Going winless through 18 games isn’t a ton of fun. But the Hudson’s Bay boys basketball team is finding ways to enjoy a season that has not yet produced a victory.
On Friday, the Eagles hung with visiting R.A. Long for a half before losing 50-32 in a Class 2A Greater St. Helens League game.
“I’m still having fun,” senior guard Anthony Sanchez said. “I haven’t played basketball since the eighth grade and it’s so much fun. It’s great being out here with all of the guys again.”
The lack of varsity experience has made it a challenge to compete against more experienced opponents. But it hasn’t broken the Eagles spirit.
“Earlier in the year you could tell we didn’t have any varsity experience on our roster. But in the last few games we’ve taken some big steps,” Eagles assistant coach Dan Larson said. “You can see the improvement and the stuff we’ve worked on in practice has translated into games. It’s been a proud coaching experience to see that pay off.
“We haven’t gotten to the point where it’s gotten us over the hump to a win. But you can see the progress and it’s fun to watch.”
Larson has filled in while head coach Theo Mikaele assists his wife. Elizabeth Mikaele, a counselor at Hudson’s Bay, suffered a stroke on Jan. 21 and is recovering at home.
“Theo’s done a great job with the culture of our team,” Larson said. “They really play for each other and they’ve been playing the last three games for him, too.”
On Friday, senior Tyler Lee hit four 3-pointers in the first half. Early in the second quarter the Eagles led by seven points. The Lumberjacks used a 13-2 run to lead by four points, but another Lee 3 helped the Eagles to a 21-21 tie at halftime.
R.A. Long took charge at the start of the second half by going inside on offense. The Lumberjacks (8-9, 4-5 GSHL) scored the first 17 points after halftime.
“We definitely know what we’re doing. We’re just still trying to find that grove and be consistent,” Sanchez said.
“For (the seniors) it’s about trying to get the guys that are going to be playing next year ready, knowing the mentality, knowing the how to play the game and keep going hard.”
R.A. LONG 50, HUDSON’S BAY 32
R.A. LONG — Payton Miller 2, Tyrick Lewis-Clark 8, Coby Rothwell 5, Lamar Swagerty 3, Keoni Mawae 6, Ian Mendiola 2, Hunter Jones 11, Cameron Hart 5, Conner Wallace 7, Delmontie Newton 1, Owen Bertram 2 . Totals 18 (2) 12-21 50.
HUDSON’S BAY — Anthony Sanchez 2, Tyler Lee 12, Hayden Trant 0, Anderson Aiken 0, Jordan Hickman 1, Victor Gray 3, Nehemiah McDougal 3, Trevor Zimmerman 6, Andre Pomomarev 5, Shawn Morgan 0. Totals 10 (4) 7-21 32.
R.A. Long 6 15 17 12—50
Hudson’s Bay 9 12 3 8—32
JV — R.A. Long 48-26.
