Photo: 5’9″ shooting guard Makela Richardson of Honolulu averaged 25 points per game and was named to the Hawaiian Islands’ Fabulous 15 All-State Team.
BY OLY ARCHIBALD
PORT ANGELES — It’s no secret that a lot of locals love Hawaii — the warm beaches, the laid-back lifestyle, and the island vibe. But Peninsula Pirates head basketball coach Allison Crumb has another reason to love the Aloha State: its pipeline of talented All-State basketball players. And she’s reeled in another one.
This time it’s 5’9″ shooting guard Makela Richardson, who’s bringing her red-hot 25 points-per-game average to the Pirates. Richardson played at Roosevelt High School in Honolulu, a school of just over 1,300 students. Back in 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked Roosevelt the top high school in the entire state of Hawaii.
The school has its share of famous alumni too — names like Yvonne Elliman and Bruno Mars. Now, Richardson might not become quite the household name those two did, but her talent on the court is undeniable. She earned a spot on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s prestigious Fabulous 15 All-State team. And here’s a fun twist: outgoing Pirate guard Shania Moanunu — also from Hawaii — was ranked 13th in the state her senior year. The Hawaiian pipeline continues.
Richardson isn’t just a scorer — she’s crafty in the paint, constantly finding ways to get buckets even when defenses were set up to stop her. A pure scorer with a high motor, she’s expected to be an instant contributor.
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Meanwhile, the Pirates women’s soccer program headed to the Columbia River and found a gem of their own. They’ve added 5’2″ forward Jaylynn Wing from Hudson’s Bay High School. Wing, much like Richardson, knows how to find the net. She was named to the 2A GSHL All-League First Team this past fall and brings both speed and scoring punch to the roster.
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In fastpitch softball, Port Angeles had no trouble once again with their rivals from Sequim. The Roughriders rolled to a 15–4 victory, powered by the dominant duo of pitcher Lynzee Reid and catcher Abby Kimball.
Reid pitched four solid innings, striking out three. At the plate, she added a double, scored once, and drove in a run. Kimball stayed hot with the bat, smashing a home run as part of a two-hit, two-RBI, three-run performance. Kennedy Rognlien also had a monster day with three hits, a double, three runs scored, and two RBIs. Abby Rudd chipped in with a solo homer of her own.
Roughrider junior pitcher Lynzee Reid is being recognized as one of the Olympic League’s top pitchers, alongside Reese Anderson of North Kitsap and Brenda Morrison of Olympic.
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But Sequim got the better of Port Angeles in girls tennis, taking that match 6–1.
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Over on the golf course, the Roughrider boys continued their hot streak, knocking off a tough Sequim squad 143–169. Cole Wentz led the charge with a blistering 32. He was followed by Sky Gelder with a 36, Max Gagnon 37, Kolby Charles 38, Tate Alton 39, and Noah Myers 41. For Sequim, Adrian Aragon also turned in a stellar 32. Cody Dunscomb shot a 43, Joey King 45, and Florentino Martinez 49.
The girls’ golf match between the Riders and the Wolves was one for the books. It came down to the eighth hole, with Port Angeles pulling out the narrow 193–200 win.
Mia Neff was the difference-maker with a career-best 43. Malena Marquez added a 48, Autumn Wilson Rowland shot a 50, Claire Osterberg 52, Brenna Furnice 59, and Mya Callis 69.
On the Sequim side, Kendra Dodson led with a 47, followed by Sara German with a 49, Raimey Brewer 51, and both Chloe Tweter and Ella Hood posting 53s. Kaiya Robinson shot a 60.
Sequim golfers who posted the top four scores yesterday are, from left to right: Chloe Tweter, Sara German, Kendra Dodson, and Raimey Brewer.
Next up for the Roughriders: a trip to Bainbridge on Tuesday.
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Looking ahead to tonight:
In baseball, Sequim hits the road to face River Ridge with a 4:00 first pitch.
Tomorrow, Port Angeles will host North Thurston at 1:00.
And in soccer action, Port Angeles hosts Steilacoom at 12:45.