 On January 2nd, 2008 the Peninsula Boys’ Basketball team sat in a Lincoln High School locker room after losing their 5th straight game. Those on the outside looking in saw a 2-8 record as confirmation to what most believed heading into the season… this would be a rebuilding year for Peninsula. However the atmosphere inside the locker room was quite different. Dreams and hopes of a 2008 State tournament were still alive. Yes, there was disappointment with the 61-65 loss to the Abes. But this loss was different from the previous seven; players played with passion, enthusiasm and as a team. The four point loss to one of Washington’s elite 4A teams gave Peninsula confidence heading back into their Olympic League schedule. The road ahead would not be easy but then again what in life worthwhile is easy? That night the team made a commitment to each other and a goal… win 10 straight to finish the season. Why 10 straight? Because that’s how many remained and that would guarantee an Olympic League 3A Division Championship.
Forty-four days later, senior Jake Hohbein, hit a baseline jumper with 3.2 seconds left to beat Klahowya 50-48 and finish a miraculous turnaround to the season. No they didn’t win 10 straight, but they did win 9 of 10 and an Olympic League 3A Division Championship.
Heading into the West Central District Tournament, 11-9 Peninsula was matched against 19-2 Renton. Most outsiders, just as they had back in January, didn’t give Peninsula much of a chance. Although the world was not shocked by a Peninsula upset win, most were surprised that it took Renton all 31 minutes and 57 seconds to beat the Seahawks 59-57.
Three days later the Seahawks, in a loser out game, were in a fight for their lives against the Warriors from Clover Park. Trailing 12-20 at halftime Peninsula battled through three black eyes and a broken nose to stage an unlikely comeback and finished it off with a Rudy Martin 3-pointer at the buzzer to win 42-40.
Nothing has come easy for the 2007-2008 Peninsula Basketball team but much has been accomplished. With two games left in the West Central District Tournament the Seahawks’ dream of a State tournament is still alive. They will need to beat Mt. Rainier (20-4) on Friday February 29th or win a final loser out game on Saturday March 1st. Just as it’s been the last four months the Hawks will be huge underdogs, but ask any of them… that’s how they like it! |
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