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Over and Back 2023
Mar 8, 2023 5:46 PM

Nine 1A and 2A boys and girls teams from the Northwest Conference took a trip to the SunDome in Yakima for their respective state tournaments. While it was difficult losing three on Wednesday’s elimination day, the other six were still playing on Saturday. Half of those six won championships. The other three finished second, second, and third.

This is still the Northwest Conference of Champions.

2022-23 All-Northwest Conference Boys Basketball Teams
Mar 7, 2023 3:25 PM

The 2022-23 edition of the All-Northwest Conference Boys Basketball team has been announced, as voted on by league coaches.

The Player of the Year is Sophomore, Davis Fogle, from NWC Champion, Anacortes.

The Coach of the Year is Brett Senff, also from Anacortes. The Assistant Coach of the year is Lakewood's TJ Rice.

For the complete list of first and second teams, please see the attachment below.

Post Attachments2022-23 All-Northwest Conference Boys Basketball
2022-23 All-Northwest Conference Girls Basketball Teams
Mar 7, 2023 3:28 PM

The 2022-23 All-Northwest Conference Girls Basketball Team has been announced, as voted on by league coaches.

The Northwest Conference Player of the Year is Devin Coppinger, from 1A state champion, Nooksack Valley.

The Coach of the Year, is Nooksack Valley's Shane Wichers. Assistant Coach of the Year is Clare Martin of Bellingham.

For the complete list of first and second teams, please see the attachment below.

Post Attachments2022-23 All-Northwest Conference Girls Basketball
NWC Boys Swim & Dive All-Conference 2022-23
Mar 6, 2023 3:56 PM

The Northwest Conference boys Swim and Dive All-Conference team has been announced.

For a complete list, please see the attachment below.

Post AttachmentsNWC Boys Swim & Dive All-Conference 2022-23
Lions Earn Back-to-Back Titles
Mar 5, 2023 1:06 AM

For the second consecutive year, for the fourth in the last 5 years, and for the 12 time in their history, the Lynden Lions are state basketball champions. The Lions smothered the Mark Morris Monarchs 61-43 for the 2023 State basketball title, in the Yakima SunDome.

Lyncs Repeat as 1A Champions
Mar 4, 2023 7:36 PM

In a repeat performance, the Lynden Christian Lyncs successfully defended their 2022 1A state championship and will keep the big Gold Ball for another year. The Lyncs defeated the Kings Knights in the title game for the second year in a row, 57-47, for their eighth state championship.

Borderites Capture Third Place
Mar 4, 2023 3:24 PM

With a short turn around time, the Blaine Borderites recovered nicely from their semifinal loss to Kings, in time to shoot their way past the Toppenish Wildcats, 70-60, to take home the third-place trophy in the 2023 1A Boys State Tournament.

Friday's Semi's Sets Up a List of Championship Rematches
Mar 4, 2023 8:31 AM

Over a span of 12 games played by Northwest Conference boys and girls teams in the 1A and 2A state tournaments on Thursday and Friday, Northwest Conference teams went 11-1. Of the 16 semifinalists, six represented the NWC. Five of those advanced to their respective championship games.

Borderites Soar Past Owls Into State Semi's
Mar 2, 2023 11:55 PM

The Blaine Borderites, taking a page from the “Quick Start Guide,” used by Lynden and Lynden Christian earlier in the day, got out of the gate early and rolled past #8 Overlake, 80-52, in a 1A state quarterfinal game, Thursday at the Yakima SunDome.

#1 Lynden Christian Pieces Together Win Over #2 Zillah
Mar 2, 2023 8:35 PM

The Lynden Christian Lyncs got off to a quick start against the Zillah Leopards, only to have to dig deep to patch together a plan and a lineup that would get them to the finish line. They did, and in the end, the Lyncs battled to a 58-45 victory in a 1A state quarterfinal game in the Yakima SunDome.

#6 Lynden Returns to Semi's after Win over #13 North Kitsap
Mar 2, 2023 3:35 PM

The Lynden Lions scored the first ten points of the game and never looked back, as they crushed the North Kitsap Vikings, 68-38, in a 2A state quarterfinal game, Thursday at the Yakima SunDome.

Anacortes and Sehome Eliminated
Mar 1, 2023 4:59 PM

Was it the water? The higher altitude of Eastern Washington? The dome’s this or that? In trying to figure out how and why two of the Northwest Conference’s best were eliminated on State Tournament Wednesday, there is nothing to blame. They were just beaten by teams that were more on their game on this day.

