Category: Tulalip News

Driving legal as a step toward recovery and stability

Lois Henry reached the milestone of earning her driver’s license after years of driving without one.

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News  

For many Tulalip Tribal members, obtaining a driver’s license represents far more than the ability to drive. It is a symbol of independence, stability, and progress in recovery. Through Tulalip’s Wellness Court, participants facing license suspensions, unpaid fines, missing documentation, or financial barriers are being supported step-by-step toward restoring their driving privileges. Over the past year, Wellness Court helped approximately 13 participants earn their licenses, a significant increase from the three or four participants typically assisted in previous years.

According to Wellness Court Treatment Coordinator Erica Moore, many participants enter the program unsure of why they are even ineligible to drive. And the legal process alone can feel overwhelming. Wellness Court helps participants navigate that confusion by walking alongside them through both the legal and personal sides of the process. 

 “In order to get their license, we have our participants first sign up for a Driver’s Express account and talk to our TOCLA attorneys for help getting information for any court fees or fines that may be holding their license,” Moore said. She explained that participants then set up payment plans or received further legal services through TOCLA to help remove fines from collections.

Another major barrier is access to legal documentation. “Wellness Court also requires that you start fresh with all of your legal documents,” Moore said. Participants work toward obtaining a Washington State ID, Tribal ID, birth certificate, and Social Security card — foundational steps necessary before proceeding with licensing.

Test anxiety is another challenge many participants face. “Many of our participants have never had their license,” Moore said. “Our main concern is getting our participants educated on the driving rules and then getting them confident enough to take the test.” She acknowledged that failing the test can discourage people. “Some people will take the test once and feel even worse because they don’t pass. This is where a lot of people give up.”

To address this, Wellness Court partners with Marysville Driving 911, which provides a one-hour review followed by the written test. TERO helps cover the cost of the course for Tribal members over 18. “That confidence piece takes time and a lot of resilience,” Moore said, noting that the partnership has helped increase success rates.

Ethel Jones

For Wellness Court participant Ethel Jones, earning her driver’s license marked a powerful turning point. “I wouldn’t be the positive, outspoken woman I am today without Wellness Court,” she said. “Without this program, I wouldn’t be accomplishing the things I am today.” After completing treatment and beginning Wellness Court, Ethel said she started remembering who she was before addiction. “I was able to find my old self again.”

With renewed motivation, Wellness Court helped Ethel earn her driver’s license for the first time last year, after going 45 years without one. “It’s a big weight lifted off my shoulders,” she said. “It feels good not to have to worry.” Being able to drive legally changed her daily life. “I don’t need a chauffeur anymore; now I can drive my kids.”

Ethel said the hardest part of the process was overcoming her own self-doubt. “My inner voice kept saying you don’t need it, you already have a driver, you don’t know anything about driving or the test,” she said. “But I knew I could do it with the support from Wellness Court.” She credited her case manager and the court for their encouragement and accountability.

Another participant, Lois Henry, also reached the milestone of earning her driver’s license after years of driving without one. “I’ve been using for 20 years,” she said. “And after getting sober, one of my main goals was to get my driver’s license.” While the process felt scary at first, Lois said things became much easier once she completed the test. “Everything was so much easier because I was actually able to drive myself,” she said. “I didn’t have to depend on people for rides.” Her biggest challenge was parallel parking, but the outcome made it worthwhile. “I love the freedom.”

Brandie Salinas-Howlett

Brandie Salinas-Howlett earned her license for the first time as well, even though it took multiple attempts. “I had to take it more than five times,” she said. “I wasn’t watching my blind spots or looking over my shoulders, but I finally figured it out.” When she finally held her license, she described it as “an accomplishment.” Being able to drive legally brought immediate relief. “I wouldn’t have to worry about getting pulled over anymore,” she said. Brandie credited her family’s motivation and her case manager’s encouragement for helping her push through.

