Coach Zylstra welcomes the affect of senior gamers as three Lyncs named to the All-Convention First Workforce
LYNDEN – Whereas falling wanting a state championship is likely to be thought-about a disappointment by Lynden Christian basketball requirements, the Lyncs boys nonetheless loved a outstanding season.
Their journey culminated with a third-place end within the state playoffs on March 2, secured with a 70-44 victory over Seattle Academy on the Yakima SunDome.
Noting the profound impression of a number of the seniors, head coach Tim Zylstra acknowledged their key roles, lots of whom contributed to the 2 earlier state championship wins in 2022 and 2023.
“Every of them left an indelible mark on the lives of their teammates and our program,” Zylstra stated.
This season, the Lyncs boasted three gamers named to the All-Convention First Workforce: junior guard Gannon Dykstra, senior guard Dawson Bouma and senior ahead Jeremiah Wright.
“Jeremiah, he principally performed for 4 years,” Zylstra stated. “[He’s] on this event within the state event and nothing modified tonight (March 1 loss to Annie Wright). He performed very well.”
Wright's stellar efficiency earned him consecutive first-team All-Convention honors. In a playoff loss to Annie Wright on March 1, he led all scorers with 15 factors and added a career-high seven rebounds.
Fellow first-teamer Dawson Bouma confirmed his prowess within the playoff loss, scoring 12 factors. He completed the common season because the second main scorer behind Lynden senior guard Anthony Canales. In a comfort win over Seattle Academy, Bouma scored 20 factors.
“[Dawson’s] effort and his efficiency, he leaves all of it there,” Zylstra stated. “He additionally has to defend each night time, which lots of people don't see. However they see his attacking recreation [he’s] most likely the most effective defenders within the state.”
Senior ahead Kayden Stuit was additionally a key contributor to the Lyncs protection and earned All-Convention honorable point out recognition. He led the county in rebounds with a mean of 11.2 per recreation.
“[He] he labored in soccer final 12 months to get the scholarship he wished to get,” Zylstra stated. “Then, you already know, he made a dedication to return again to us, and he was only a pushover for us.
Zylstra additionally highlighted the contribution of the seniors who, whereas not as distinguished on the sector, performed a key function in fostering workforce unity. Senior guard/ahead Treven Blair, regardless of early setbacks, has proven resilience and dedication throughout his 4 years with this system.
“Treven Blair began for us at first of the season, broke his leg, got here again and been part of our program the final 4 years,” Zylstra stated. “We simply love him. … He's the glue on our workforce and generally issues like that get performed, generally not on the sector, however get performed on the bench or get performed in apply.”
Senior ahead Brody Bouwman was one other instance of a participant who didn't spend as a lot time on the sector however made an impression in different areas. He made the workforce his freshman 12 months and once more his senior 12 months.
“I don't care if I play, I wish to make these guys higher,” Zylstra described Bouwman's mindset. “We attempt to say that everybody in our workforce is similar from prime to backside, even me, proper all the way down to the supervisor. We're solely pretty much as good as our final man and we take delight in how we play like that.”
Waiting for the longer term athletic endeavors of Bouma, Wright and Stuit — whereas Stuit has dedicated to a full soccer scholarship at Japanese Washington College — Zylstra expressed confidence in Wright and Bouma's promising futures, no matter their collegiate choices.
As for the way forward for the Lyncs boys basketball program, Dykstra's upcoming 12 months coupled with this system's historical past of nurturing expertise bodes properly for continued success. Regardless of the departure of key alumni, the Lyncs stay poised to win basketball.
