The Olympia Boys Basketball team is boasting a hot start to the new era, winning their first three games of the season. The team has welcomed new players who have embraced the same high standard set in previous years.
In the season opener, the boys had a dominant start over the non-league Peninsula (3A) with a 63-28 victory. This game saw every player from the squad participate, foreshadowing a deep roster for the upcoming season.
Freshman Elijah Boul got his first opportunity on the varsity team, scoring nine points in his debut. Boul elaborated on his experience: “It felt great. I have been looking forward to being able to play in front of all my friends and family and to be able to score my first varsity points that night was amazing.”
Three days later in league play, South Kitsap came to Olympia in hopes of spoiling the bright start to the season. However, the Bears were determined to keep their undefeated title.
The game was a hard-fought battle between both teams, especially after the away side South Kitsap had previously just upset Rogers. The Bears emerged victorious to secure a 55-44 win for their first league matchup.
After two comfortable wins, the Bears faced their first challenge against Puyallup. Puyallup entered the game with a 2-1 record.
Puyallup was determined to redeem themselves following a disappointing loss to Emerald Ridge. The game was a closely contested battle, with both teams exchanging leads.
Ultimately, the outcome had to be decided in overtime, where the Bears overcame foul trouble and secured a 59-56 victory.
Senior Sam Schilter stated, “The thing that helped us the most was trust. We faced a lot of adversity but trusting one another […] helped us stay connected the whole time and come out with the win.”
The Bears also welcomed back Junior Blake Peterson who missed the first three games due to injury. “It felt awesome. I am thankful I’m able to compete in the game I love again at a high level,” Peterson reflected.
The Rogers Rams came into the game 4-2 with four wins in a row. The game was highly competitive, with both teams exchanging leads throughout.
However, Olympia secured the victory with an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring a season-high 22 points as a team in that period.
After a 4-0 start, Peterson stated his goals for the team are “making it back to the state tournament this year and proving to everyone what Olympia Basketball is with this new team.”