Great Season Geared Up for a Fantastic Finish
Feb 26, 2023 9:34 AM

The greatest season ever of the Northwest Conference took a bit of a hit on Saturday. But, despite losses by Anacortes and Sehome, everyone’s goals remain in reach.

In the 2A boys tournament, the #2 Seahawks lost to #7 Prosser, Saturday at Arlington High School, 74-69. The #5 Mariners, lost at WF West High School, to #4 Mark Morris, 84-72. On the victors side, #6 Lynden routed #3 Renton, 70-52, at Auburn Mountainview High School, Friday night.

Bulldogs Season Ends with Loss to Walla Walla
Feb 22, 2023 4:58 PM

There have been some huge crowds at the Mount Vernon Gym this season. I’ve seen the Bulldogs at home against Sehome, Lynden Christian, Lynden, and Blaine. I’ve also been there for 2A District Tournament games. Each has had huge, lively crowds.

NWC Boys Regional Opponent Previews
Feb 21, 2023 4:14 PM

3A Regional Play-In at Mount Vernon, Tuesday 7pm

#20 Walla Walla Blue Devils vs #13 Mount Vernon Bulldogs

Northwest Conference Sending Eleven to State
Feb 19, 2023 11:56 AM

The Mount Vernon Gym was again bulging at the seams as the final two 2A boys District Tournament games took place Saturday night. The Anacortes Seahawks, champions of the Northwest Conference, added a couple nets and the District Championship trophy to their hallway, as they defeated the Sehome Mariners, 55-45.

2A Elimination Day & Headed Toward Big Saturday
Feb 17, 2023 4:51 PM

We went over how tight Tuesday’s 2A District Tournament games were. To review, Squalicum got a four-point “blow-out” over Burlington-Edison, while Anacortes had a three-point victory over Lakewood. The two-point wins went to Sehome over Lynden, and Archbishop Murphy over Cedarcrest.

On Thursday at Mount Vernon High School, one elimination game was right in line with the previous four, as Lakewood came away with a 55-50 win over Squalicum. And Lynden, well, they broke the mold with a 65-25 elimination of Archbishop Murphy.

SPECIAL EDITION: District Tournament Update
Feb 15, 2023 8:31 PM

What was the greatest Northwest Conference boys basketball season ever, is quickly morphing into what could end up being the greatest post-season ever.

On Tuesday night, there were four games in the 2A District 1 Tournament. The largest margin of victory was a meager four points. One had a three-point difference, and the other two were decided by a deuce. All four were in play until the final seconds.

1A Champs Crowned; 2A & 3A Heating Up
Feb 12, 2023 12:19 PM

Champions have been crowned in the 1A District 1 tournament, while the 2A’s and 3A’s press on.

The Lynden Christian Lyncs boys and the Nooksack Valley girls cut the nets down at Lynden High School on Saturday. The LC boys defeating Blaine, 65-40, while the Pioneer girls got past the LC girls 55-45. The winners advance to next Saturday’s crossover games with District 2, held at Kings High School.

1A & 2A Tournaments Heat Up Saturday
Feb 10, 2023 4:51 PM

The 2A District Tournament began on Thursday, as the ten entrants from District 1 was whittled down to eight with two play-in games. #8 Archbishop Murphy eliminated #9 Bellingham 56-41, and #7 Squalicum did the same to #10 Sedro-Woolley, 56-44.

The Wildcats and the Storm advance to the double-elimination bracket, with ATM playing at #1 Anacortes at 730pm on Saturday, and the Storm will be at #2 Lynden at 3pm, also on Saturday.

Admission Information for 1A-2A District Tournaments
Feb 9, 2023 9:06 AM

For boys and girls district tournament games at Lynden and Mount Vernon High Schools, you can use the GoFan app or GoFan.com website to purchase tickets online. You can purchase tickets at the door at those venues.

There are GoFan links in the tournament brackets.

Admissions:

Adults/Students w/o ASB $8.00

Students w/ASB $6.00

Children 5-12 years $6.00

Seniors over 62 years $6.00

(GoFan service fee is #1.40 per ticket)

1A Boys District Preview
Feb 9, 2023 2:17 PM

1A Boys District Preview

Wednesday, 730pm at Blaine

#3 Meridian (6-9/11-9) vs #2 Blaine (10-5/13-6)

Borderites beat the Trojans 78-55 on January 10, in Blaine.

