The Full Court Press

During the season, the Record talks to South Whidbey athletes about teamwork. This week, it’s Dylan Banks and Ben Cary of the Falcon boys basketball team.
Banks, about Cary: “I’m really excited to be playing for South Whidbey this season. Before my injury, Ben and I worked well together, getting each other pumped up. He’s an amazing shooter, with good timing and isn’t afraid to feed the ball to others. You can tell he likes to play this game.”
Cary, about Banks: “Before he got hurt, he was a very athletic and motivated player; we’re all looking forward to getting him well before the season ends. He gets a little excited when he’s on the court, talks some trash, but in a good way that gets us all fired up.”

During the season, the Record talks to South Whidbey athletes about teamwork. This week, it’s Matt Flaherty and Vietnamese exchange student Nam Tran of the Falcon boys basketball team.
Flaherty, about Tran: “Nam is a pretty funny guy who brings a lot of spirit to the team. When he has the ball, he’ll drive through five defenders on the opposing team and make a layup with great skill. He’s always making us laugh, and sometimes we really need that.”
Tran, about Flaherty: “He is a great guy; friendly, easy-going and tall. He is very good at rebounding and blocking other tall guys. He can pass the ball and is very fantastic on the court overall. Did I mention he’s really tall?”

Falcon winter teams are set to take flight in 2010. Kicking off the new year, the South Whidbey girls basketball team welcomes Bellingham on Tuesday, Jan. 5, the South Whidbey boys basketball team hosts Sultan on Tuesday, Jan. 12 and the Falcon wrestlers battle the Turks on Monday, Jan. 18. These kids work hard and deserve your support.

GO FALCONS — 2010!

The South Whidbey Youth Soccer Club will hold its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11 in the community room at South Whidbey Elementary School.
All are welcome to attend as the club participates in their annual general meeting to elect new board members and to shape the direction of the soccer club in the future.

During the season, the Record talks to South Whidbey athletes about teamwork. This week, it’s Mason Shoudy and Sam Denka of the Falcon basketball team.
Shoudy, about Denka: “On the court, Sam gives 110-percent and, during games, he has a unique ability to take care of the post. We hang out together a lot when not playing. My only concern is that he’s alway asking me to smell his shoes.”
Denka, about Shoudy: “Mason is a superb defender who uses speed to keep the other guy off his game. He worked hard on his game in the off-season and has an excellent work ethic that has resulted in some serious varsity time. But I don’t know what Mason’s problem is; I have really clean shoes.”

During the season, the Record talks with South Whidbey athletes about teamwork. This week, it’s Falcon wrestlers Dillon Parrick and Daniel Childers.
Parrick, about Childers: “I suffered an injury to my shoulder and there’s no way I could have wrestled this year without Daniel. He helped me rebuild my shoulder, was patient and is helping me get back a good attitude on the mat. He’s a good friend and the definition of a good teammate.”
Childers, about Parrick: “Every time Dillon comes to practice, he’s eager to learn and improve his skills even after he got hurt. He pushes me to my limit every time in practice. He’s always encouraging and helps all of us stay positive, especially when things aren’t going so well.”

The South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District is hosting an open gym for men over age 35 who love to play basketball.
“Whether you’re a serious player or rookie, this is your opportunity to get out and play every Monday and Wednesday,” said program coordinator Carrie Monforte. “Basketball gives you an opportunity to refine your skills or to stay in shape.”
The open gym runs from 7 to 9 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday during the school year at South Whidbey High School’s Erikson Gym. The event is free, but donations are always appreciated and benefit the Youth Basketball Scholarship Fund
For more information or schedule changes, call Jeff Chiarizio at 331-5545 or Monforte at 221-5484.

During the season, the Record talks to South Whidbey athletes about teamwork. This week, it’s Sean George and Will Hallberg of the Falcon boys basketball team.
George, about Hallberg: “Will is an extremely hard worker who has the ability to jump out of the gym. He’s also one of the only only guys who can consistently slam dunk the ball. And he’s a great team player, not afraid to pass the ball or take the shot himself.”
Hallberg, about George: “Well, he’s a good guy off the court and on with an especially nice touch on the ball. He does whatever it takes to contribute to the positive mood of the team. He’s also a little crazy for wearing shorts in 20-degree weather.”

During the season, the Record talks to South Whidbey athletes about teamwork. Today, it’s Blake Koszarek and Ben Saari of the Falcons cross country team.

Koszarek, about Saari: “Ben’s awesome. We’ve been friends since like first grade. It’s nice to have someone on the team who has been running with me for the past five years. In the past couple of years — I don’t mean to brag — but I’ve been a step ahead of Ben.”

Saari, about Koszarek: “He’s always been ahead of me. Blake slacked off a bit during the summer, and he’s been trying to catch up to me. And he’s caught up. We never think of it as competitive. It’s a friendly thing.”

Don’t forget to come out at 7 p.m. Friday night for South Whidbey’s first home game against undefeated Cedarcrest. The Falcons are coming off a spectacular 59-32 whipping of Lakewood and are hoping to improve on their 1-0 league record.