Thanks to a last second shot, strong defense and big efforts all around, Sequim’s fifth-grade select boys basketball squad took runner-up in the fifth-grade silver division for the 2018 Washington Middle School Basketball Championship last weekend in Spokane.

In their second game on St. Patrick’s Day, family and friends went wild when tied at 48, Lincoln Liggins dribbled the ball past half-court to sink a last second shot to give the Wolves the 51-48 victory over Liberty.

To open the state tournament, Sequim won 45-19 over the Cashmere Bulldogs, followed by the nail-biter against Liberty, and a 35-30 win over Kelso HHC to earn a spot in the championship game against Methow Valley on March 18. Sequim lost 48-41 in the finals.

Prior to state, Sequim’s squad won three qualifying tournaments even though they only needed to win one for an invite.

Sequim’s head coach was John Marshall and its assistants were Dennis Laboy and Shane Alonzo.

Players included Izaiah Alonzo, Andrew Brown, Jamison Gray, Charlie Grider, Hayden Kiesser, Bryant Laboy, Lincoln Liggins, Blake Marshall, Ethan Melnick and Easton Munger.

Team members said they are thankful for the community’s support in helping them attend the state tournament, including donations from Jamie Parrish Plumbing, The Co-Op Farm & Garden, individual community members’ contributions, First Federal for its Sequim Youth Basketball Hall of Fame level Sponsorship, and those who bought fudge from the team’s WeDo Fudge fundraiser.

Coaches and players said they were proud to represent Sequim in the state championship and it was an experience they’ll never forget.

Sequim’s fifth grade select team includes, from back left, Assistant Coaches Dennis Laboy and Shane Alonzo, Charlie Grider, Jamison Gray, Lincoln Liggins, Head Coach John Marshall; front left, Izaiah Alonzo, Ethan Melnick, Hayden Kiesser, Easton Munger, Blake Marshall, Andrew Brown, Bryant Laboy. Submitted photo