Justina Velazquez also completed the program and was on her way to pick up her license shortly after her interview. Like others, it was her first time earning a license. “It’s a blessing,” she said. Delays in obtaining corrective lenses slowed her progress, but with continued support from her case manager and assistance with fines and fees, she completed the process. “It’s possible,” she said. “If someone feels scared or doesn’t think they can do it, I’d encourage them to reach out for help.”

Justina Velazquez.  

Moore said accountability plays a central role in Wellness Court. “Wellness Court is all about accountability and honesty,” she said. Participants agree to follow all applicable laws, including not driving until they are legally permitted to do so. “Getting your license after not having one is the best feeling of freedom in the world and a huge confidence boost.”

According to Moore, once participants regain their licenses, there is often a noticeable shift. “It’s like a checkpoint in their sobriety,” she said. “People realize they can attain their goals, and they start taking strides toward all their other goals because they’re not worried about the stress of driving illegally.”

Through Wellness Court and support from the Tulalip Tribes, participants who once believed a license was out of reach are proving otherwise. Whether barriers stem from suspension, unpaid fines, lack of funding, or missing documentation, the program demonstrates that with patience, structure, and support, Tribal members can regain their driver’s licenses — and move forward with confidence.

Lady Hawks rebound with win over Grace Academy

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

After being humbled by the Lummi Blackhawks, the Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks’ focus immediately turned to cross-town rival, the Grace Academy Eagles. The quick turnaround between scheduled games was welcomed by players and coaches, alike, who were eager to get back on the court and see a reset scoreboard.

“I’m looking forward to our girls coming out with their spirits high and choosing to play a powerful brand of basketball, which they are more than capable of doing,” said head coach Katia Brown pre-game. “It’s important for any athlete or team to learn how to respond positively from a loss. We got beat good by Lummi, but that game is over now, and we’re focused on the opponent in front of us, which is Grace, and executing our game plan. If there’s an x-factor for us, it’ll be getting off to a quick start and putting up points from the jump.” 

If it’s possible to manifest a bucket, then coach Katia most definitely did. Indeed, sophomore forward Janiesha Zackuse won the game’s opening jump and tipped the ball perfectly into the shooting pocket of lead guard Aylani Lewis, who didn’t even have to dribble before scoring easily. Lady Hawks up 2-0. Moments later, freshman guard Madison Sheldon showed off her handles by dribbling around a Grace defender and then banking in a step-back jumper. The energy of the game was a complete 180 from the previous one.

Earlier this season, Heritage assistant coaches Deandra Grant and Jacynta Myles, each a dominant post player in their Lady Hawks heydays, spoke about Janeisha’s on-court development. They’ve been working on her establishing herself early in games and using her size to create effective scoring opportunities. As the tallest Heritage player, she stands out. Against Grace, she put together her most dominant game of the season by corralling rebounds galore, both offensively and defensively, getting to her spots down low, and shooting without hesitation. For her efforts, she was rewarded with plenty of scoring opportunities from the floor and charity stripe.

The game tightened up midway through the 2nd quarter when Grace Academy’s primary ballhandler, Tulalip tribal member Tashenia Cortez, began to assert herself on both sides of the court. Her defensive prowess managed to force two backcourt violations, giving her team additional possessions. Offensively, her corner jump shot and ability to get to the rim and score through contact kept the Eagles in the game. 

Right before halftime, senior forward Raylee Lewis collected an offensive board and immediately went up with it to make a bucket and put her team up 15-14 at the break.

At the start of the 3rd quarter, Raylee again scored off an offensive rebound. Her sister, Aylani, casually drained a 3-ball a couple of possessions later that put their Lady Hawks up 20-14. Heritage continued to soar from that point on. Encapsulating those soaring spirits best was senior guard Lilly Jefferson, who caught fire from the floor and scored 7 points in the 4th quarter to secure Tulalip’s 36-24 victory. 

After the game, hugs and congratulatory high-fives were shared between the Lady Hawks and their two Tulalip counterparts who play for Grace Academy.