District Tournament Basketball on the Air
Feb 9, 2023 12:42 PM

District Tournament Basketball on the air:

Wednesday, Feb 8

Girls: Sedro-Woolley at Lakewood, 715pm

KAPS 660AM / 102.1FM & KapsRadio.com

Boys: Nooksack Valley at Lynden Christian, 730p

KGMI 790AM / 96.5FM

Pregame 715pm

Girls: Shorewood at Ferndale, 700pm

KPUG 1170AM / 97.9FM

Pregame 645pm

Saturday, Feb 11

Boys: Squalicum/Sedro (Winner) at Lynden, 300pm

KPUG 1170AM / 97.9FM

Pregame 245pm

Girls: Lynden Christian vs Nooksack Valley, 500pm

KGMI 790AM / 96.5FM

Pregame 445pm

~ Ted House

We Have a Winner in the NWC's Greatest Regular Season
Feb 5, 2023 12:07 PM

We have a winner!

Congratulations to the Anacortes Seahawks, their 14-1 conference record, and their outright Northwest Conference championship. The Seahawks outpaced the 13-2 records of Sehome, Lynden and Lynden Christian, in possibly the toughest Northwest Conference schedule ever.

Offenses Winning Out as Teams Battle for Top Spots
Jan 30, 2023 3:07 PM

For the third straight week, several of the Northwest Conference’s best faced each other, an no one made it through unscathed. After several standing eight counts over the past two weeks, all teams need to put the finishing touches on the regular season, and see where the district tournament chips will fall.

Role Players Time to Shine
Jan 22, 2023 12:16 PM

Any boss or coach, who is really in tune to the development of a business or team, knows the value of a support staff. While others may get the big money, or their name in the list of top ten scorers, it can be the support staff that really pushes that business or team to the top.

And then, there were two...
Jan 15, 2023 11:36 AM

From what I can remember, I’ve talked about free throws, jump shots, and outlet passes. With all the big games now happening between teams at the top of the league, I don’t have time to help you with more fundamentals this week. But, if you want to practice some entry passes, that would be nice.

Make sure the post player gets position with his defender having to pick a side to play defense on. Then as he holds out the hand, opposite of said defender, hit that hand with a nice lob pass, leading him right to the rim. Two every time!

5 Undefeated Teams Remain
Jan 8, 2023 12:35 PM

In an unprecedented display, on January 8, 2023, five Northwest Conference teams remain undefeated in league play. Obviously, none of those five (Sehome, Anacortes, Blaine, Lynden, Lynden Christian) have played each other, but that changes this week.

Only one team has a perfect record on the season, and that’s the Lynden Christian Lyncs (11-0). On Monday, they will take that record to Anacortes, in the first battle of the unbeatens. The Seahawks are 6-0 in the NWC and 10-1 overall.

As long as Lynden and Blaine win their respective games early this week, they will also meet as undefeated NWC teams on Thursday in Blaine. Those teams can’t look ahead to things like that, be we can.

Holiday Tune-ups for the Stretch Run
Jan 1, 2023 2:26 PM

The holiday break started earlier than expected for Northwest Conference teams when last week’s deep freeze cancelled ten games in the days before Christmas. There was a break in the game schedule, but certainly not in team practice schedules, as teams pressed on to prepare for holiday events. This past week, three NWC programs got two games each at Mountlake Terrace High School, while five more got a dry run of their hopeful future state tournament arena, the Yakima SunDome.

Hey, Get off the Floor
Dec 18, 2022 2:57 PM

In that spring season of 2021, I made you all better free throw shooters. Now, let’s tackle the art of jump-shooting. Well, when you’re on defense never tackle (or even foul) a jump-shooter. Coaches hate that. So, when you are on offense, keep that in mind.

Having a reliable jump-shot is the number one offensive weapon to have, in my book. I haven’t seen every team in the league play yet, but I have seen some players with great jump-shots. I’ll list some of them and recap the week in the Northwest Conference.

2022 All Northwest Conference Girls Soccer Teams
Dec 13, 2022 3:12 PM

The 2022 All Northwest Conference Girls Soccer teams have been announced.

The 2A/3A team is led by Offensive Most Valuable Player Evelyn Keay, a senior from state runner-up, Sehome. The Defensive Most Valuable Player is senior, Claire Schnable of Anacortes. The Coach of the Year is Bellngham's Spencer Wolfe.

