by Rebecca Carter

Orcas Christian School

The Orcas Christian School Saints basketball season kicked off on December 5. Athletic Director Dave Blisard is looking forward to not just this season but the seasons to come. “Both teams are young,” noted Blisard. “As a program, we only have one senior, so these athletes can look forward to multiple years together to build their teamwork.”

Teamwork has been a focus of boys’ head coach Jay Sack since he took the helm of the team last year. “Our team has a lot of heart and I can see us coming together,” said Sack. “We’re 1-2 at this point in the season, but we’re pushing ourselves. Our competitive spirit and drive to improve is evident in every practice and every game.”

The addition of Grayson Abaya to the coaching staff of both the boys’ and girls’ teams provides a fresh voice and new energy in practices, though his is a familiar face to the students. Abaya stepped into the role of Pastor at the Orcas Adventist Fellowship church earlier this year and has been actively involved in campus life since, from the classroom to the court.

The Lady Saints are the younger of the school’s two basketball teams. Aside from a lone senior, the team has no upperclassmen. Blisard, who doubles as the school’s athletic director and the head coach for the Lady Saints, is thrilled about the growth he is already seeing in the team. “Cailin Tucker is getting stronger and more confident every game. Alina Daoust is proving herself a reliable asset as an outside shooter and rebounder. Karis Comrie has a keen eye, great passing, and serious hustle. I can’t wait to see how much further we push ourselves, individually and as a team, this season.”

While the season has had a rocky start for the Lady Saints, who are 0-3 so far this season, freshman Alina Daoust commented, “I like how our team never gives up and always has fun, even when we’re losing.”

The Saints’ next home games are on Dec. 20, beginning at 1 p.m. at the OCS gym, against inter-island rival Lopez.