Highline sports teams were busy this week amid their COVID spring seasons.
Men’s basketball
After more than a week off because of COVID cases, the team returns to action, led by sophomore guard Micah Jessie’s 23.4 points and 3.6 assist per game.
“Micah is a talented young man and has no idea how good he can be. He is working much harder defensively and coming into practices and games more locked in mentally,” said Head Coach Che Dawson.
Like every team in every sport in the NWAC, the 5-1 T-Birds have faced cancellations and delays because of the pandemic.
“The most frustrating thing is the rhythm. There is a rhythm that develops between practices and games, especially when we seem to have some positive momentum, it is difficult to stop all activity for eight days and pick up where you left off,” said Dawson.
The team is taught to never shy away from physical play, they use it as fuel for their competitive drives instead, he said.
Highline plays Grays Harbor Friday, May 14 at 3 p.m.
“Grays Harbor is very physical and they play really hard. Everything starts with us playing harder than them and being ready to play at the start,” Dawson said.
Women’s basketball
The women’s basketball team is just above .500 at 4-3 following a 75-65 loss to Lower Columbia on Tuesday.
Prior to the loss, the Lady T-Birds had been on a three-game win streak. During that stretch they played impressive defense. They held Pierce to 43 points, Tacoma to 29 and Centralia to 61.
The team has continued to see some inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball. “We just keep missing easy shots,” Head Coach Damien Crump said.
The Lady T-Birds’ next game is at Pierce Tuesday, May 18, at 5 p.m.
Men’s soccer
The Thunderbird men have had two games cancelled and haven’t played a game since April 30.
The 2-0-1 T-Birds host Bellevue on Friday, May 14 at noon at Starfire in Tukwila.
They currently have a record of 2-0-1 with both wins being in dominating fashion, Beating Tacoma 4-0, and defeating Pierce 5-0.
The team has been led by Alex Velasco, who has already notched five goals and five assists. He’s second in the NWAC in both categories, and first overall with 15 points.
Women’s soccer
The Women’s Soccer team is having similar success, 4-1-2 after beating Lower Columbia 4-0 on Tuesday. There has been one cancellation this season.
They have been led by Andrea Guiton, who has four goals and two assists already this season.
Goalkeeper Kate Nelson leads the league in saves.
Their next matchup is against Bellevue on Friday at 10 a.m. at Starfire.