The Whatcom Community College (WCC) Orcas and the Skagit Valley College (SVC) Cardinals, two rival teams, held their first game of the New Year against each other – with an explosion of energy right off the bat. The strong turnout of Orca support demonstrated a game that many fans were looking forward to.
Both Coach Mitchell and Coach Hayes explained how their coaching mindsets helped the players evolve and truly embrace what it means to be a student athlete with a positive mindset.
Formerly a player for Lewis & Clark College, Coach Mitchell won defensive player of the year, undoubtedly is a key reason for the Orcas’ strong defense in this game.
Coach Hayes said he likes to bring energy, leadership and a player-first mindset. Players such as the team captains, Gabe Martin (15) and Khalil Graham (5), took to heart what it means to demonstrate these qualities.
Corey Tita (24) lead in points with 28 by the end of the game after starting with a mean layup. Later in the half, Tita came in with an enormous dunk – causing eruptions in the crowd and sending the message to SVC that the Orcas are not to be underestimated. Alongside Tita, Daniel Jackson Jr. (12) followed with a score of 22, with multiple lay-ups, recoveries, and an amazing offense.
Martin and Graham played a strong defense along with every Orca on the court. Graham showed strong aggression, bringing the heat to the game with back-to-back shots bulldozing the Cardinal’s defense. Alongside Graham, Martin, who just recently hit 500 minutes – a considerable milestone – put clamps on SVC’s offense.
Although the game ended in a loss, the Orcas put up a strong fight with amazing defense and a steamroll offense. At many points during the game, SVC’s head coach could be seen fuming due to the Orcas’ strong defense and hunger for a win. Coming into this game as the underdogs, the Orcas certainly went out there and showed everyone they are not to be underestimated.
The Orcas next home game is this upcoming Wednesday in the WCC Pavillion, with the Men’s team playing at 5 p.m. and the Women’s team at 7 p.m. Partnering with the Simpson Intercultural Center and the Asian Student Union, these game will host Asian Culture Appreciation Night with free Thai Curry from Guud Bowls available for the first 50 students in attendance.
