It’s December which means basketball for Seattle Academy. Once again, Coach Michael Claxton will lead the boys varsity team. The boys varsity enters the season looking to defend an Emerald City League title and a 20-0 season. This year’s roster has fifteen guys including eight seniors. Playing in the backcourt for the Cardinals are Daniel Davydov, Ben Gerke, Alex Donald, Jordan Sloan, Nathan Cohen, Ian McManus, Dillon Iszley, Dylan Mortimer, Robbie Sorensen and Alexander Castanes. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Hobbs, Amit Perlin, Alex Scoggins, Hal Vogel, and Will Green look to dominate the paint for the Cardinals. The team has started the season 4-0 with wins over Camberwell Grammar School, South Whidbey High School, Cleveland High School, and the Bush School.
Despite losing eight seniors from last year’s team, including SAAS career points record holder Yaniv Shier and career assists leader Calin Washington, the SAVBBs have proven to be a high scoring team with a strong defense. Coach Michael Claxton emphasizes a hard-working defense as well as a fast offense. Look for shooters Daniel Davydov, Alex Donald and Ben Gerke to light up the scoreboard and forward Jeremiah Hobbs to dominate the paint in addition to large contributions from all other members of the Seattle Academy team.
The future is promising for the Cardinals who have conquered adversity so far this season. The favorites to win a second straight ECL title are looking strong. On December 20 at Basketball Mania, the Cardinals take the floor against rivals University Prep. Always a rowdy night, Basketball Mania never fails to disappoint especially when the Cardinals win. Look for a large number of loud, screaming students supporting the boys.