The Success of Suquamish Wolfpack Girls Basketball

[admin]

November 2010

The Suquamish Tribe Girl’s Wolfpack Basketball team has had numerous accomplishments, successes and victories, the accumulation of trophies, awards, and medals exceed most teams expectations. This past basketball season the Wolfpack players marked their success with a historical achievement and a milestone for the Suquamish tribe. Several Wolfpack players make up Kingston Middle School core team. Distinguished Suquamish tribal athletes include: Skyler Bakke, Katelyn Carper, Elizabeth Townsend, Kayla George, Ashley Boure, Samantha Salas, Debra Hill, and sister’s Ku’uipo and Napua Fontes (Indigenous). As key players for the Kingston Middle School they were instrumental in leading the team to an undefeated record. This undefeated record is unprecedented and is considered a historically significant achievement.

The Wolfpack coach’s credited for player development include: Debra Hill, Angel Hill and Maggie . These coaches volunteer their time and expertise year round. Their collective basketball knowledge, experience and coaching skills have been crucial for the team success. The Wolfpack team competes in several venues such as: Indian tournaments, recreation league, AAU league, 3 on 3 tournaments, coed tournaments and even Women’s All-Indian tournaments, their fearless presence is unmatched wherever they compete. The Wolfpack are notorious for devouring their opponents without mercy, effectively and systematically picking apart opponents offense. Dismantling the confidence of opponents as they attack the basket and score effortlessly inside or out.

When asked about her coaching philosophy Debra Hill explained “ My philosophy is about empowerment, empowering these young female athletes to strengthen their self - confidence, and develop their mental, emotional and physical abilities. Our young Suquamish girls need to know they can be leaders, achievers, success stories, as well as peer role models for healthy positive choices. Our young female athletes are capable of defining their own personal power, whether through academic excellence, basketball talents, or as carvers, song/dance performers, canoe masters, or story tellers, our youth are our greatest achievements and if I can make a difference I too have succeeded, actually our tribal community has succeeded”.

Additionally, Debra Hill added an update on the current Wolfpack Fall league status, noting The Suquamish Wolfpack yet again leading the Western Washington League, with 7-0 record, thus far. Play-offs are fast approaching in November and games are at the North Kitsap High School. Game schedule will be posted at the Tribal Center.

Recent Wolfpack participation in the kick-off AAU tournament this past Oct9-10th in Renton, WA produced mixed results. Despite 6:00am wake up for 9:00am games, the girl’s displayed amazing dedication and commitment. Playing in the 8th grade division proved challenging for the 6th-8th grade athletes. Competing at the level of 8th grade AAU benefits Wolfpack athletes as they are elevated to a level of competition worthy of select elite athletes. After finishing respectively in 4th place the Wolfpack proved capable of competing against any elite team from across the state.

Watching Wolfpack girl’s basketball is not only entertaining but also inspiring. The high level of team cohesion, cooperation, and spirit, perfectly synchronize to dominate opponents. The remarkable commitment from players and coaches speaks to the collective success of the Wolfpack team. The Wolfpack era will continue to inspire, entertain and raise the level of competition throughout the pacific northwest region. The depth of support from the Suquamish Tribal community has played a significant role in the success of this program, and hopefully the Wolfpack will continue to mark their names in the athletic world of girl's basketball.

Sarah Sense-Wilson

Fan