Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks Archives

Lady Hawks basketball makes season debut

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Last season, the Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks basketball team went (18-3) in the regular season, won two playoff games, and made a Tri-District tournament appearance for the second consecutive year. Expectations for this season would have to be more managed however, with only four players returning from last year’s squad. Seniors Keryn Parks, Deandra Grant, Georgie Randall, and sophomore Deachae Jones are joined by a group of fresh faces and a new head coach in Tina Brown.

The new-look Lady Hawks made their season debut on November 29^th in front of their home fans when they hosted the Mount Vernon Christian Hurricanes. These two teams faced off last year in the playoffs, with Heritage edging out a 48-40 victory.

Having to carry more of the offensive production on her shoulders this season, guard Keryn Parks started the new season hitting her first two-shots of the game and later assisted on a bucket by center Deandra Grant. At the end of the 1^st quarter the score was 6-15, Hurricanes.

In the 2^nd quarter, the Lady Hawks got hot from downtown as 3-point shots swished in by Keryn and guard Loralei Eli. But it seemed the Hurricanes were quick to answer with buckets of their own anytime the home team scored. At halftime Heritage trailed 15-32.

The Hurricanes adjusted their team defense in the 2^nd half by double-teaming Keryn and constantly pressuring her in the backcourt. Her younger sister, freshman Krislyn Parks, and Deandra stepped up their offensive games, taking advantage of the smaller Hurricane players in the post. However, the Hurricanes continued having little difficulty scoring point of their own.

Heritage dropped their season opener 39-53. They were led in scoring by Keryn with 14 points, while Deandra and Krislyn both scored 10 points.

Following the game spirits were high for sisters Keryn and Krislyn who were able to play their first-ever high school game together.

“It felt really good to play with my little sister,” said Keryn. “She transitioned from MP to play here. She’s a really hard worker and I’m looking forward to seeing her grow as a player.”

Krislyn added, “Playing on this team means playing with family and that’s a cool feeling. It’s been an exciting process getting to learn from Keryn and it brings us closer as sisters.”

Tulalip has an upcoming two-game home stand when they host Orcas Christian on Thursday, December 7, and the Marysville-Getchell JV team on Saturday, December 9.

Lady Hawks soar back vs. Eagles, stumble vs. Tomahawks

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

After losing their first matches of the season, the Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks (5-2) looked to bounce back and right the ship when they traveled to Grace Academy to play the Lions (3-3) on Friday, October 7. This was the second matchup between the teams, as they previously played back on September 8 in a thrilling match the Lady Hawks won 3 games to 2.

In the 1^st game, the Lady Hawks came out flat and Grace took advantage by going up 17-10, forcing coach Tina Brown to call timeout. Following the timeout, Lady Hawk players were much more active and got engaged defensively. They were flying around and diving to save rallies. Clutch serving by Aliya Jones and Cidney Marteney proved to be the difference, as they helped their team go on a 15-4 run and take the opening game 25-21.

Both the 2^nd and 3^rd games played out the same with both teams playing well at the net and forcing each other into unforced errors. The Lady Hawks weren’t able to go on those long rallies to string together points, which allowed Grace to close-out both games. Grace took the 2^nd game 25-22 and the 3^rd game 25-19.

Down 1 game to 2 and needing to grind out back-to-back games is an all too familiar place for the Lady Hawks lately. They were not able to do it in their last two losses. However, unlike in the previous two games, the Heritage fans were in full force and were determined to give that “7^th man” energy to their team. It was such a great experience to witness the Heritage fans pick up their team and motivate the girls to dig deep.

Seemed like after every point the Lady Hawks scored in the 4^th game was met with cheers and applause from their fans. After winning the 4^th game and forcing a match deciding 5^th game, the fans really let loose. Sounded more like a home game then an away game for sure.

In the 5^th and final game, the momentum from the last game coupled with the energy from their fans proved to be huge for the Lady Hawks. After being down 1 game to 2, they soared back and won back-to-back games to claim match victory 3 games to 2.

On Monday, October 10 the Lady Hawks (6-2) hosted the Marysville Pilchuck C-team (4-3) at Francy J. Sheldon gymnasium. On paper this looked to be a very lopsided mismatch, with all the advantages in favor of the home team. There were expectations going in that the Lady Hawk starters would take care of business early, so that the younger bench players could see heavy minutes and get more game time experience. Unfortunately, that expectation would not be met.

