Young SC boys look like squads of old

YAKIMA, Wash. — If this truly is a down year in Sunnyside Christian’s storied boys basketball program, that must have been somebody else in the SunDome on Wednesday night.

Somebody else raining in 3-pointers.

Somebody else playing lock-down defense.

Sunnyside Christian's Kevin De Jong, left, and Trevor Wagenaar relax after being sent to the bench with a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter against Lummi during the 1B State Basketball Tournament game at the Yakima SunDome Wednesday, February 25, 2009. (Andy Sawyer/Yakima Herald-Republic)

And if the Knights really are too young to compete for a third consecutive Class 1B state championship, that must have been somebody else executing cool-headed, high-caliber basketball in Wednesday’s prime time slot.

“Honestly, two weeks ago, I didn’t know if we’d be here,” said coach Dean Wagenaar. “And tonight, I had no idea which outfit would show up.”

Sunnyside Christian showed up.

Despite their youth and previous struggles, the Knights upheld their proud tradition with a dominating 54-28 victory over Lummi that was every bit up to the standard of the last two years.

“There was a comfort level coming in here, I know I felt it,” said senior Danny Van Boven, who had eight assists. “We came in 8-0 in this building and now we’re 9-0. It just feels right in here, and we didn’t have all the jitters. We played a great game.”

Not even jitters from freshman Trevor Wagenaar, who buried five of SC’s nine 3-pointers and was the game’s only double-digit scorer with 17 points. But considering the 15-year-old has been watching these games since his dad took over the program, perhaps it’s not surprising.

“I’ve been on the sidelines all these years just waiting for a chance to play,” said the 6-foot-1 forward. “I was so excited to play, but I didn’t expect this. I’ve had some games when I’ve hit a few 3s, but I’ve never been on fire like this.”

It was contagious.

Two of Wagenaar’s treys came during a game-busting 17-0 run in the third period, a streak that saw the Knights score on seven of eight possessions.

Sunnyside Christian's Steven Bosma defends Lummi's Gale Jefferson during the 1B State Basketball Tournament game at the Yakima SunDome Wednesday, February 25, 2009. (Andy Sawyer/Yakima Herald-Republic)

“We told the kids to expect them to put four in the lane. They had to because of our height advantage,” the coach said. “So we’ve got to hit a few outside shots to loosen things up. The kids really came through with that. They know if Trevor gets an opportunity he’ll put it up.”

Lummi, which has only one player taller than 5-10, couldn’t shoot over the much taller Knights — who blocked five shots and altered numerous others — and couldn’t find open 3-pointers, making only 2 of 19. The Blackhawks shot 26.7 percent while being held to a season-low 28 points.

“We played good defense the whole game,” said Van Boven, who made two 3-pointers, “and we shot real well. We executed our plays and kept our cool.”

The timing of SC’s big third-quarter run was crucial since Lummi had just pitched in back-to-back 3-pointers to pull within 21-18 in the opening minute of the second half.

Sophomore Ryker Van Belle — last year’s championship hero — responded quickly for the Knights with one of the nine treys, a total that was two off the tournament record. Trouble appeared to be brewing when 6-5 Steven Broersma, one of SC’s six sophomores, picked up his third foul.

But the Knights kept charging without their big man as Wagenaar scored eight points and Van Belle chipped in five during the 17-0 surge.

With Broersma limited to 10 minutes because of fouls, Kevin De Jong — yet another sophomore — came off the bench to hit 3 of 3 shots and grab a game-high nine rebounds.

The Knights, who slipped over .500 with Wednesday’s win at 12-11, will play Cusick tonight at 9 in the final quarterfinal.

“We really settled down and played a nice second half,” Dean Wagenaar said. “I’m proud of the way they played. Maybe being here has something to do with it, who knows? Just getting here, it’s all gravy.”