The 1A All NWC team is led by Offensive Most Valuable Player, Daisy Poag, senior from Lynden Christian, also second place in the state in 2022. The Defensive Most Valuable Player is Larissa Pluschakov, a sophomore from Blaine.

Co-Coaches of the Year are Blaine's Gio Quesada, and Lynden Christian's Brent Deruyter.

For the complete list of 1A and 2A/3A All NWC teams, please see the attachments below.

Post Attachments2022 All NWC 1A Girls Soccer
Post Attachments2022 All NWC 2A/3A Girls Soccer
You Better Watch Out
Dec 11, 2022 12:34 PM

You better watch out

You better not cry,

Better not be surprised at NWC outcomes,

I’m telling you why.

Tis the first week of the regular season, and the above lyrics seem apropos. An early season wake up call for the rest of the Northwest Conference to be on their toes, always.

All Northwest Conference 2A Football Team
Dec 6, 2022 3:47 PM

The 2022 All Northwest Conference football team for the 2A classification has been announced.

Congratulations to the Offensive Most Valuable Player, Brock Beaner, sophomore from Anacortes. And to the Defensive Most Valuable Player, senior Lane Herrings of 2A champion, Lynden.

The Coach of the Year award goes to Justin Portz of Anacortes. Scott Noteboom of Lynden is the Assistant Coach of the Year.

For the complete list of first and second teams for 2A, please see the attached list.

Post Attachments2022 All Northwest Conference 2A Football Team
Top 10 Matchups Highlight Week 1
Dec 4, 2022 10:29 AM

Week one of the basketball season is in the books, and we still have three teams absent due to football successes. The rest are cranking it up, and there was a nice 3-team triangle of highly regarded 1A’s that went on amidst the strong northeast winds. Thanks Canada!

Championship Football on Saturday
Nov 30, 2022 8:05 AM

Mount Baker and Lynden will play in State Championship football games on Saturday. Both games can be heard on KPUG 1170AM / 97.9FM

The Mountaineers will take on Royal at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood (South Tacoma) at noon. The Lions will play North Kitsap at 5:00pm at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup.

Pregame shows begin 25 minutes before kickoff.

~ Ted House

NWC Basketball Starts This Week
Nov 28, 2022 4:39 PM

Winning a state basketball championship is at the top of every team’s pyramid. Only twelve will reach that pinnacle. I can’t win a championship from here, so my goals are a bit different. If I am fortunate enough to reach the SunDome in Yakima for my 38 consecutive state tournament appearance, I plan to hoist a Triple-Berry Lemonade. They are proven to be championship caliber. And surely, more than just one.

2022 Girls Swim & Dive All-Conference
Nov 24, 2022 9:12 AM

The 2022 All Northwest Conference Girls Swim & Dive Team has been announced. Please see the attachment below for the full list of All Conferrence athletes.

Post Attachments2022 Girls Swim & Dive All-Conference
State Semi's Saturday at Civic
Nov 21, 2022 2:28 PM

Two state football semifinal games will be held Saturday, November 26, at Civic Stadium in Bellingham.

The 1A semi between league rivals, Nooksack Valley and Mount Baker will kick off at 1:00pm. In the 2A semifinal, Lynden will host Enumclaw at 5:00pm.

Ticketing for these games can only be purchased online with GoFan.com (see links below). This is advised by the WIAA.

The Valley-Baker game will be aired on KPUG 1170AM / 97.9FM. Hornets-Lions can be heard on KGMI 790AM / 96.5FM. Pregame shows begin 25 minutes before kickoff. Gates open at noon.

Further ticketing information:

Mt Baker vs Nooksack ticket link:

https://gofan.co/app/events/803367?schoolId=WIAA

Lynden vs Enumclaw ticket link:

https://gofan.co/app/events/803368?schoolId=WIAA

One ticket will get you entrance to both games. You may reenter with a stamp before exiting.

