As we gear up for Mid-Winter Break here at Seattle Academy some students are excited to go skiing, others, to relax and enjoy the sun in Hawaii. But for a select few, excitement is rising for the WIAA Boys Basketball State Tournament. Over the break the Seattle Academy boys’ varsity basketball team will be preparing for seeding matches for the Round of Sixteen. SAAS has never finished above 7th place in the tournament before but this year that might change. Led by Senior leading scorer Daniel Davydov, as well as 6 other seniors that include SAAS all time blocks leader Jeremiah Hobbs, the Cardinals are poised to make a strong run through the state tournament.
Coach Michael Claxton has done yet another fantastic job coaching the team this season. Coach Claxton has built an energetic team that works as an unbreakable unit on defense, and a highly productive machine on offense. Every player on the 14-man roster has contributed to this season’s great run. The Cardinals carry a 21-game home winning streak as well as an undefeated record in the Emerald City League. As ECL Champions, they have automatically qualified for the Round of Sixteen.
With tough tests ahead of them, the team needs your support. Home court advantage is crucial to teams in big games. Fans can lift players’ spirits in times of need. Even if the games are not being played at Seattle Academy’s home court, it is vital that SAAS students attend the games. Cheering, chanting, and yelling not only helps the Cardinals but is also a fantastic time.
The WIAA Hardwood Classic: Basketball Regionals will take place February 28-March 1. The Hardwood Classics: State Basketball Championships will take place March 6-8. Meanwhile, the Tri-district seeding games will be held at Mountlake Terrace High School. The Cardinals face Cedar Park Christian or Vashon Island on February 21 at 8 PM. If they win the first game, they will play Kings or Meridian on February 22 at 7:15 PM. The Cardinals need the support of the SAAS community so get excited for some high intensity, talented basketball.
As the Cardinals progress through the playoffs, fans can follow both teams and get information about fan buses by clicking here!