By Oly Archibald
SEQUIM — If Sequim Wolves fans enjoyed this past football season, there’s a good chance they’ll love the boys’ basketball season. The Wolves dominated the Lindbergh Eagles last night, 63-44, led by 6’3″ junior Solomon Sheppard, who scored an impressive 29 points.
The Wolves jumped to a commanding 26-6 lead at the end of the first quarter and maintained a 13- to 20-point cushion throughout the game. Guards Zeke Schmadeke and Mason Rapelje ran the Wolves’ fast-tempo offense efficiently, with Rapelje contributing 12 points, including two three-pointers.
Sophomore Jericho Julmist, also 6’3″, showcased his athleticism with laser-accurate passes, strong rebounding, and dominant defensive play. Despite an off night shooting, Julmist still added eight points. The Wolves’ defense was so effective that Eagles point guard John Choul, who averages 21 points per game, was held scoreless until the third quarter and finished with just six points.
Additional contributions came from senior Charlie Grider with six points, Jamison Gray with four, and Hunter Tennell and Ethan Melnick with two points each. The Wolves will face Kingston on the road Thursday.
KONP radio broadcasters Joe Gladfelter and Greg Thomas interview Mason Rapelje and Solomon Sheppard after the Wolves 63-44 win over Lindbergh
Port Angeles Roughrider Girls Open Season Tonight at Forks
The Port Angeles Roughrider girls’ basketball team tips off their season tonight at Forks. Coming off a 13-1 Olympic League championship season and a 17-8 overall record, the Roughriders are looking to build on their success. The team has reached the Sweet 16 Regionals the past two years but fell one win short of a trip to Yakima after heartbreaking losses to Renton and West Valley of Spokane.
The Roughriders must replace key players, point guard Izzy Felton and power forward Page Mason, now playing for NWAC at Skagit Valley. However, they return strong talent, including three-sport junior star Teanna Clark, who averaged eight points per game last season and is expected to increase her scoring into the mid-teens. Clark has already competed at the state level in soccer and track and is now aiming for her first trip to Yakima in basketball.
Junior Lindsay Smith, a 5’11” forward who averaged 13 points per game last season, is poised for a standout year and could contend for Olympic League MVP honors alongside Bainbridge’s Bella Ramirez. Head coach Mike Poindexter will rely on 5’10” junior Becca Manson for strong rebounding and defense in the post.
The fifth starting spot may rotate game-to-game, with 5’10” sophomore Morgan Politika, 5’5″ guard Tatum Moses, and 5’6″ guard Kenzie Moses all in the mix. The varsity lineup also features 5’9″ junior Cayleigh Alward, 5’6″ guard Mikkhia Stevens, and freshman Sariah Doherty.
Roughriders’ 5’10” Sophomore Morgan Politika playing defense against Central Kitsap, is part of a Roughrider front line with height and experience
Port Angeles and Bainbridge are favorites to top the Olympic League, with both teams potentially splitting their two-game series. Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on KONP Newsradio, with the Les Schwab Tires pregame show starting at 6:45 p.m. and tipoff set for 7:00 p.m.
Additional High School Sports News
- High School Bowling: The Port Angeles bowling team faces North Mason today, with the match starting at 2:45 p.m.
- Peninsula Pirates Basketball: The Peninsula Pirates men’s basketball team hosts top-ranked Green River tonight. Tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m.