~ Ted House

Broadcast Schedule - State Football Quarterfinals
Nov 15, 2022 2:24 PM

Northwest Conference football teams went 6-0 in the first weekend of the state playoffs. All six are in action this weekend, and here is the broadcast schedule for Friday, November 18, and Saturday, November 19:

Highline vs Lynden, Friday, 6:00pm at Civic Stadium, KPUG 1170AM / 97.9FM

Anacortes vs North Kitsap, Friday, 6:30pm at North Kitsap HS, KBRC 1430AM / 102.9FM & KbrcRadio.com

Sedro-Woolley vs WF West, Saturday, 1:00pm at Centralia HS (Tiger Stadium), KAPS 660AM / 102.1FM & KapsRadio.com

Cashmere vs Nooksack Valley, Saturday, 3:00pm at Civic Stadium, KPUG 1170AM / 97.9FM

Ferndale vs Eastside Catholic, Saturday, 4:00pm at Seattle Memorial Stadium, KGMI 790AM / 96.5FM

Mount Baker vs Lakeside (NMF), Saturday, 4:00pm at Union Stadium, Mead, KBAI 930AM / 98.9FM

~ Ted House

State Football - NWC Broadcast Schedule
Nov 11, 2022 9:18 AM

Here is what we know about broadcasts for NWC football teams as they hit the state tournament this weekend.

Friday:

Lynden hosts Black Hills at Civic Stadium, 3:30pm, KPUG 1170AM / 97.9FM

Ferndale hosts Kelso at Civic Stadium, 7:00pm, KPUG 1170AM / 97.9FM

Anacortes hosts West Valley, Spokane at AHS, 6:00pm, Can be seen on AHS Live on YouTube. Radio broadcast on KBRC 1430AM / 102.9FM & KbrcRadio.com

Mt. Baker at Tenino, at THS, 7:00pm, KBAI 930AM / 98.9FM

Sedro-Woolley at Tumwater, 7:00pm, KAPS 660am / 102.1FM & KapsRaidio.com

Saturday:

Nooksack Valley hosts Riverside at Civic Stadium, 5:00pm, KGMI 790AM / 96.5FM

~ Ted House

1A Football Mini-Playoff - Thursday at Blaine
Nov 1, 2022 2:29 PM

Thanks to a three-way tie in the 1A football standings, Lynden Christian, Nooksack Valley, and Mount Baker will face off in a Kansas Tiebreaker to determine the two teams that will advance to the state playoffs.

The Tiebreaker will be held on Thursday, November 3, at Blaine High School. The first mini-game is set for 5pm, between the Pioneers and the Mountaineers.

That winner advances to the state round of 16, which begins on Friday, November 11. The losing team will then play the Lyncs, with that winner also advancing to state.

In this format, teams will get equal possessions. The games could last just a few plays, or for several possessions. Don't be late!

The two winners will be seeded into the round of 16 by the WIAA football seeding committee.

Admission to the event is $2.

~ Ted House

2022 All Northwest Conference Boys Soccer
Jun 17, 2022 4:20 PM

The 2022 All Northwest Conference Boys Soccer team has been announced, as voted on by league coaches.

Treyson Smiley, a junior from Lynden, and Ryan Johnson, a senior from Squalicum were selected as Co-Defensive Most Valuable Players.

The Offensive Most Valuable Player award goes to Mount Vernon senior, Christopher Soto.

The Coach of the Year award goes to Joe McAuliffe of Squalicum.

For the complete list of first and second teams, please see the attachment below.

Post Attachments2022 All Northwest Conference Boys Soccer
2022 All Northwest Conference Softball Teams
Jun 8, 2022 7:20 AM

The 2022 All Northwest Conference Fastpitch Softball team has been announced by a vote of league coaches.

There are Co-Offensive Players of the Year. Those honors go to Lynden senior Ash Alexander, and Courtney Locke, a junior from Burlington-Edison.

The Defensive Player of the Year is Jordan Releford, senior pitcher from 1A State Champion, Nooksack Valley.

The Coach of the Year award goes to the Pioneeers' Tom Harmon.

For the complete list of first and second teams, please see the attachment below.

Post Attachments2022 All NWC Fastpitch Softball
2022 All Northwest Conference Baseball Team
May 24, 2022 11:21 AM

For the first time since the 2019 season, the All Northwest Conference Baseball Team has been announced.

Mount Vernon freshman, Xavier Neyens, was recognized as the league's Most Valuable Player. Pitcher of the Year honors goes to Lynden sophomore, Lane Simonsen. And the Coach of the Year is Lynden's Cory White.

For the complete list of first and second teams, please see the attachment below.

Post Attachments2022 All Northwest Conference Baseball
Over & Back, 2022
Mar 10, 2022 11:28 AM

If the Pac-12 Conference ever wants to sell the rights to their slogan, panned exclusively and often by Bill Walton, I may have a buyer for it.

