ILWACO — The Fishermen closed out their regular season with a 58-42 win over Raymond on senior night Feb. 5. It was the last regular season game for seniors James Schenk, Gio Lazaro and Michael Aguayo. The Fishermen finished 12-8, including 6-4 in the Pacific League, qualifying for district playoffs as the fifth place Pacific League team.

Zac Tapio scored 15 first-half points, and Marcos Mendoza hit a driving lay-up at the buzzer for a 35-21 halftime lead. The Seagulls went on an 8-0 run to cut the lead to 46-38 in the fourth quarter. Ethan Bannister answered with a three-pointer from the corner, then made a circus shot over his head while being fouled, extending the lead to 13 points.

Tapio scored 23 points in the game, Bannister added nine points, and Lazaro had eight.

Reflecting on Ilwaco’s seniors, coach Tim Harrell noted Lazaro’s “willingness to fill the role most guys don’t want.” The 5’10” Lazaro made himself a true power forward, competing very hard inside, often against bigger opponents. “He’s our physical guy that defends, gets rebounds and has taken 20 charges this season. He helped bring a higher level of energy to practice.”

Harrell called Schenk “the true definition of a leader,” adding that Schenk is “willing to do whatever you ask of him. The kids look up to him and I’ve been very lucky having him here to help rebuild the program.”

Harrell said Aguayo, a 6’0” center who helped Ilwaco compete against big lineups, is “a team favorite,” who “always brings his best effort to practice.” All three seniors started at times throughout this year.

WILLAPA VALLEY — The Fishermen won 65-37 in Willapa Valley on Feb. 3.

Gio Lazaro opened the scoring with a three-pointer and forced two early turnovers. Lazaro then scored on a pick-and-roll for a 9-4 lead. Ethan Bannister made a three-pointer, then stole the in-bound pass and made another three, giving the Fishermen a 15-4 lead. Zac Tapio followed with a steal and layup. Alex Kaino made a three-pointer, and Marcos Mendoza got a steal near the basket for any easy lay-up. Ilwaco led 22-4 less than six minutes into the game.

The Fishermen continued creating open shots and knocked them down consistently. Tapio scored seven straight points midway through the second quarter for a 39-8 lead.

Tapio finished with 15 points, all in the first half, on seven for 11 shooting, with 11 rebounds and four assists. Bannister shot six of 12 with three threes for 15 points. Kaino scored 12 points, and Lazaro and Reese Tynkila each added seven. Ilwaco shot 27 for 54 on the night, including eight of 24 three-point attempts.