Games 1 and 2 played out in near identical fashion. In each game the Lady Hawks took an early 5-2 lead, only to squander it and be tied 13-13 minutes later. Instead of going on rallies and putting the pressure on the less experienced Tomahawks, the girls played without energy and kept committing unforced errors. The Lady Hawks lack of team work and hustle cost them both games by the score of 23-25.

Before the start of game 3, coach Tina Brown urged her girls to get into game mode and to work through their mistakes as a team. Her team responded in an emphatic way. The Lady Hawks came out with a sense of urgency and were firing on all cylinders to take a commanding 16-8 lead. They continued their solid play and closed out the 3^rd game, 25-12.

For whatever reason the Lady Hawks lost that sense of urgency and again played sluggishly. They found themselves trailing 5-15 in the 4^th game and waited too late to mount a comeback. They lost the game 20-25 and the match 1 game to 3, sending their overall record to (6-3).

Lady Hawks stumble in back-to-back defeats

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

After opening the season in grand fashion, undefeated at 5-0 and sitting atop the league standings, the Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks have taken the L in consecutive matches.

On Friday, September 30, the Lady Hawks (5-0) hosted the Highlanders (2-1) from Providence Classical Christian. The Lady Hawks got shellacked 9-25 in the 1^st game, but responded with a gritty 25-23 win in the 2^nd game. The 3^rd game was a repeat of the 1^st, with the Lady Hawks committing too many errors and not able to return the ball. They dropped the 3^rd game 10-25. Again, the home team responded with a well-played 4^th game, winning 25-14, and forcing a match deciding Game 5.

In the 5^th game, the Lady Hawks started out playing with a sense of urgency and went up 6-3. However, they weren’t able to keep it up and the Highlanders would battle back and claim the game and match victory. It was the first taste of defeat for the Lady Hawks.

On Monday, October 3, the Lady Hawks (5-1) traveled to Mountlake Terrace to take on the Lions (5-1) of Cedar Park Christian. These two teams were tied for first in the Northwest 1B league.

The Lady Hawks came out ballin’ in the 1^st game. They took a very quick 12-1 lead and closed out the game 25-16. Unfortunately, the tide turned in the Lions favor as they seemed to figure out the Lady Hawks offensive strategy. At every opportunity, the Lions would wait for the setter and put their tallest players at the net to block Lady Hawk attacks. The Lions strategy worked as they won the 2^nd game 25-18, 3^rd game 25-19, and 4^th game 25-15.

Tulalip falls to second in the standings with a (5-2) record. They now have a few days to practice, watch game film, and figure out where they can make adjustments. With upcoming home games on Monday, October 10, and Wednesday, October 12, the Lady Hawks will look to right the ship and get back to their winning ways.

Lady Hawks take loss in game against rival Lummi Nation, 36-42

By Tulalip News staff

LUMMI – Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks played a hard game against rival Lummi Nation Lady Blackhawks on Thursday, January 29, at Lummi High School. The Lady Hawks trailed at halftime 17-23, and could not take the lead to end the game 36-42. Lady Hawk Michelle Iukes led all scorers with 20 points.

Lady Hawks play Skykomish Rockets next on February 2, at Skykomish High School.

Lady Hawks offense buckles against Highland Christian Knights, 25-30

By Tulalip News staff

TULALIP – Heritage Lady Hawks hosted their last home game of the season tonight with a game against Highland Christian Knights at the Francy J. Sheldon Memorial Gymnasium.

The Lady Hawks built a strong lead going into halftime with a score of 17-15, and maintained a slim two-point lead going into the fourth. The Knights kicked up their defensive to take a 5-point lead and end the game, 30-25.

Lady Hawks take a win over rival Lummi Lady Blackhawks, 33-17

By Michael Rios, Tulalip News

TULALIP- The 0-11 Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks picked up their first win of the season by defeating the 1-5 Lummi Lady Blackhawks in convincing fashion Friday night, 33-17.

The Lady Hawks trailed 2-7 after the opening quarter, but then locked in defensively and held the Lady Blackhawks to only 10 points the remainder of the game.

A 23-6 run that span over the second and third quarters was more than enough to secure the victory. Guard Michelle Iukes led the Lady Hawks with 12 points.