The Pac-12 “Conference of Champions” should rightly be renamed, “The Northwest Conference of Champions.”

2021-22 All Northwest Conference - Girls Basketball
Mar 8, 2022 3:48 PM

The 2021-22 girls All-Northwest Conference basketball teams have been announced.

The Player of the Year in the NWC is Nooksack Valley sophomore, Devin Coppinger.

Coach of the Year honors also goes to Nooksack Valley's Shane Wichers.

The Pioneers finished the NWC schedule undefeated and earned second place at the 2022 state tournament. That equals the Pioneers best state tournament trophy of a second place finish in 1985.

For the complete list first and second teams, please see the attachment below.

Post Attachments2021-22 All Northwest Conference - Girls Basketball
2021-22 All Northwest Conference - Boys Basketball
Mar 7, 2022 7:30 PM

The 2021-22 boys basketball All Conference teams have been announced.

The Player of the Year award in the NWC goes to Andrew Hommes, who led the Lyncs to the NWC title on the way to the 2022 1A state championship.

The Coach of the Year is Brett Farrar, who guided the Blaine Borderites to the 1A state tournament.

For the complete list of first and second teams, please see the attachment below.

Post Attachments2021-22 All Northwest Conference - Boys Basketball
2021-22 All Northwest Conference Boys Swim & Dive
Mar 7, 2022 3:30 PM

Please see the attachment below for the Boys Swim & Dive All-Northwest Conference team for 2021-22.

Post Attachments2021-22 All Northwest Conference Boys Swim & Dive
Blaine & Lakewood Survive Regional Elimination Games
Feb 26, 2022 6:22 PM

Blaine 50, Wahluke 48

The Blaine Borderites withstood a furious comeback by the Wahulke Warriors, but hung on in the final seven seconds, for a 50-48 win, in the 1A regionals Saturday, in the Mount Vernon Gym. The win sends the Borderites on a trip to the SunDome in Yakima.

The Borderites will take on the Quincy Jackrabbits, who lost to Kings, 81-57 on Saturday. That game will be an elimination game at 2pm on Wednesday.

Big Fourth Quarter Sends Lions to Quarterfinals
Feb 26, 2022 12:02 AM

Do you know that person who doesn’t talk much, but when he does, you know better listen? Lynden Lion senior guard Kaleo Jandoc doesn’t shoot much, but when he does, you better watch.

Jandoc scored two points through the first three quarters of the Lions 2A regional basketball game against Port Angeles but nailed two crucial 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter. The second-seeded Lions played from behind all night, but survived the Roughriders, 58-48, in front of a big crowd in the Mount Vernon High School Gym.

Quick Scout of Northwest Conference Regional Opponents
Feb 24, 2022 6:14 AM

Blaine, Lynden Christian, Lakewood, Lynden, and Sehome will represent the Northwest Conference in this weekend’s regional round, on the boys side. Here is a quick scouting report of their opponents.

Golden Eagles Season Ends in Kennewick
Feb 22, 2022 8:32 PM

The Ferndale Golden Eagles traveled to Kennewick High School for a “regional play-in” game with the hometown Lions. The teams literally traded 3-point shots through the first 16 minutes, but the Lions prevailed in the second half, ending Ferndale’s season, 80-62.

Lync & Borderite Wins Scan Them to Regional Play
Feb 20, 2022 10:31 AM

Told ya I had nothing clever for that yet.

The Lynden Christian Lyncs and the Blaine Borderites completed the crossover portion of their Bi-District tournament with victories, sending both to the regional round of the state tournament.

Lynden Takes District Title: Lakewood Claims Third
Feb 19, 2022 10:57 AM

This time of year, only the really good teams are still around, and in order to prevail, you have to be playing your best. On Friday night at Mount Vernon High School, Lakewood and Lynden may have put together their best all-around efforts of the year.

A Six-Iron and Now a Five-Iron?
Feb 17, 2022 6:54 PM

This time of year, there is a popular phrase, or cliché, that is used for teams that are fortunate enough to advance to the state tournament. This channel does not “punch tickets,” but I haven’t found a clever way to use a “scan” or “QR” code to do the trick.

Post-Season Rolling in Full NWC Force
Feb 12, 2022 11:38 AM

The first week of the post-season for Northwest Conference teams has flown by, with just about everything following according to seeding. Top 1A seed, Lynden Christian, won the 1A district title. The top four seeds have advanced to the semifinals in the 2A tournament. The only real “bracket-buster” was in 3A, where #7 Ferndale handled #2 Shorecrest on Tuesday, giving the Golden Eagles to the quarterfinals.

