Winter Season Wrap-Up

BOYS’ BASKETBALL Coach David Bigelow

Thanks to a great boys’ basketball team, packing the gym on game night was something special and thoroughly exciting for the Overlake community this year. Highlights of this exceptional season include Overlake’s first ever win against King’s Schools, in front of a standing-room only crowd at Overlake on January 13th. It was a night that will long be remembered.

The team ended the season with eighteen wins, a fantastic accomplishment. The team also advanced to the State Championship Tournament for only the fourth time in school history! And once there, they fought their way to a 6th place finish by winning two nail-biter games. This was an incredible accomplishment, and the team represented Overlake with grace and sportsmanship.

This team boasted four lifer Owls from the 5th grade team who played all 8 years: seniors Hudson I., Alec O., Jake S., and Jack W. Their leadership and team spirit will be missed. Next season will bring a new direction under incoming coach Taylor Banks. That team will have solid returning guards and the biggest incoming freshman class since our outgoing senior class.

Coach Banks in looking forward to next season shares, “I am truly honored to join the Overlake family and excited to coach these young men. I am looking forward to working with the entire boys’ basketball program grades 5th–12th while we instill program continuity, competitiveness, toughness, and togetherness. The future is bright, and I am thrilled to do it TOGETHER.”

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Coach

Rick Nelson

The girls’ Varsity basketball team had a formative season, showing they are tenacious competitors while being caring and fun teammates. One highlight of the season was the State tournament run where the team won fi ve games in a row in a win or go home situation. Coach Rick Nelson strongly feels the entire season was a success, even though the team did not make it to the State tournament this year.

The team benefited from strong leadership from the team captains Sarah G. (’24), Kristen H. (’24), and Sadie W.’ (24). Nelson also notes that the whole team grew over the season and improved, specifically the bench players.

Looking forward to next season, Nelson wants to focus on ensuring the rising seniors have a great final season as the team continues to compete towards the conference championship. Adding new members to the team and growing the program from the Middle School to Varsity will be a priority for upcoming years.

Reflecting on his first season as an Owl, Nelson said, “I have really enjoyed my first season at Overlake. The staff, student body, and team were nothing short of amazing. I also appreciate the relationship with Athletic Director John Wiley. His leadership has allowed me to grow as a coach and a member of the athletic team at Overlake.”