Basketball sports update

December 15, 2025 1:30 am
Aaron Johnson photo. Left to right: Assistant coach Brian Leyde, Jack Leyde, Beau Spreine, Mason Hays, Nathan Kinney, Ian Cankusic and coach Aaron Johnson. Front Row: Rex Hopper, Benji Stephenson, Kayden Sarazin, Andris Meissner and Sixto Velazquez.
Aaron Johnson photo. Left to right: Assistant coach Brian Leyde, Jack Leyde, Beau Spreine, Mason Hays, Nathan Kinney, Ian Cankusic and coach Aaron Johnson. Front Row: Rex Hopper, Benji Stephenson, Kayden Sarazin, Andris Meissner and Sixto Velazquez.

A new look for Lobos men

Excitement about basketball among the varsity boys team may be at a record high. Three seniors returning from last year’s successful season lead the way (Andris Meissner, Ben Stephenson and Kayden Sarazin). The juniors are all very passionate about basketball and are at the gym every chance they get (Nathan Kinney, Jack Leyde and Beau Spreine). Returning sophomore Ian Cankusic is an asset with quality experience and the ability to play three different positions. The freshmen (Rex Hopper, Mason Hays and Sixto Velasquez) are sponges of basketball knowledge and are developing their skillsets much faster than the coaches’ original lofty expectations. First-year coaches Captain Aaron (Johnson) and Brian Leyde are spicing things up with a fresh perspective and are beyond thrilled with the coachability of all the student-athletes and their eagerness!

The team goals, objectives and motto this year include: Be Ready. Play fast. Finish Strong. Every Possession: have a growth mindset; show progress in physical and mental abilities; want to win and be respectful — it makes everyone better; help each other on and off the court; get active with community service.

So far, island support has been fantastic; parents, administration and volunteers are making this team a success already. The team looks forward to seeing more of the island community at functions and games! Our huddle cheer: 1-2-3 “Go Lobos!” 4-5 “Together!” Fans join in for this part.

Lady Lobos deep with experience

Hey everyone, this is Coach Karrie, and I am so looking forward to our 2025–26 basketball season. We’re coming in strong this year with three returning seniors — Betty Burt, Dani Arnott and Evelyn Aguilar Clavel — whose leadership will anchor our team. We also have four returning juniors: Iris Ervin-McLean, Kylie Willemson, and Lu Lu and Fatima Velazquez. Rounding out our roster are sophomore Elsie Leering and two talented eighth graders joining us this season, Elli Patrick and Aaliyah Keeler.

Our athletes have been putting in the work during the off-season with weight training, open gyms and an energizing team camp at Western Washington University. Because of their commitment, we’ve developed into a well-rounded team with capable subs at every position. I’m excited to see how far these girls can go with their strong work ethic and determination. I hope to see you all in the gym this season, cheering on your Lady Lobos!