Terrace’s Romanowski named to all-state first team

Mountlake Terrace head basketball coach Zach Wilde wasn’t surprised that Hawks guard Samantha Romanowski was named to the Associated Press All-State first team.

One person who was surprised: Romanowski.

The junior guard was excited to learn of her inclusion on the 3A girls All-State list when it was released Thursday. Romanowski was one of several local players named.

“I was really surprised,” Romanowski said. “When I found out I was really happy. I don’t even know. I’m excited that people chose me to be on it. I’d say overjoyed.”

Wilde was thrilled for Romanowski. He thought the only thing that might hinder her was playing for a Mountlake Terrace team that doesn’t get a lot of statewide attention.

“It’s not surprising. I think she’s one of the top players in the state,” Wilde said. “I think that sometimes we don’t get as many looks around the state as some teams in Seattle. It’s a really cool thing that she can accomplish that.”

The first-year coach helped lead Mountlake Terrace to an 18-6 record, co-Wesco 3A South league title and a state regional berth — a huge turnaround from the previous year when the Hawks finished 7-12.

Romanowski, who averaged about 18 points per game, was another huge part of Mountlake Terrace’s run.

“For a first-year coach, having that kind of player really helps,” Wilde said. “And to get her back next year is huge. … She has a pull-up jumper that I haven’t seen out of a high school player in my career. She’s a coachable player and a good teammate. Overall, there’s not a bad thing about her.”

According to Romanowski, Wilde was a huge factor in the transformation of Mountlake Terrace, which was ranked as high as No. 6 in the Associated Press 3A state poll during the season.

“It boosted our hope,” Romanowski said. “It’s made people see that we can actually achieve this. Last year we accepted losing. We were just like, ‘Oh we lost another game.’ This year, we look at every game like that’s a game we have to win. That’s a game we can win. It’s changed our mentality.”

The Hawks lose seven seniors but Romanowski is hopeful Mountlake Terrace can build on last season.

And maybe get even farther next year.

“We lose a lot of seniors this year, and next year it’s going to be tough,” Romanowski said. “But we can do it if we work hard. I know I’ll have to step up a little more. I’d just be happy if everybody on my team tried their best and went all out. Not just settle for anything less than we can achieve. I want to go out there and try my hardest and I want to get to state. Hopefully, that’s in our future and we can achieve it.”

Lynnwood had a pair of players honored, with senior Jasmin Edwards named to the 4A first team and Mikayla Pivec an honorable mention. A sophomore, Pivec was the youngest player honored in 4A.

Both recently helped the Royals place third at the state tournament, the highest finish in Lynnwood school history.

Sidney Rielly of Everett was an honorable mention in 3A, and King’s junior Savanna Hanson was a first-team 1A selection.

On the boys’ side, Jackson’s Jason Todd was a first-team selection in 4A. Todd was recently named the Gatorade Washington Player of the Year for the second-consecutive season, the first time in the award’s history it went to a repeat winner.

After placing sixth at the 3A state tournament, Stanwood guard Josh Thayer was an honorable mention on the 3A team. Corey Kispert (King’s) also was an honorable mention for 1A as the Knights finished second at state.

Finally, Tulalip Heritage senior Keanu Hamilton was named to the 1B first team. Hamilton helped the Hawks to a sixth-place finish at the 1B state tournament.

David Krueger covers high school sports for The Herald. Follow him on Twitter at @krueger_david or reach him at dkrueger@heraldnet.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.