Season Complete, Anticipation Begins
Feb 6, 2022 11:39 AM

Like the “An-tis-a-pa-shun” of Heinz out of a ketchup bottle, we await the unfolding of the post-season. The final regular season games have been played for the 2021-22 season of the Northwest Conference. Most teams were able to play 13 or 14 games. Ferndale was able to play all 15, but Lakewood only nine. Given the unbalance of the season, all 16 teams will have a post-season.

Lions Edge Lyncs and More NWC Festivities
Jan 30, 2022 11:56 AM

The game of the week was certainly the Lynden Christian-Lynden battle on Friday night at Jake Maberry Gymnasium. The two teams keep that date on the schedule in backs of their minds from the first day of practice in the fall, when they start on 6-foot hoops at age five. The Lions won a typical thriller, 63-60, but other things happened on the way to that night.

Lakewood Returns as League Play Winds Down
Jan 23, 2022 12:00 PM

The biggest story of the week has to be the return of the Lakewood Cougars. On Friday, their trip to Lynden Christian was their first game since December 29. The virus positives, plus quarantine time rolled through their team over that span of 23 days. Though their first game back was an 83-51 loss to the Lyncs, I think they would take that situation as a “win.”

Still Winter, But Things Are Growing
Jan 16, 2022 12:31 PM

We’ve been through a lot this winter. Some, more than others. But no group has dealt with more in our area than those in the Northeast part of Whatcom County. From 100+ temps in the summer of 2021, to the depths of floods in the fall, to the freeze of the winter. From all of that, maybe something beautiful has began to grow. More on that later.

NWC Schedule Battling the Elements
Jan 9, 2022 9:57 AM

For the past two weeks, Northwest Conference basketball teams have been dodging snowflakes and covid. Though there were cancellations, it seems like the schedule is starting to come together again.

Ferndale’s 76-56 win over Sedro-Woolley on Saturday, was the Golden Eagles first game since December 21. Bellingham was on the floor Saturday for the first time since December 16, in a 74-40 loss at Lynden Christian. Lakewood is still waiting. The Cougars last game was in the Yakima SunDome on December 29, in a loss to Brewster. They are scheduled to play Mount Vernon this Friday.

NWC Hoops Hurdles the Holidays
Dec 26, 2021 9:44 AM

It was a shortened script in the Northwest Conference basketball race last week. But that doesn’t mean it was short on intrigue. There are now three teams that remain undefeated in league play, Mount Vernon, Lynden Christian, and Lakewood. We had an upset that was years in the making, and you can hand out the league’s Most Inspirational Player award, right now.

Love a Good Rivalry
Dec 19, 2021 12:12 PM

Headlining the week for me, was the Tiger-Hawk Challenge. Wednesday’s event between Burlington-Edison and Anacortes was a double-header for the girls and boys teams, and the third one that I have attended.

I love it because the gym is packed for both games. Student sections are large, loud, and proud. And along with the events on the floor, there are also competitions between student sections and drumlines.

Week 2 in Review & NWC History 101
Dec 12, 2021 8:00 AM

This was the second full week in the 16th season of the Northwest Conference. It was the beginning of conference games, and there were several team and individual highlights in the six games that I was able to take in.

With 15 NWC seasons in the books (yes, including Spring ’21), I thought it was about time to reveal some historical records that our teams have achieved over that period of time.

2021 2A All Northwest Conference Football
Dec 7, 2021 4:43 PM

The 2021 2A All Northwest Conference Football team has been announced. Congratulations to Burlington-Edison senior, Zach Watson, who was voted the league's Most Valuable Player.

The Coach of the Year is Blake VanDalen, of state champion, Lynden.

For the complete list, please see the list below.

Post Attachments2021 2A All Northwest Conference Football
Clarifying Advancement to 3A District Tournaments
Oct 22, 2021 1:16 PM

Here is some clarification on advancement into the 3A Girls Soccer and Volleyball District Tournaments, from the Wesco and Northwest Conferences:

Wesco and NWC teams qualify based on position in their own league standings. The top 10 qualify from the Wesco. In the NWC, two of the three 3A teams will qualify, based on their league records.

Once the ten teams from the Wesco, and the two from the NWC are known, they will then be seeded into the district tournament based on their RPI scores. It is also possible, for example, that Team-A finishes higher in the standings than Team-B, but Team-B could have a higher RPI.

