ISSAQUAH — As Fort Vancouver gamers exited their locker room to a boisterous fanbase that traveled from Clark County, phrases from head coach James Jones nonetheless echoed of their minds.
“They set the standard,” the first-year coach mentioned.
That customary led to certainly one of Fort’s greatest seasons in boys basketball. Making their first state playoff look since 1990, the Trappers’ season ended at Issaquah Excessive College to a Bellevue Christian staff that led from begin to end to advance to subsequent week’s Class 1A Spherical of 12 in Yakima.
The Trappers’ season went 17-8 total, and the win whole is second-most victories because the 1990 state-bound staff went 19-6.
Feelings ran excessive for quite a few outgoing seniors, together with Josiah Jointer, Liam Cvitkovich and Isaiah Gonzalez.
Cvitkovich, a four-year boys basketball participant and multi-sport athlete, believes the accomplishments of 2024-25 will solely jumpstart the Trappers to large issues shifting ahead.
“I feel like we did start something for Fort Vancouver,” the senior ahead mentioned. “Everybody thinks if you go to Fort, you’re not that good at sports. I feel like we changed it around, not just for boys basketball, but for the whole (school) culture.”
This college yr marks the primary time Fort is a 1A Trico League member throughout all sports activities. Since 2019, the Washington Interscholastic Actions Affiliation has included socioeconomic elements when reclassifying faculties. Moreover, faculties can petition the WIAA to minimize one classification. In January 2024, Fort received its enchantment to play in Class 1A starting in 2024-25 by way of the 2027-28 college yr.
Cvitkovich, additionally a multi-sport athlete, mentioned the prospect to play on the 1A degree is the place the Trappers should be school-wide proper now.
“I feel like we need this,” he mentioned. “It’s where we are as a school … every sport, we need this. If we continue (to do well), I think we can go back up to 2A, or even 3A.”
With out hesitation, Jointer mentioned, taking part in on the 1A degree affords athletes alternatives they wouldn’t in any other case expertise. For starters, perception, he mentioned.
“It gives us confidence to go out there and compete,” Jointer mentioned.
Jointer had a game-high 20 factors Friday. 9 of them got here within the second quarter when the Trappers’ momentum the ultimate 2 minutes minimize a double-digit Bellevue Christian result in 25-19 by halftime. It got here after the Trappers felt behind 15-4 early and dedicated six first-quarter turnovers.
Jointer had 11 within the second half, which is when sophomore Isaiah Barajas obtained sizzling from 3-point vary. He hit 3s on consecutive possessions that helped the Trappers pull with in seven at 45-38. They by no means obtained nearer after that behind a Bellevue Christian (19-5) assault of balanced scoring from Conner Banach (12 factors), Luke Evanson (12), Drake Penberthy (10) and Brock Huber (10).
Barajas completed with 13 factors and Leighton Livengood added 11.
Their season may’ve ended Friday, however the usual is now set for Fort Vancouver’s Trappers.
Stated Jointer: “Hopefully, what we did this year builds a legacy to be remembered.”
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BELLEVUE CHRISTIAN 61, FORT VANCOUVER 48
BELLEVUE CHRISTIAN — Quincy Tonkin 0, Luke Evanson 12, Conner Banach 12, Kyler Skogstad 5, Brady Tonkin 7, Drake Penberthy 10, Cayden DeHaan 2, Brock Huber 10.
FORT VANCOUVER — Josiah Jointer 20, Leighton Livengood 11, Isaiah Gonzalez 2, Isaiah Barajas 13, Liam Cvitkovich 0, Sam Howard 0, Allen Salazar 0, Kenan Sabanovic 2, Veniamin Koval 0. Totals 19 (5) 5-13 48.
Fort Van. 4 15 14 15 – 48
Bell. Chr. 15 10 20 16 – 61