“I know Heritage and Grace are considered rivals, but I don’t really feel like that because it’s like playing family,” admitted Eagles sophomore guard Tashenia post-game. She led all scorers with 12 points and accounted for half her team’s offensive output. “It was definitely fun playing in this game and being able to catch up with some of the players whenever this was break in game play. I’m sure a few of us will be teammates in future Native tournaments.”

Added her Grace Academy teammate and fellow Tulalip tribal member Katherine Velasquez, “It’s definitely a different vibe leading up to these games with Heritage. For me, I still get nervous for these games because I know there will be so many people here to watch the game. Even if the games can get intense at times, it’s only because we know both teams really want to win. At the end of the day though, we know we’re still part of the same tribe even if we go to different schools.”

Katherine, Tashenia and their Grace Academy teammates will play Heritage one more time this season. Game scheduled for 5:30pm on Thursday, January 29, at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium.

Becoming the men our children need

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News  

As the New Year begins, many people find themselves seeking change, growth, and a renewed sense of direction. At Tulalip, the Season of Healing series has become a space where that kind of reflection is welcomed, encouraged, and grounded in cultural strength. On January 6, community members gathered for the fourth installment of the series, entering 2026 with the intention of honoring the teachings and relationships that guide their way forward. This month’s gathering centered on uplifting the men who shape Tulalip families and futures, recognizing the important roles held by grandfathers, fathers, and uncles.

The day opened with a lunchtime talk at the Tulalip Administration Building led by Coast Salish artist Walter Moses, whose work has become a recognizable part of the Puget Sound landscape. Walter shared stories about his artistic journey, the cultural teachings that guide his work, and the responsibility borne by those watched by younger generations. His carvings and artwork appear throughout the region, including his water-themed installation at the University Village Starbucks in Seattle, where salmon, otter, canoe, and killer whale imagery reflect the Coast Salish connections to water, identity, and community.

Later that evening, community members made their way to the Tulalip Gathering Hall for the workshop titled “Honoring Fatherhood: Uplifting Our Grandfathers, Fathers, and Uncles — Walk with Honor, Speak with Care, Your Footsteps Guide the Generations.” Through shared stories, teachings, and reflection, the workshop highlighted the strength and stability men bring to their families and the wider community.

Walter reinforced these teachings by reminding those in attendance of the impact men have on youth simply through everyday actions. “Men give guidance, protection, presence, and example. All of these are beyond biology. Men have always been our first teachers. Whether we are trying to teach or not, the children are always watching,” he said. “Children are constantly asking themselves questions like, ‘Do I belong here? Do I matter? Am I safe?’ And they learn the answers not through instruction but through experience. Belonging is something we show them again and again through consistency and care.”

This message echoed throughout the evening: even when men are not trying to be role models, they inherently are. Youth absorb the way men speak, act, and respond to challenges. Being present, attentive, and consistent was emphasized as one of the greatest gifts a man can offer a child. This aligns with research from the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which found that children with engaged fathers or male role models develop stronger emotional security, improved social skills, better academic performance, and fewer behavioral challenges.

However, the night also carried a heavier weight as the community continues to reel from the recent brutal attack on a Tulalip elder. Board of Director Theresa Sheldon addressed the hurt and urgency surrounding the incident, saying, “Violence is never the answer. It’s the violence in our community that has to be talked about and has to be dealt with. We have to demand better for ourselves and our families, and how we hold parents accountable and how we hold our youth accountable for violence.” 

Following Theresa’s message, Tulalip Tribal Police Chief Shawn Ledford spoke powerfully about public safety, community trust, and the responsibility his department carries. He shared not only professional insight but personal emotion, explaining how deeply violence affects those who serve. 

