On Sunday, June 28, the W.F. West varsity basketball team emerged victorious from the Battle at the Beach summer tournament in Ilwaco, defeating La Center by a razor‑thin 48‑46 margin. The win capped a weekend in which the team also captured the JV championship, topping Astoria in that title game.
Nine high school programs from across the region took part in the event, each battling for preseason momentum heading into the next academic year. While W.F. West celebrated its double triumph, the host Ilwaco Fishermen finished the weekend with a modest 1‑4 record, dropping a 40‑33 decision to Rochester in their opener before falling to four subsequent defeats.
Head coach Eric McMillan was candid about the physical disparities his squad faced, noting that the team was outmatched by larger schools throughout the tournament. Several key Ilwaco players were also unavailable due to prior commitments, limiting the Fishermen’s options on the court.
A Coach’s Perspective
McMillan highlighted the silver linings amid the challenges, pointing to the emergence of leadership from returning starters Haddox Hazen and Sawyer McClure. Both veterans have demonstrated confidence and poise, guiding a roster peppered with newcomers and players returning from injury.
The upcoming 2026‑27 season will see the Fishermen field only two returning starters, Hazen and McClure, while integrating a wave of fresh talent. Among the most talked‑about prospects is incoming freshman Emron Semeli, whose high‑energy style has already drawn praise from the coaching staff.
McMillan expressed optimism that the summer’s experiences, both the highs and the setbacks, will translate into tangible growth. He noted that the team’s depth chart is beginning to fill out, with several new faces expected to contribute significantly as the season progresses.