The same format will be used for all team sports (other than football) for the rest of the 2021-22 school year.

~ Ted House

NWC Video Streams
Sep 10, 2021 3:30 PM

Many of the video streams that Northwest Conference schools used last year for athletic events are being carried over to the 2021-22 school year. You can find all 16 NWC schools video streams for various sports over three different platforms.

NFHSNetwork.com is home to the following schools: Burlington-Edison, Lynden, Mount Baker, and Sedro-Woolley.

Justagame.com carries: Bellingham, Lynden Christian, Meridian, Sehome, and Squalicum.

YouTube has streams for: Anacortes (AHSLive), Blaine (BorderitesLive), Ferndale (Eagles Nest Network), Nooksack Valley (Nooksack Valley High School or Chris Bartl), Oak Harbor (Wildcats Media), Lakewood (Lakewood High School), Mount Vernon (MVHSTV).

NFHS and Justagame may charge fees by the game, month or year.

The home team handles the stream for various sports.

Officials Wanted!
Aug 27, 2021 6:15 AM

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Could you use some extra income? Because we could use some extra help. Here’s a win-win: Sign up to become a high school official today! You’ll earn a few extra bucks, fill a critical need and have a lot of fun too! #BecomeAnOfficial

http://www.washingtonofficials.com/

2021 All Northwest Conference, Boys Basketball Teams
Jun 27, 2021 12:22 PM

The All Northwest Conference Boys Basketball Teams have been announced for the 2021 season.

The Coaches have voted Lynden Lion junior, Jordan Medcalf, as the league's Most Valuablel Player.

Co-Coaches of the year are Brett Senff of Anacortes, and Brian Roper of Lynden.

Teams played an unbalanced schedule with a maximum of 14 games, including non-league.

For a complete list of players on First and Second teams, and Honorable Mention, please visit the link below.

Post Attachments2021 All Northwest Conference, Boys Basketball
The Season That Will Not Be Forgotten
Jun 20, 2021 5:49 PM

While everything outside the lines was different, in the 2021 Northwest Conference basketball season, as far a I could see, everything inside the lines was as normal as it could be.

Credit first goes to the coaches and parents for keeping their players and kids focused. I did not see any drop in intensity over the final days of the season, despite seniors having graduated, and hosted and attended grad parties. Their only link left to their school colors was on the basketball floor.

Most of all, credit to those seniors, and every player on every school’s roster, at every level of play. The made the best of an impossible situation and remained committed.

Welcome, Graduates!
Jun 13, 2021 11:48 AM

It’s the final week, or “finals week.” As of this writing, 12 of the current 15 teams in the Northwest Conference will have “grad students” on their respective basketball floors this week. Two of the remaining three will have graduation ceremonies during the week.

Also, just in case they throw a last-minute state tournament together in Yakima, there is ZERO chance of snow on Snoqualmie Pass. I’d like to see January, or even February or March do that!

It's All About Rebounding
Jun 6, 2021 10:56 AM

Much of basketball is about rebounding. Coaches frequently talk about its importance. Being effective at team rebounding means extra possessions on offense, which could mean a better chance for that big win.

Off the subject for a moment, there is something else that is noticeable in Juneuary basketball that you do not see in January basketball. The answer will be at the end. See if you can think what it is along the way.

Free Throw Shooting 101 From a Self-Proclaimed Expert
May 30, 2021 10:57 AM

I mentioned last week that it was impressive to watch teams play as hard as they are with no end result to the 2021 season. The sense of urgency has been on display on every basketball floor. That deserves a “Job Well Done” to all players and coaches from the C-Teams, on up.

Offenses are in gear now. Defenses can be stingy. Three-pointers are flowing. But there is one part of their game that, maybe, has not come on strong yet. And, for good reason. That would be free-throw shooting!

Different Start to the Season; Different Start to the Game
May 23, 2021 11:22 AM

Have you ever gone to a game and been busy talking, or paying attention to something else, then look up and say, “Hey, I missed the jump ball!” Well, now, at least for this season, you may have to say, “Hey, I missed the sideline-inbounds!”

Welcome to Basketball Season; Courts are in Session
May 16, 2021 3:01 PM

Yes, basketball courts are finally in session in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, which encompass the Northwest Conference. Instead of splitting the season at New Year’s, this basketball season will end the school year. It’s a little off, but it’s here.