He began by saying,  “I want to speak about what’s on my mind and what’s in my heart. When you’re in law enforcement, and you work in a community like Tulalip, one of the best things is we know the people, we know our community. But it’s also hard when we see senseless acts of violence. And it is our job to keep this community safe. It’s my job to keep this community safe. And I want to let you know that what we do behind the scenes is we talk about the priorities of this Tulalip community, that people want to feel safe in their homes. We want our kids to be safe in the schools. We want people to be safe at work. And we’re also compassionate. We serve with compassion. We serve with courage. And we want to hold people accountable to reasonable standards. But there are some times that we’re going to have zero tolerance. Zero tolerance for  gang violence, gang affiliation, anything associated with that on the reservation, or any acts of violence that are towards an elder.”

His words added a firm, necessary reminder: healing must be paired with action, safety, and a commitment from everyone in the community to reject violence in all forms.

Following Chief Ledford, Ty Juvenile spoke on the responsibility men carry when they choose to guide others. “It’s important to make a choice to be a father figure, because it’s a choice. Being a father figure doesn’t necessarily mean your own kids. It could be any kid — the kids down the street or kids at another school. Being a father is a choice.”

Deyamonta Diaz offered gratitude for the positive role models who shaped him into the man he is today. “I have had plenty of men be good father figures in my family and not in my family,” Diaz said, later thanking Josh Fryberg for teaching through presence and example. “I witnessed Josh be a good man and father figure to his children and family.”

The final witness, Bradley Fryberg, reflected on his challenging youth and the unexpected mentor who helped guide him back onto a healthy path. “We can prevent things like that incident the other night by trying to point the young men in the right direction,” he said. “It could be as simple as lending an ear or buying a Gatorade for someone who needs it. Sometimes they need guidance or love – something they just don’t have at home.”

Among the community members attending was Cesar Santibanez, who shared how several men shaped his own growth. “My uncle Whaakadup Monger, my dad Oscar Santibanez, and a buddy that passed away, Tony Craig,” he said. “Whaakadup taught me how to be more spiritual and connect. My dad taught me how to be a son and to become a father. And Tony showed me how to be an entrepreneur, to keep pushing forward even when you are tired.” Reflecting on how Tulalip men support strength and guidance in the community, he added, “Everybody just has to be there for one another, even when times are tough. Sometimes just being there for them is good enough.”

As the evening came to a close, the message was unmistakable: healing grows when men step forward with presence, intention, strength, and care. In honoring their roles as protectors and teachers, Tulalip continues to strengthen the generational ties that hold the community together.

The next Season of Healing, “From Surviving to Thriving” will take place on Thursday, February 12. The day will include a special lunchtime session with the Tulalip Youth Council, offering young leaders an opportunity to share their perspectives as the community continues its journey into the new year.

Lady Hawks emphasize continued growth and improvement

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The Tulalip Heritage girls basketball team hosted the Lummi Blackhawks at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium on Monday, January 5. Lummi came into the game riding a 7-game winning streak, while the Lady Hawks had lost 4 of their 5 and were looking to right the ship.

In the early going, the game was played at a frenetic pace by both teams. There were shots galore, but they weren’t finding the nylon. Two minutes into the opening quarter, Lilly Jefferson found a cutting Madison Sheldon who converted a layup for their first basket of the game. Tied, 2-2, midway through the 1st, the tide would abruptly turn when the Blackhawks got it going for 3-point range. What was once a 2-2 game quickly turned into a 3-21 game, then 5-33.

The deficit continued to grow as Lummi showed why they are a State Championship contender with multiple all-area players on their roster. The scoreboard didn’t deter our Lady Hawks though. They continued to play their hearts out and exerted tremendous effort in their attempts to execute the plays being called out by their coaching staff in the 2nd half. 

Ultimately, the Lady Hawks lost by a wide margin, 18-78. Aylani Lewis led the Lady Hawks with 7 points. Madison Sheldon added 4 points and Hayleigh Enick, off the bench, notched a 3-pointer. 

After the game, senior co-captain Raylee Lewis shared her insights. “It was honestly pretty nerve-racking,” she admitted. “One, because it’s always difficult to be in a situation where we know we aren’t going to measure up to our usual expectations, because Lummi is really, really good. And two, we had so many people show up to the game, our Tulalip families and our Lummi families, who were so excited to see us play one another, so there was additional pressure to perform well.

