Sports

Tides boys storm to 7-0 record, sit atop state basketball rankings

The Gig Harbor boys basketball team is off to an absolutely sizzling start. The Tides are 7-0, first in the South Sound Conference, and in a poll released Friday rated No. 1 in Washington state 3A by national ranking service Max Preps. That is a big deal for the town’s hoop reputation and a lot of fun for the players and students. It also comes only a day after dismantling the crosstown rival Peninsula Seahawks, 60-14. Yes, that score is correct.

Ryan Pickles twists his body for two against Peninsula. Photo courtesy of Jerry Chunn

The Tides can flat out shoot. They are sinking over nine 3-pointers a game. Head coach Billy Landram employs a smooth motion offense that swings the ball quickly to open shooters. Or they can switch to a pro-style set that emphasizes their best players’ strengths. They are averaging a near-school-record 74 points a ballgame. If defenders aren’t careful, Gig Harbor has players who can not only finish in traffic but with highlight-worthy slam dunks. Those plays have ignited a roaring student section that has already stormed the court once, and have the older crowd spilling its popcorn and happy to pay $6 a seat to watch this fun, entertaining team.

The Tides are competitive and scrappy. They dive on the floor for loose balls and run a set of defenses that put pressure on opponents. The guards are terrific at coming up with steals, and the big guys are smart and athletic enough to intercept errant passes. To play against the best teams in the state, a team better be able to compete on the defensive end. So far Gig Harbor has shown it can.

Luke Browne leads the fast break against Peninsula. Photo courtesy of Jerry Chunn

The Tides have a high basketball IQ. They understand how to play the game. They all have roles and responsibilities, and seem to understand that teamwork is a tough opponent to beat. They know that rankings are just someone’s opinion, and opinions don’t win league or state championships. Actions do. Are they truly the best 3A team in the state right now? That’s debatable. They don’t need to be. That will be decided in early March at the Tacoma Dome. They still have a lot of time to improve, and Coach Landram will keep their feet on the floor and not let overconfidence set in.

Here’s a quick look at some of the top players.

Parker Born is a 6-foot-4 senior center who enjoys being physical. He’s aggressive and always in the right place at the right time. He’s a capable rebounder, hustling defender, can run the floor and splash an occasional three. He goes after offensive rebounds and is comfortable in this role. He had his best game against the Seahawks, scoring from inside and out, and was a physical presence, scoring above his 10-point average.

Will Landram scores against Timberline. Photo courtesy of Jerry Chunn

Luke Browne, a 6-foot-6 junior guard, was an all-league player in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. He is the Tides’ leading scorer at over 24 points a game and averages a team-high eight rebounds. He is a versatile player who can bust a game wide open with a pure shot from long range or a drive to the hoop with either hand. He is a good passer and is clutch, scoring 31 points against Mount Vernon, with four threes in the fourth quarter. He scored 34 points with seven threes Friday against Capital.

Will Landram is a 6-foot-5 junior guard. He is a versatile, athletic player who is able to play above the rim and will dunk if he gets the chance. He can bring the ball up the court against pressure or post up with some nifty post moves. He’s a creative passer, good shooter and is scoring at 15 points a game. He scored 25 points against Timberline and started the Peninsula game with an explosive backdoor lob for a jam.

Christian Parrish, a 5-foot-11 junior point guard, is a fiery player who can push the ball up the court, draw defenders and find open shooters. He is scoring around 13 points a game, leading the team in steals and near the top in assists. He terrorizes guards on defense and forces mistakes. He had four threes against Mount Vernon and hit seven of eight free throws against Timberline in the fourth quarter.

Christian Parrish goes full speed against Timberline. Photo courtesy of Jerry Chunn

Asher Raquiza, a 6-foot-2 senior guard, was an all-league player in both his sophomore and junior seasons. He is scoring about 17 points per game, and is a fine all-around player. He is an aggressive driver and a knockdown shooter from 3-point range. He is a pesky defender and a reliable free throw shooter. In the South Kitsap game, he had 23 points and 10 rebounds, along with several clever backcourt steals.

Ryan Pickles is a 6-foot-2 senior guard who comes off the bench. He can be trusted to bring the ball upcourt with his dribbling ability. He’s also a slick passer and good perimeter shooter. He plays with passion and is always moving on defense. He will do the little things that win ballgames, dive on the floor, deflect a pass for a steal, or make a clutch free throw. His best game was against Peninsula where he showed his fire and versatility, scoring in double digits.

The squad is rounded out by enthusiastic, athletic reserves with a blend of size and talented youth who are carving out important minutes in the rotation.

Schedule

Nov. 30 — At Gig Harbor 79, South Kitsap 60

Dec. 6 — At Gig Harbor 71, Aberdeen 21

Dec. 8 — At Gig Harbor 73, Timberline 71

Dec. 10 — At Gig Harbor 81, Central Kitsap 57

Dec. 11 — At Gig Harbor 67, Mount Vernon 51

Dec. 15 — Gig Harbor 60, at Peninsula 14

Dec. 17 — at Gig Harbor 81, Capital 56

Dec. 29 — Home vs. Bainbridge Island 7 p.m.

Dec. 30 — Home vs. Clover Park, 4 p.m.

Jan. 4 — At Mercer Island, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 5 — Home vs. North Thurston, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 — At River Ridge, 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 — At Yelm, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — At Timberline, 7 p.m.

Jan. 19 — At Central Kitsap, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 — Home vs. Peninsula in the “Fish Basket” game, 7 p.m.

Jan. 26 — At Capital, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — At North Thurston, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 — Home vs. River Ridge, 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 — Home vs. Yelm, 7 p.m.

Check local radio station KGHP 89.9 FM or 105.7 FM for future broadcasts, dates and times.