Howe to do it
As a career banker, John Howe knows well the value of long-term investments.
The same is true with his new role as the La Conner High School Braves boys’ head basketball coach.
“We’re in it for the long haul and want to build into the youth program here,” said Howe, who served as the team’s assistant coach for the past two seasons, during an open gym session earlier this month. He is succeeding Lance Lopez, who stepped down earlier this year to become head softball coach at Skagit Valley College.
Howe is even looking forward as far as next June when he hopes La Conner can host a six-to-10 team summer hoops tournament.
La Conner will have to overcome heavy graduation losses from last year’s lineup, including Brayden Pedroza, who topped the 1,000-point career scoring mark; starting frontliners Corran Eisen and Tyler Cicotte; crafty point guard C.J. Edwards; and versatile backcourt performers Christian Fix and Jarrett Hatch.
“We have a pretty young group,” acknowledged Howe, whose club opens with non-league road tests Dec. 2 at Blaine and Dec. 6 at South Whidbey before debuting at home Dec. 9 opposite 1A Sultan.
Howe welcomes back a nucleus of returnees, including Nathan Bailey, shooting guard Jimbo Bobb, wing Kamien Lopez and guards Keaton Bailey, Brent Bobb, Marlin Bralens and Hadden Zimmerman.
Post Chas James and perimeter shooter Angus Poprycz will also vie for key minutes.
Howe expressed relief that Zimmerman, a defender who was sidelined by injury last season, will likely be able to play following a second surgical procedure on his knee this fall.
Howe plans for the Braves to employ an up-tempo attack with backcourt pressure designed to force turnovers and create points in transition.
Prior to competing in 10-minute junior varsity and varsity scrimmages against Anacortes and Sedro-Woolley at Burlington-Edison High on Nov. 26, the Braves will focus on fundamentals, conditioning and skills development during pre-season workouts.
“We want to play with enthusiasm, have fun and win games.”
John Howe
Those practice sessions started on Nov. 1.
The Braves will also embrace community service and campus leadership as key program cornerstones, he said.
Howe, who was a wrestler when he attended Mount Vernon High School, said the Braves will grapple with several contenders in what should be a hotly contested NW2B/1B roundball title chase. He said Friday Harbor, Coupeville, Mount Vernon Christian and Orcas Island look to be strong this year.
“I’m excited about the season,” Howe said. “We want to play with enthusiasm, have fun and win games. We want to build excitement and really get the community involved.”
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