“Even though the game didn’t go how we’d have liked, there are still some positive takeaways. Like, each one of us knows there are things we can do to get better and improve and those things were magnified today. So, if we focus on those things and continue working towards improving as individual players and as a team, it can only benefit us in the long run.”

Such self-reflection is what makes this latest iteration of Lady Hawks basketball so enjoyable. Even in blow-outs, they do their best to remain positive and look for silver linings. 

Assistant coach Deandra Grant knows all too well what it’s like to play in pressure-filled games versus Lummi. She played many such games during her tenure as a Lady Hawk. “As coaches, we knew what kind of competitive atmosphere it would be, especially with Lummi being as good as they are this year. But explaining and preparing our girls for it is difficult because you can’t replicate that kind of energy. But once the game started, everyone knew it was different.

“We’ll be seeing them again down the line and now we know what areas we really need to work on in order to compete with them,” she added. “Rebounding and transitional defense are the two areas that really come to mind. We’ll continue to emphasize these parts of the game in practice and continue to improve week by week.”

Tulalip vs Lummi rings in the new year with a bang

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Tulalip vs Lummi. Hawks vs Blackhawks. A battle for Northwest 1B supremacy. The much-anticipated, much discussed first matchup of the season between Coast Salish rivals lived up to all the hype and then some.

There were figurative fireworks galore ignited on Everett Community College’s basketball court on January 5. Officially a Heritage home game, the venue was appropriately changed from Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium to Everett C.C. because of an expected high-volume attendance that would far exceed Tulalip’s gym capacity.

Fans began to fill the bleachers a good ½ hour before tip-off. While the boys hit the court to get in their pre-game routine, assistant coach Alec Jones-Smith reflected on what it means to be a part of the Tulalip/Lummi rivalry. 

“There’s so much history behind it. My grandpa still talks about his basketball battles with Lummi. That’s how much these games matter to our people,” said coach Alec. “You can just see how much pride there is. It’s literally filling the stands. There are more elders here than I’ve seen all season.

“And for our players, they’ve been playing with and against these same Lummi players since they were kindergarteners playing biddy ball. They know all too well what kind of bragging rights come with these rivalry games. Now, it all comes down to execution and staying poised in the moment. One thing, too, I try to tell them is just enjoy the experience because these are the games they’ll remember long after high school. Win or lose, they’ll remember playing here in this gym and all the community members who came out to watch them play.”

From the opening tip-off, sparks began to fly when Ziggy Myles-Gilford outjumped Lummi’s big man for first possession. Moments later, J.J. Gray missed a 3-pointer that bounced perfectly toward Davien Parks. He collected the offensive rebound and quickly shot a layup that secured Tulalip first bucket of the game. When Lummi took an 8-11 lead, five minutes in, J.J. threw a nifty jump pass to wide open Davis Bachand in the corner who connected on a game-tying 3-pointer, 11-11.

Early in the 2nd quarter, both Tayari Williams and Peyton Hatch finished through contact to produce and-one opportunities for Tulalip and keep the score tight at 19-21. Lummi went on a mini-run to take an 8 point with 90 seconds until halftime. Timely scoring by Tokala Black Tomahawk over the final minute and half, including an offensive rebound and putback and an aggressive running floater, cut Tulalip’s deficit in half. The boys trailed by 4, 27-31, at halftime.

During intermission, head coach Shawn Sanchey described the second half game plan. “Locking in mentally and just staying true to who we are. We know this is a big game, it’s been a lot of fun and super high energy to this point, which is why it’s more important now to remain focused and stick to the game plan down the stretch.”

