By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
By the time the Tulalip Heritage Hawks boarded the buses for the long journey east, they already carried the hopes of a community with them. Five hours and a mountain pass later, those hopes echoed loudly inside the bright lights of Spokane Arena, where the Hawks delivered an unforgettable run at the Washington State 1B Boys Basketball Tournament.
For three straight days, the Tulalip Heritage boys battled the best teams in the state and proved they belonged among the elite. When the final buzzer sounded on Championship Saturday, the Hawks walked away as the second-best team in the State of Washington. An incredible silver medal finish that will be remembered for years to come.
Quarter Finals
Their path to the title game began on March 5 against Moses Lake Christian Academy. Prior to tip, head coach Shawn Sanchey said, “We got to Spokane early enough to practice multiple times, get in our reps, and ensure we are comfortable on these courts. We’re here on a mission. If we play to our capabilities, I truly believe we can be state champions.”
From the opening tip versus Moses Lake, Tulalip looked comfortable on the big stage. The Hawks’ relentless defense and balanced scoring attack kept pressure on Moses Lake throughout the contest. The turning point of the game was midway through the 3rd quarter when the Hawks led 48-47. After guard Tayari Archibald connected on a beautiful step back fadeaway, his team’s defense came up with a turnover that ignited the fastbreak game. Moments later a perfectly timed lob pass was slammed home by forward Ziggy Myles-Gilford.
The Tulalip faithful who filled the arena went into a frenzy. Chants of “Tulalip Power!” rang out and fueled the boys to dominate from the point forward. A game changing 14-0 run ensued, thanks in part to the timely offensive rebounding and quick putbacks of forward Jaedynn Zackuse.
Heritage secured a convincing 70-53 victory, capped off by another Ziggy slam when he seemingly came out of nowhere to throw in a two-hand jam off an offensive rebound.
Following the team’s first step to glory, Ziggy shared, “Moses Lake tried to play me like I was a smaller player. I had to let them know that I’m a big in this league and that I can match up with the best of them. After my second dunk, I looked into the crowd and saw my family with their Ziggy slam sign. It made me happy to be able to deliver for them.”
Added senior forward Davis Bachand, “After Ziggy got that dunk, the crowd was going crazy. We all feed off that energy. There’s nothing like knowing damn near the whole Rez is here cheering us on.”
Semi Finals
Momentum carried into the following day’s semi-final matchup against Almira Coulee Hartline High School. The Hawks once again showcased the defensive intensity and teamwork that defined their season. Every rebound was contested, every possession fought for. Tulalip controlled the tempo and steadily built a 27-12 lead, after going on an impressive 23-2 run.
During intermission, assistant coach Alec Jones declared, “We’re locked in! We spent last evening breaking down a lot of film and reviewing our game plan. We can see that preparation is paying off in live time. The boys are bringing the physicality and attention to detail that’s necessary to win at this stage.”
Almira Coulee would eventually go on a run of their own and the game tightened up in the second half. In those pressure-fueled moments, the Hawks were able to lean on their team captain and scoring leader, senior Davien Parks. He went full flamethrower, shooting an eye-popping 10/11 on 2-point field goals and 2/4 from 3-point land. His game-high 30 points helped the Hawks claim a gritty 64-49 win and punched their ticket to the state championship game.
“When the game was close, I looked up into the crowd and saw all our people cheering and doing what they do to get us to rally. I actually got goosebumps seeing everyone go crazy after I made my first 3-pointer, and I wanted to keep that going,” admitted Davien post-game. One of the faces in the crowd he saw especially clearly was his dad, Tyler Parks. “Yeah, if I can’t see him initially, then I can hear him. I wouldn’t be the basketball player that I am without my dad.”
In the final minute of their semi-final win, sophomore Peyton Hatch scored a nifty, lefty layup after slashing around multiple defenders, which received a thunderous ovation. “I can’t lie, the lights are bright here and I was nervous getting into the game,” he admitted later. “After I made that bucket, it felt amazing to feel the energy from my teammates and our crowd.”
State Final
Awaiting them on Saturday night was a familiar and formidable opponent, the Lummi Nation Blackhawks. The two tribal schools faced off four previous times this season. Lummi won all four by an average margin of 8 points. Heritage coaches, players, and faithful fans believed the fifth time would be different.
