The Sedro-Woolley Cubs Boys Basketball lost 43-45 at a 3A District playoffs on Saturday February 22nd, ending their season with a record of 13 – 9. 

“It was definitely a tough loss,” said Logan Roth, a senior on the basketball team, wearing the number 30.  “But things just don’t go the way you want them to go. You gotta move on and look towards the future.”  

At Marysville-Pilchuck High School, the bleachers were packed on each side of the gym. The gym was full of energy before the game even started.

After the Snohomish Panthers played the Meadowdale Mavericks, the Cubs played against the Shorewood Stormrays. The atmosphere in that red colored gym got energetic and excited as the Cubs played. The sounds of cheer, laughter, and excitement could be heard surrounding the gym.  

“I was a little nervous going in because [it was] just one of the biggest games I’ve played in, and we wanted to win so we can go to state with our seniors,” said Ethan DeJong, a junior on the basketball team, wearing the number 11, who also goes by his nickname “Stew.” “So it was a good atmosphere to play and be in front of.”

“Swoosh,” the ball goes in the basket perfectly, within only about 3:45 minutes left of the first quarter, Stew’s two point field goal, makes it in. Stew got help getting set up for the layup by his outstanding teammates, who all worked hard together. 

“It’s a good feeling when your shots go in,” said DeJong. “So it’s always nice when they drop, especially in a game like that.” 

The game was a nail-biter, as it was close for the entire game. When one team got a shot, the other team responded with a basket of their own. Everyone was at the edge of their seats in the fourth quarter, as the Cubs were trailing by 3 points, Cliff Tadema made an incredible 3 pointer that tied the game, in the last 15 seconds of the game. 

“ [My] favorite moment was when Cliff hit a big three to tie the game late in the fourth quarter,” said Roth   

The Cubs played as an strong team, on and off the court. They worked hard, they showed up and gave it all they had. They really showed how, “Everything is awesome, everything is cool when you’re part of a team,” from the Lego Movie is true, with their teamwork. 

“The best thing about our last game was that I got to spend that time with my teammates,” said Clifford Tadema, a junior in the basketball team, wearing number 5, who also goes by his nickname “Cliff.” “I feel very blessed to be surrounded by such a good group of guys who were willing to set apart their own pride to do whatever is best for our team.”

The Cubs made a new record, as they won their first playoff game, which was against Everett Seagulls. The last time they won a playoff game was 20 years ago. Next year they can come back and win state, with their teamwork. 

“It feels very good to have a big impact on the change of culture in our basketball program,” said Tadema. 

This amazing group of basketballers, have an amazing path ahead of them. Good luck to them next year, as they try to win state.  

Let’s Go Cubs!