In the subsequent 3rd quarter, the Hawks came out firing. First, it was Tokala knocking down a corner 3-pointer and then a couple minutes later, Yari and Peyton connected on back-to-back 3-pointers. Each made long ball received a roar from the home crowd faithful. Tulalip held a 5-point lead, 43-38, with 2 minutes remaining in the quarter. Lummi would battle back to tie at 47-47, setting up a decisive 4th quarter.

Tulalip trailed 53-55 midway through the 4th when Davis came up with a steal and ignited a Hawks transition break. His layup attempt rimmed out, but Ziggy, who trailed him on the break, was in perfect position. More fireworks ensued when the 11th grade forward took flight, corralled the offensive board in mid-air, and abruptly two-hand jammed it. The Everett gym exploded like a pack of Excalibur mortars. Tie game, again, this time at 55-55.

Over the game’s final four minutes, Heritage’s dazzling display dissipated, as lack of offensive execution curtailed their grand finale. A bad pass, a miss-timed play, and 3-point attempts that fell just short was all it took to prove the difference in a game between Northwest 1B contenders. First round goes to Lummi with Tulalip losing a memorable matchup, 62-65.

Davien Parks led Tulalip with 16 points. Tayari added 12 points and Peyton scored 9 points. Round 2 of Tulalip vs Lummi is scheduled for February 3, at Lummi. Mark your calendars.

Honoring our life-givers

By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News  

The third gathering of Tulalip’s Season of Healing was held on the evening of December 9 at the Tulalip Gathering Hall, bringing the community together to honor the cultural and spiritual strength of Tulalip’s life-givers. Families and relatives filled the space, sharing quiet conversations and warm smiles as a comforting meal was served. The atmosphere carried a sense of calm and connection, the kind that encourages people to settle, breathe, and prepare for meaningful reflection.

This gathering, focused on celebrating and uplifting the women who have shaped Tulalip across generations, invited attendees to be present not only for the ceremony but for one another. Throughout the night, grandmothers, mothers, aunties, and sisters were recognized for their resilience, their teachings, and the unseen emotional labor they carry to keep their families and community grounded.

A decisive moment came midway through the ceremony, when all the life-givers in attendance were invited to step into the center of the room. One by one, they were wrapped in blankets, hugged, and honored with a song that filled the Gathering Hall with emotion. Some wiped tears, others held hands, all surrounded by community members who stood in gratitude for the love and strength these women continue to give. The moment reaffirmed the heart of the Season of Healing: that healing is shared and that women deserve to be lifted with the same care they pour into others.

Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell (center)

The evening’s main speaker, Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, guided the room into deep reflection about the generations of women who have held families and communities together. She reminded everyone that healing is not about perfection but about presence. 

“Women are the carriers of life,” she said, noting that mothers, grandmothers, and aunties have long carried the medicines, the stories, and the ways of survival. Her message emphasized that honoring them also means giving them permission to rest, feel, and heal. “You are not failing because you are tired. You are not weak because you need support. You are human, and that is sacred,” she shared, encouraging women to embrace vulnerability as a path to empowerment.

Dr. Gerry spoke about healing as a form of sovereignty, a responsibility not only to ourselves but to the generations that follow. She explained that when women tend to their own healing, “we shift the lineage,” passing down safety, tenderness, and emotional truth instead of inherited pain. Her words invited the entire room to remember that caring for oneself is not selfishness but a gift to the community.

Following her message, tribal member Zenitha Jimicum shared several of her poems, speaking openly about writing her truths and confronting the traumas she has worked through. One of her pieces, My Roots, offered a raw and emotional portrayal of sorrow, struggle, and the resilience required to rise from deep wounds. Her vulnerability resonated with the room and echoed the night’s theme, that healing begins when we name what we have carried alone for too long.

Zenitha then turned her attention to uplifting the women seated around her. “I just want to remind the ladies, whether you are a young woman or you decide to be a mother, that you are not alone,” she said. She encouraged women to surround themselves with support, to reach out when needed, and to give space to both others and themselves. “It is okay not to be okay. It is okay to ask for help,” she added. “Withdraw if you need time alone, just do not stay there too long. We are here for you.” Her words reinforced the evening’s purpose: that every woman deserves healing, connection, and time to breathe.