“We’ve been preaching to the boys about the need to box out and rebound. To me, that’s the key to beating Lummi. Also, staying disciplined on defense and not gambling for steals, getting caught reaching is a huge x-factor,” shared assistant coach Alan Enick prior to tip. It was a full circle moment for Alan as his dad, Leon, coached Heritage the last time they played for a state title back in 2007. “I remember that ’07 run like it was yesterday. Being a part of the program back then as a ball boy and water boy to now, today, being on the bench with another chance at a state title is special.”
What unfolded on the court over the next 90 minutes was the kind of championship battle that players dream about and fans never forget. Tulalip came out energized and poised, feeding off the thunderous support from their fans who had traveled across the state to witness the moment. The Hawks held a slim 28-26 lead with 3 seconds until halftime. A decisive inbound pass to guard J.J. Gray, who caught the ball with a running start, gave him just enough time to get up a half-court heave. The silent anticipation of a Hail Mary attempt was met with a lightning bolt interjection of energy as the ball went through the basket. Hail Mary answered. Heritage led 31-26 at halftime.
But championship games rarely come easy. The momentum Tulalip created quickly dissipated after back-to-back turnovers to start the 3rd quarter. The boys went from up 5 to down 3 in, seemingly, a blink of an eye. The teams would trade tough bucket after tough bucket as both defenses were locked in and contesting all shot attempts. After Heritage got 3-point buckets by J.J. and Yari, Tokala Black Tomahawk got on the board with a layup.
By the end of the third period, the scoreboard read 43-43, setting up a dramatic fourth quarter for the state title.
The final frame a true test of grit and composure. Both teams battled for every inch of hardwood. Shots fell, momentum shifted, and the tension inside Spokane Arena built with every possession. The shortest player on the court, Heritage’s shooting guard J.J., was doing all he could to lift his team to victory. Poking the ball loose for steals, getting a chasedown block, and playing through contact to earn free-throw attempts. After Davien found a sliver of daylight to score off a floater, Tulalip trailed by only 3 points, 51-54 with two minutes to play.
In the end, Lummi managed to create just enough separation in the closing moments to secure a 61-56 victory.
While the loss stung in the immediate aftermath, perspective quickly set in. In a state filled with talented programs, the Tulalip Heritage Hawks finished the season second in Washington. It’s a remarkable achievement that placed them among the very best.
“We went out there and approached every game with a dog mentality,” reflected J.J. after his 21-point showing. “We came up just short of bringing home the championship, but at the end of the day it is pretty cool when you consider that the top two teams in the state are both tribal schools. For me, personally, it was my best game of the year against Lummi, and I can hang my hat on that, knowing I gave them my best in the biggest game.”
Silver Medalists
With the Winter Olympics recently concluding, the Hawks’ accomplishment carries a fitting comparison. They return home as silver medal winners representing excellence and pride for their community.
“These young men bought into something bigger than themselves through this state run. They showed up every day with toughness, discipline, and a commitment to each other that defines what our program is about,” shared head coach Shawn Sanchey post-tournament. “Finishing second in the state is an incredible accomplishment, but what makes me most proud isn’t the banner earned. It’s the growth. It’s the brotherhood. It’s the standard this team set that was too big for some people to realize around us.
“They battled through adversity, trusted the process, and represented our school and community the right way every single time they stepped on the floor. I can’t stress how proud and thankful I am of every player, every coach, and every person who supported this journey. This season will be remembered not just for how far we went, but for the culture these players helped build.”
If there was any doubt about what the team means to Tulalip, it disappeared the moment fans poured into Spokane Arena for the quarter-finals. Inside the massive venue, entire sections were draped in black and red, the proud colors of Tulalip Heritage. Tribal members made the five-hour trek over the mountains to be part of the moment. Children waved handmade signs, parents stood and cheered after every basket, and elders watched proudly as Tulalip athletes competed on the state’s biggest stage.
From tip-off to final buzzer, the sound of “Tulalip Power!” echoed across the arena floor. The sea of supporters represented every corner of the community, from students and families to alumni and elders, all united in their pride for the young men wearing Hawks jerseys.
For the players, coaches, and fans who experienced it together, the 2026 state tournament run will forever hold a special place in Tulalip history. Because sometimes the most meaningful victories aren’t measured only by trophies. Sometimes they’re measured in the way a team can bring an entire community together.