The Winter Athletic Season is coming to a close. The Upper School Bush Basketball teams competed into the second round of the Emerald Sound Conference playoffs and brought us some exciting upsets. The Upper School Nordic Ski team has traveled to find the snow, while earning some accolades along the way. The Middle School boys basketball teams found their love of basketball, while the girls are in competition mode for a few more weeks.
Lower school was back to the court competing for the first time in a few years. Our 5th graders took advantage of the opportunity to practice their skills, come together with teammates, and enjoy the game of basketball.
UPPER SCHOOL BASKETBALL
No quit in this young Blazer Basketball team. It didn’t matter who they were facing, the Girls Varsity team was going to challenge every opponent with their aggressive defense.Throughout the season the Blazers developed a team identity and were able to get the ball down the court with purpose and intensity. Mia H.’23 and Kara M. ‘25 demonstrated their basketball IQ coming up with steals in crucial moments. Mia ended the season with a team-high 39 steals. Sanvi A. ‘26 developed a reputation of being an elite 3-point shooter. She ended her season with a game-high of 12 points in an exciting Emerald Sound Conference playoff game at Overlake, to bring her season total to 94 points.
The Blazers finished 5-16 overall and played some of their best basketball when it counted, collecting a pair of playoff wins over Granite Falls and Eastside Prep.
Thank you to Seniors Lena, Mia, Lucy, and Cherlyn! It was extraordinary to watch these four lead in a positive way and create a team culture that was unquestionably optimistic, kind, and welcoming at all times!
Emerald Sound Conference, Honorable Mention: Kate H., Kara M., and Sanvi A..
Guided by the leadership of three strong seniors, this young but talented team compiled a number of thrilling victories this season. The team finished 7-11 overall, including an exciting two-point victory over Friday Harbor. Amaré F. ‘23 and Paul H. ‘25 used their high-scoring ability to help the team to a dramatic comeback victory over Granite Falls on Senior Night. Amaré and Paul ended the season averaging 25.3 and 15.8 points per-game, respectively.
The team took their talents on the road proving that the pressure was never too much for them to handle. In a tight playoff away game, the Blazers fought through every minute to remain ahead and defeat Eastside Prep. This big win kept the season rolling for the Blazers into the second round of the Emerald Sound Conference before running into a tough Bear Creek team.
Seniors Amaré, Jackson, and Quinn’s profound impact on this program cannot be stated enough and they will leave big shoes to fill. We look forward to 21 of the 24 players returning to the court next year.
Emerald Sound Conference, First Team: Amaré F.
Emerald Sound Conference, Honorable Mention: Paul H. and Duncan F.S.
Nordic Skiing
To the mountains we go! The Nordic Ski team brought back several successful finishes from their trips to the snow-covered hills this winter. The team trains hard during the week and it shows when they step into their skis and compete in local Nordic Ski races. At the Leavenworth Classic on January 22nd, Sarah S. ’23 brought home an amazing first place finish in the U18 girls division and Luc K. ’24 finished second in the U18 boys race!
On January 29th, the Blazers took to an icy and fast Stampede 5K. This did not pose any problem for Sarah S. ’23 and Eric C. ’23 as they took first and second respectively in their age groups and in the competitive U16 field, Ada M. ’26 was first girl to finish for Bush, taking fourth.
Thank you to Seniors: Annabelle, Eric, Obie, Ethan, Adelaide, Ruby, Sarah, Vincent, Nicholas, and Luke for your dedication to the Nordic Team! Your leadership was shown throughout the season as you helped bring the team together during the overnight trips to the Methow Campus and the strenuous team workouts. Thank you!
Middle School Boys Basketball
An eager forty-one players took to the court for the Middle School Boys Basketball E-lective. A focus on skill development, found the teams increasing their fitness, shooting, and court vision. Each team had a strong showing, including an exciting inter-squad game in Schuchart Gym to kick off the winter Blazer Bash celebrations in December of 2022.
Middle School Girls Basketball
Thirty-five players are still competing until Friday, March 3. All players have developed their basketball fundamentals to increase their basketball IQ and give them confidence as they take the court. We have seen some big three point shots, and huge defensive plays by players hustling all over the court. The teams look to end on a high note as they get to come together for the last week of the season and compete with one another in a series of fun games put together by the coaches.
Middle School Tennis
Love, Deuce, Service are all words that the Middle School Tennis team is learning. In addition to perfecting the technical components of a serve, overhand, and backhand hit, the team has spent time learning the intricacies of the game of tennis. While no formal competitions occurred, the Blazers met every E-lective excited to take the court and improve their skills.
Lower School Basketball
Fifth Grade students were eager to take the court and compete against other teams for the first time in two years. Players were able to try a new sport with their classmates, develop their basketball skills, and learn to come together in a team environment. The Blazers had fun moments to celebrate, like scoring a first basket or an exciting steal. We look forward to this love of basketball carrying into Middle School and beyond!
National Girls and Women in Sports Day
The Women’s Sports Foundation dedicated this years’ National Girls and Women in Sports Day to the theme: Lead Her Forward. The Blazers did just that as three events took place throughout the week all dedicated to empowering and encouraging female identifying students to keep playing. The Empower Hour Breakfast featured a room full of Middle and Lower School students listening to the stories from faculty, staff, and alumni regarding their journey, challenges, and joy of playing sports.
Our Upper School students Led Her Forward through a series of sports and movement clinics. The Upper School athletes shared their favorite games, introduced key fundamentals, and showed how much fun it is to be a Blazer student-athlete. Each participant experienced volleyball, basketball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, and the fitness center. Highlighting the importance to just move and stay active!
We concluded the celebrations by welcoming 2x WNBA Champion, Mercedes Russell of the Seattle Storm. Mercedes shared her love of basketball, life lessons learned through sports, and her favorite music to get her ready for game day (it’s Drake). Mercedes spoke of the importance of her position to advocate for women and to help empower women in sport. After listening to her story, the group took to the court for a shoot-around with Mercedes.
A big thank you to Associate Athletic Director, Mel White, who took the lead on planning this year’s efforts to celebrate and honor the numerous female identifying athletes, coaches, and staff members in the Blazers Athletic Program.
Be sure to visit Bush Blazers to get out and support your Blazers!
GO BLAZERS!
Photos courtesy of: Jeff H., Mary A., Mel W., and Sam P.B.,