One of the night’s witnesses, tribal member Clarissa Johnny, also shared a heartfelt reflection, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion in the healing process. She spoke about the unseen struggles people often carry and encouraged women to give themselves grace. “You never know what someone is feeling,” she said, urging the community to be gentle with one another. Clarissa added, “You gotta give yourself the strength and ask the Lord.”

Together, the reflections shared throughout the evening lifted the community’s life-givers in a way that felt both heartfelt and necessary. The Season of Healing continues to serve as a place where truth, vulnerability, and strength are honored, and where women are reminded that they are valued, supported, and never alone on their healing journey.

The next Season of Healing gathering, titled Generations of Guidance, will take place on January 6. This upcoming event will focus on fatherhood and families, continuing the series’ commitment to reaffirming healing, connection, and cultural strength within the Tulalip community.

Lady Hawks shutdown Shoreline, 54-15

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

The Tulalip Heritage girls basketball team hosted the Shoreline Christian Chargers at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium on December 11. Prior to tip-off, head coach Katia Brown and assistant coach Deandra Grant shared what the girls have been working on in practice.

“We’ve mostly been doing a lot of repetition in practice. Running through our primary plays over and over again,” said coach Katia. “When our offensive, defensive, and out of bounds plays become second nature, then it won’t matter as much which five girls are on the court, they’ll all be able to execute. The other point of emphasis for us is getting back in transition. We want all our girls to be running back on defense and to give full effort on the defensive end. Because at the end of the day, defense is all about effort.”

“We’ve also been working with our freshman, Madison Sheldon, to let her know that she’s more than capable of being a strong ballhandling option for us,” added assistant coach Deandra. “She’s young and quick to second guess herself. When, really, she already has the talent and drive to produce in a big way.”

The points both coaches spoke of become evident against Shoreline in the early going. First, the Lady Hawks defense was down right stifling. They helped each other, communicated and rotated well, and were routinely hustling to get back on D in transition. Meanwhile, the offense was flowing. Guard Aylani Lewis found big sister Raylee down low for a layup and on the next play, kicked it out to Madison who splashed a 3-pointer. Up 5-0, the Lady Hawks would never look back as they held a 12-4 lead entering the 2nd quarter.

Aylani called her own number to begin the 2nd quarter when she made back-to-back 3-pointers to put her team up 18-4. The defense continued to harass Shoreline ballhandlers and force turnover after turnover. It was routine to see Lady Hawks lay out to secure loose and deflected balls, which ignited Heritage’s fast break opportunities. After Madison hit her second 3-pointer of the game, she assisted her big sister Lilly Jefferson a couple possessions later for a 15-foot jumper. The Lady Hawks led 26-4 when Shoreline got their only points of the quarter from the free-throw line. The girls took a commanding 26-6 lead into halftime.

The dominance continued in the 2nd half. The Heritage coaches, true to their word, put their trust in their girls to execute the offense without lead guard Aylani on the floor. As she sat for an extended rest, Madison and Lilly took the reigns and made the most of their opportunity. Lilly caught fire from the floor and wasn’t shy to show off her mid-range game that she worked on over the offseason. She made six 2nd half baskets, and on one of her few misses, sophomore forward Janiesha Fryberg was there to corral the offensive board and score a bucket.

Ultimately, the Lady Hawks team effort resulted in a 54-15 rout of Shoreline Christian. Aylani scored a game high 16 points, Lilly added 15 points, and both Raylee and Madison chipped in 9 points. It’s worth noting that the Lady Hawks defense was so on point that they didn’t give up a single bucket to Shoreline in the 2nd or 4th quarters. Lockdown.

After the game, sisters Madison and Lilly offered their perspective on the impressive W.

“Our team adapted quickly to what Shoreline was trying to do on both ends of the court tonight,” said senior forward Lilly. “Our chemistry is so much better than last year and keeps getting better every game. I’m just glad to be playing on this team, especially now that my sister is on the team.”

