After graduating nine players, Mark Morris will look to players such as all-league senior Jack Shipley. (Courtesy of Longview Daily News)
It’s been awhile since the Mark Morris Monarchs didn’t enter a season defending a league title. Eighteen years to be precise.
After graduating nine seniors, the Monarchs don’t have an easy path to reclaim the title that was theirs for so long.
“We never said we have to win a league title. There was some hard work and some great pride,” said coach Bill Bakamus, entering his 28th season. “I don’t think we’re a team everyone is predicting to win league. But I think we’re going to be in the conversation if we play good, solid basketball.”
This is Bakamus’ greenest team he’s ever had at Mark Morris. But he also has players who have grown up in the Monarch program and know the discipline and work ethic Bakamus requires of his players. There isn’t a star, at least not yet, and so Bakamus’ will have a true test of the system he’s ran for so many years.
“It’s amazing how really good players make you look like you’re a good energy,” Bakamus said. “It’s going to take a lot of energy, but as long we’re all rowing the boat with both oars in the water, we’re making progress.”
Jack Shipley, a rangy 6-4 senior, is the long all-league returner. He averaged 10 points and five rebounds last year. Ashton Harvey, a 6-5 junior forward, will command attention inside. Cole Busch, a 6-1 senior guard, and Garrett Ness, a 5-9 senior guard, will contribute on the perimeter. Freshman Deacon Dietz is the son of Monarch alumnus Doug Dietz, who was part of the Monarchs’ third-place team in 2002.
“There’s kids trying to jockey for that alpha position, which I like,” said Bakamus, who became the sixth coach in Washington state history to surpass 600 wins last season. He enters the year with 611 wins, fifth on the all-time list.
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