By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
The (8-0) Heritage Hawks ventured into the realm of Providence Classical Christian on January 6 and came away with yet another resounding W. It’s been a remarkable start to the season for the Tulalip boys who made it their goal from the get go to reach the State tournament.
After reeling off eight straight wins, they hope to build off their early season success and keep the momentum going through the end of the regular season and well beyond.
Prior to tip, head coach Shawn Sanchey said, “Our main focus right now is to stay playing at our level at all times. Regardless if we’re home or away, or what the score is, we want to be playing Tulalip basketball. We know what are goals and dreams are as a team and in order to reach them we can’t let anything keep us from playing at our own pace and intensity level.”
The high-powered Hawks also added another scorer to their arsenal. After getting his transfer approved in mid-December, Davien Parks has been ballin’ out in a Hawks jersey. Coach Shawn also said, “He’s brought so many things to our team. Great leadership, more speed, more shooting, and just an all-around versatile skillset that elevates our style of play.”
Davien showed his scoring prowess in the opening quarter vs Providence when he singlehandedly outscored the opposition by himself. He scored 13 points in the 1st quarter to pace his Hawks to a 18-11 lead after ten minutes of play.
The Hawks lead continued to soar when Tokala Black Tomahawk got aggressive and had no difficulty scoring over Providence defenders in the 2nd quarter. Sophomore guard J.J. Gray got into the ledger in the 3rd quarter with a series of athletic moves and contested jumpers that found nothing buy nylon.
Entering the 4th quarter, Tulalip led 57-26 and showed no signs of slowing down. Over those last ten minutes of play, five Hawks contributed buckets to seal the 76-43 trouncing. Davien led all scorers with 31 points, J.J. scored 15 points, and Tokala added 14 points.
In attendance for this matchup was President of the Northwest 1B League, Lindsey Elliot. She shared her excitement pregame for being able to witness the talent of Tulalip’s basketball team she’s heard so much about.
Following the victory, Lindsey said, “It’s phenomenal watching the 1B programs who have developed such talented athletes now be receiving the adulation that they deserve. As fans are learning this year with the meteoric rise of tribal teams like Tulalip and Lummi, the overall skill and style of play of the 1B game has been elevated to a new level.
“Seeing the Providence gym be filled with home fans, away fans, and just fans of the sport who wanted to watch a fun basketball game is so huge. Because the student-athletes and the coaches who are working with them are putting in so many hours behind the scenes that don’t get recognized enough,” she continued. “So when the community comes out, fills the stands, and cheers on our wonderful athletes, it’s honoring the work the kids and coaches are putting in. There are so many dedicated to the growth of our league and I, for one, think this is only the beginning of many exciting years to come.”