Her sister, Madison, is only 14-years-old. She’s been watching Heritage basketball for as long as she can remember. Going from spectator to secondary ballhandler and opportune sharp shooter is something she’s quite literally waited her entire life for.

“It feels so great to be Lady Hawk!” beamed Madison, the heritage freshman. “I get to play with my sister. I get to be on the court, finally, and I get to grow up being a Lady Hawk.”

The Lady Hawks next home game is an out-of-league matchup with Wapato High School. Game scheduled for 3:30pm on Saturday, December 20, at Marysville Pilchuck. 

Hawks bounce back with 76-26 win over Shoreline

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

After their previous outing against King’s High School, the Tulalip Heritage boys basketball team was looking for a bounce back game when Shoreline Christian came to the Reservation on December 11.

“We’re still down a few players, but that shouldn’t be an issue for us in this matchup,” explained head coach Shawn Sanchey pregame. “I’ve called up players from junior varsity to fill out the bench. Those boys are hungry to get on the court. I’m hoping their energy becomes contagious and fuels our team to play at the pace and style we’re accustomed to.”

In the 1st quarter, senior guard Davien Parks put Heritage on the board with one of his patented, step-back 3-pointers. He scored three more jump shots in the quarter and assisted fellow senior Davis Bachand on a corner 3-pointer. Tulalip led 14-7 when a timely offensive board was tipped out to forward Tokala Black Tomahawk, who didn’t hesitate to shoot and convert on the uncontested three ball. Tulalip up 17-7 after one.

Tokala scored Heritage’s first points of the 2nd quarter when Davis found him alone in the corner for his second 3-point make. Leading 20-7, Heritage extended their lead to 32-11 with a combination of good ball movement and well-timed cuts to the basket. After Shoreline called a timeout to regroup with 2:30 left to play, Tulalip played good defense, secured a rebound and pushed tempo. This time, it was Tokala finding Davis in the corner for another 3-pointer, the seventh in the 1st half by Tulalip. The impressive perimeter shooting powered Tulalip to a 38-16 halftime lead.

At halftime, coach Shawn shared that the point of emphasis for the boys in the 2nd half would be their defense. They recognized that Shoreline only had one true ballhandler, and he was limited by his inability to dribble left. It was all right, all the time. The Heritage coaches challenged their boys to pick this player, one Daniel Abraham, up full court and not allow him to dribble right.

Multiple Hawks got their opportunity to guard Shoreline’s heart and soul. Collectively, from seniors Davis and Ziggy Myles-Gilford to sophomores Peyton Hatch and Deveyon Wells, the boys rose to the occasion to apply full-court pressure. Perhaps, most impressive of all, was Jaedynn Zackuse, who blanketed the Shoreline point guard like a lockdown corner in football. He played most of the 4th quarter, solely concerned with not giving up a bucket, and he didn’t. Shoreline’s Daniel Abraham only scored one bucket the entire 2nd half and failed to score any points in the 4th quarter.

With their defense playing at a high level, and the three balls continuing to fall, nine made in the 2nd half, Heritage soared past Shoreline. They outscored their opponent 38-10 over the 3rd and 4th quarters combined en route to a 76-26 victory. Davien led all scorers with 19 points, Tokala added 16 points, Davis added 12 points, and freshman Josh Davis joined the party by knocking down three 3-pointers.

After the game, coach Shawn said, “J.Z. (Jaedynn Zackuse) was an absolute dog for us tonight. We put him on Shoreline’s best player in the 4th quarter, and he responded by working hard and executing the game plan. This is a teachable moment for our team because we’ve been preaching that defense wins championships. If we’re going to reach our ultimate goal this year, then it’ll be because we are locked in on defense.”

The Hawks next home game is an out-of-league matchup with Wapato High School. Game scheduled for 5:00pm on Saturday, December 20, at Marysville Pilchuck.