red Raiders, have dropped four straight conference games and sit at 4-4 in the league. Bellinghamtentativelyoccupies the final play off spot but whoever comes out on top on Friday will have the inside track to the district play in game.
We'll have the pre game show for you this Friday night at 7:00 PM with tip off from Bellingham High School at 7:30!
Geffe's Three's Not Enough For AHS
Cory Geffe tied an Anacortes school record with seven three pointers in defeat Thursday night. The Sehome Mariners improved to 6-2 in NWC play with a 59-54 win over the Seahawks. Anacortes fell 1.5 behind Bellingham for the final playoff spot in 2A play with their third straight loss.
After the first quarter the Seahawks were on top 16-14. The lead was short lived. Colin Peterson's 18 points and constant defensive pressure changed the course of the game as the Mariner's entered half time with a 31-25 lead. Sehome never looked back. Anacortes fought back to tie things up at 42 before a stunning call was made to change the entire outlook of the game.
Sehome's John Albert was preparing to attempt a free throw as the Mariner's had just entered the bonus. He missed the shot, but a lane violation was called on Anacortes' Matt Welliver. Albert proceeded to hit both free throws and watch as his Mariner's reeled off six straight points to take an eight point lead. They would never look back.
Even with Geffe's heroic shooting night, the Seahawks dropped their third straight and will have to search for answers before Ferndale comes to town next Tuesday. You can listen to the Golden Eagles and Seahawks right here on KWLE 1340 on Tuesday the 2nd at 7:00 PM.
LC Cruises On The Road
The 3rd ranked Lynden Christian Lady Lyncs used a game changed 2nd quarter to blow by Anacortes 56-31 inside Williams Gym last night. Anacortes scored the final five points of the first quarter to make it a 6-5 game after quarter number one, but LC quickly jumped out to an 18-6 lead in the 2nd quarter. The Seahawks were led by freshman Melanie Martin's 11 points in defeat.
Player's Holiday For Jones, Whatcom CC
Paul Jones saved his best for last. Saturday night the Whatcom Community College guard sank a three pointer as time expired to lift the Orcas to a 70-67 win against Skagit Valley. The game played out with the intensity and rage that typically is on display when the two rivals meet. The Cardinals held a 35-30 half time lead before the Orca's stormed back to pick up the victory in the second half.
In fact, Skagit was lucky to be in a position to send the game into over time. The Orca's were on top 67-64 before Cardinal guard Andrew Beatty hit a huge three pointer to tie things up at 67. After calling time out with nine seconds remaining, Jones caught the ball on the left wing before firing up the game winner. Jones was a late addition to the Orca team. He was unavailable to play during the non conference schedule but since league play began, he's been one of the teams best players.
Whatcom improved to 4-3 in NWAACC play with the victory while the Cardinal's slipped to 3-4.
Dickerson's Shooting Stops The Hawks
Derek Dickerson connected on six three pointers as the #1 ranked Squalicum Storm picked up a 74-59 win inside the 'House Of Thunder' Thursday night. The lefty finished with 28 points as he stroked home 6-14 three's. Anacortes gave the Storm a scare though. Jackson Kirkpatrick's 14 first half points kept the Seahawks in the game as Anacortes trailed by just one heading into half time.
In fact, Anacortes led 29-25 before Patrick Voeut scored seven straight for Squalicum to grant the Storm a 32-31 half time lead. Voeut went ballistic on Hawks from inside and out side en route to a 21 point performance. The Seahawks were out scored 27-17 in the 3rd quarter as Dickerson connected on three of his six three pointers in the 3rd quarter.
Dickerson & Voeut were the difference in the 4th quarter after Michael Greene picked up his 4th foul early in the final frame. Even with Greene on the bench, Squalicumcontinued to pound Anacortes on the glass grabbing 35 of the total 53 rebounds on the night. Even with Dickerson's six three pointers, the Hawks still out shot Squalicum from beyond the arc. Anacortes finished with seven three's as Dickerson ended up with all of Squalicum's three pointers at the end of the night.
The loss drops Anacortes to 6-6 overall and 3-2 in NWC play, the Storm picked up their 11th win of the season and remain undefeated in the conference.
Frightening 1st Half Dooms Mt. Vernon
The Anacortes Boys Basketball team has their first winning streak of the season. The Seahawks led for the final 29 minutes in a 60-53 win at Mt. Vernon on Tuesday. Early this season, Anacortes fell into a troubling pattern of following up big victories with a loss. The result was a rather bland 5-5 record that featured several big wins but also a host of frustrating losses.
After Anacortes took down Nooksack Valley last Thursday, the challenge was clear. Beat Mt Vernon. In December the Bulldogs held on to pick up a 71-68 win at Anacortes but the Seahawks were still able to connect on 13 three pointers.
It didn't get any easier for Mt. Vernon's defense last night.
In the first half Anacortes averaged a three pointer every 90 seconds as they connected on 10 first half three's. Jackson Kirkpatrick scored 12 straight points for Anacortes in a dominating 2nd quarter that allowed the Hawks to jump out to a 42-21 half time lead.
Kirkpatrick finished with 21 points as the Hawks were lulled into some offensive struggles in the 2nd half. The Bulldogs switched to an aggressive 1-2-2 zone that looked to trap the Hawk guards whenever an opportunity presented it self. Anacortes avoided the temptation to panic and decided to milk the clock in the final few minutes. The Bulldog's never threatened in the final quarter as Anacortes with stood the defensive pressure and prevailed for the second straight season inside Mt. Vernon's own gym.
Anacortes won't have the chance to gloat. Today is their only opportunity to practice and prepare for Squalicum, the number one ranked team in 2A play who will host the Seahawks Thursday night. You can listen to the game on AM 1340 and watch it online at 1340thewhale.com
Welliver's Shooting Carries The Hawks Anacortes improved to 2-1 in NWC play with a 70-61 win over Nooksack Valley Thursday night. The Seahawks put together a dominant display of offensive fire power en route to a nine point win as the 'Hawks hit 23-38 shots from the floor. Matt Welliver provided plenty of spark as he hit six three pointers on the night. The Sophomore finished with 20 points.
Anacortes' scoring slumped only once last night as the Hawks were held to two points during a brutal four minute stretch in the third quarter. After taking a 32-31 lead into half time, Anacortes scored eight straight to open the 2nd Half before going cold. The Pioneers fought back into the game and eventually tied things up at 43. It was short lived as Anacortes opened the 4th Quarter on a mission as the pushed their lead was pushed to 10.
Welliever wasn't the only Seahawk stroking it from the perimeter as Cory Geffe added 17 points on a string of long jumpers while Ty Hayes & Thomas Kassa both finished in double figures. Nooksack was led by Nick Westergreen's 15 points as the Pioneer's fell to 6-5 on the season. Anacortes improved to 5-5 and 2-1 in conference play with the victory. The Seahawks are at Mt. Vernon on Tuesday with tip off on KWLE 1340 at 7:30.