Lady Hawk point guard Myrna Redleaf guards a Lummi Nation Lady Blackhawk, Friday, Jan. 9, 2014, during the game played at Tulalip Heritage High School. (Tulalip News/ Micheal Rios) — Lady Hawk point guard Myrna Redleaf guards a Lummi Nation Lady Blackhawk, Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, during the game played at Tulalip Heritage High School. (Tulalip News/ Michael Rios)

It’s not about winning it’s about teamwork

Lady Hawk #3 Myrna Redleaf

By Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

TULALIP – Fifteen-year-old Myrna Redleaf can easily be described as the most athletic player on the Lady Hawks team, evidenced by her strong baseline drives and her speed. Although a dual athlete playing both volleyball and basketball, winning isn’t what she is about. Sure she loves the glory that comes with winning, but she’s about being there for her team.

When asked why she chooses to play both sports she said, “I like both sports. I like to switch on and off.”

Redleaf has been playing basketball since 8th grade. Now in 10th grade at Heritage High School, she is in her second season as a Lady Hawk. In the 2013-2014 basketball season, Redleaf started as a point guard. That season her team would have an incredible record 22 wins and 4 losses, only meeting their toughest opponent during the trip-district championship games in the Neah Bay Red Devils. This year, Redleaf is one of few returning players and considered a veteran on the team.

Redleaf says she is still getting used to the switch of playing style between the two sports. “I get nervous when a lot of girls come at me. It is hard.” Unlike volleyball where physical contact isn’t part of the sport, basketball can have a lot of physical contact. When players make a drive down the court during an offensive play to go up to make a shot, a lot of contact can occur.

This season is off to a rough start as the Lady Hawks adjust to building the team camaraderie that it had last year. Many of the players on last season’s team graduated or switched schools. Redleaf explains the loss of key players, such as Katia Brown, Adiya Jones and Kalea Tyler, can be felt, but she is hopeful that this season will be great.
Despite feeling nervous to step in the spotlight and test her skills as a leader, Redleaf credits the mentoring style of coaching she receives with new Lady Hawks head coach, Cyrus “Bubba” Fryberg. “Last year there were a lot of good girls on the team so we didn’t go over as many drills as we are this year. I think more one-on-one is helping me.”
Dedicated and focused on and off the court, Redleaf, who’s favorite subject in school is math, says playing basketball has helped her focus and build confidence on the court as well as in school. “It helps me work as a team and communicate my thoughts.”

Her goal this season? Play hard and get a lot of shots in. As a scoring point guard, her main goal is to distribute the ball and get the players involved while also having to score, which means she has to have a good long shot, something she practices daily. “I practice a lot! I am still working on my long shots.” Her concerns are, “mainly shooting and handling the ball.” Despite playing one of the toughest games this season against Grace Academy, where the Lady Hawks were only able to score four points to Grace’s 49 and had over 20 turnovers, Redleaf is looking forward to meeting them on the court again.

“Grace was a tough game. There is a lot of stuff that we need to work on but other than that, we hustled pretty well during that game. I am looking forward to playing them again, or Highland Christian,” said Redleaf with her signature smile. “You just keep going. This is probably rock bottom and the only place we can go from here is up.”
Redleaf plans to attend college after high school to study business. She hopes to work in the human services field with the Tulalip Tribes.

Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913-5402; bmontreuil@tulalipnews.com

Lady Hawks take loss ingame against Orcas Christian, 17-49

By Tulalip News staff

TULALIP – Heritage Lady Hawks hosted the Orcas Christian Saints last night and took a loss. 17-49, despite playing one of their best quarters this season.

“It’s hard playing with only five girls. I woke up this morning thinking we should just forfeit this game, but I thought no,” said Cyrus “Bubba” Fryberg, Lady Hawks head coach. “That second quarter was the best we’ve looked all season. We played it well. We just have to keep it going.”

Tulalip Heritage – 0 10 5 2 — 17

Orcas Christian – 13 11 17 8 — 49

Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks lose varsity volleyball season opener

Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks lose 2014-15 varsity volleyball season opener 0-3, to Highland Christian Knights with game 3 ending in an upsetting score, 25-27. The game was played at Heritage High School Gym on Thursday, September 18, 2014.

You can watch the game here on Tulalip TV

10314491_554529258010025_8981863783592477725_n — Photo/Brandi N. Montreuil

Lady Hawks suffer a devastating upset in the final minute of the championship game

Coach Bubba Fryberg rallies the girls' spirits towards the end of the second half. — Coach Bubba Fryberg rallies the girls’ spirits towards the end of the second half. *Andrew Gobin/Tulalip News*

The Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks played a strong first half at the District One 1B Championship game last night, leading Mount Vernon Christian Hurricanes by eight points through the first half of the third quarter. Trailing ten points going into the final quarter the Lady Hawks made a miraculous comeback, only to lose it in the last minute of the Championship game, 52-59 Hurricanes.