Tournament Time for Seattle Academy Boys Varsity Basketball

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!

Seattle Academy's 12th Man

From the skyscrapers in Seattle all the way to the everyday wardrobe of the Seattle public, it is no secret that the Seattle Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl XLVII in New Jersey. Coached by Pete Carroll, and led by Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, Golden Tate, Marshawn Lynch, and Doug Baldwin, the Seahawks are stronger than ever. One of the most important players this season has been the 12^th man. Being notoriously loud, enthusiastic, and dedicated, the fans have forced some opponents to wear ear plugs while playing. Being the biggest day of the football season, Super Bowl Sunday is cause for concern as some fans have been less that sportsman-like. A video of fans burning Colin Kaepernick’s jersey –quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers- was released as well as others videos that showed fans booing an injured 49ers player, Navorro Bowman, as he was carried off the field. While the dedicated fans are passionate about the Super Bowl, some students of Seattle Academy feel a little different. James Watson’s Digital Journalism and Podcasting class interviewed students and faculty of Seattle Academy and discovered that while some seemed to be passionate and pumped for the game, others have different opinions. Seattle Academy does not have the ultimate enthusiasm as other schools do. This could perhaps be the result of not having a high school football team to support. However, there was a mutual agreement between most of Seattle Academy community that the success of the Seattle Seahawks has brought together this city in a positive way.

Interviews conducted and podcasts produced by Josh Brown '14, Grady Burdick '14, Alex Scoggins '14, Harris McNeil '14, Margaret Garrison '14, Gabby Kretschmer '14, Sarah Hughes '14, and Atticus Shantz '14.

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Click on the individual's photo to hear his or her interview.

Student Spotlight: Athlete Jeremiah Hobbs

While some might know him in math, history, or advanced visual class, Jeremiah Hobbs has been tearing up the basketball court since age five. Jeremiah made the SAAS boys’ varsity team as a freshman and since then has completed three seasons. He is now finishing his final season for the Cardinals as a senior. As an early competitive player, Jeremiah knew that basketball was his destiny. About his early middle school years playing in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), Jeremiah says, “The amount of time I spent trying to get better made me realize the results hard work and dedication give in any activity.” However, what most people do not know is that being a successful basketball player takes confidence, but not cockiness. Jeremiah also states that one of the hardest parts of being a basketball player is feeling as though he can always do better than his current level.

Jeremiah strives to always do better, whether at games or during practice. The SAAS boys’ varsity basketball team has been a highlight of the Seattle Academy community with their undefeated season in 2012. Jeremiah spoke specifically to this moment saying: “Going undefeated in the regular season was a big accomplishment.”

While his hard work, dedication, and commitment have not been an easy journey, Jeremiah hopes to continue his passion by playing at the collegiate level. “Through basketball I have been able to reach a culture and gain tons of new friends. I couldn't imagine what my life would be like without basketball,” says Jeremiah.

Seattle Academy Boys Varsity Basketball: A Primer

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.