Banner night at gym: 1968 grid team honored, Lady Braves win

The La Conner High School girls' basketball team enjoyed a banner night on Friday, routing The Northwest School of Seattle 64-11 in non-league hoops action.

So did a group of special guests at Landy James Gym. The members of La Conner High School's undefeated 1968 football team and their families and friends were honored during halftime ceremonies highlighted by the unveiling of a banner bearing a photograph of the players and their coaches, the late Jim Frey and Vince Sellen, who now resides in Anacortes and whose name graces a major school district public service award.

Kay Frey, Frey's widow, participated in the occasion – several years in the making and delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tom Zimmerman, quarterback of the '68 Braves, led the group to the gym's west wall to unveil the banner, custom-made by Mortenson Signs.

The team, which placed fourth in state in a post-season poll of Washington sports writers – the state grid playoff format began in 1973 – played afternoon home games that fall. The team's success provided the impetus for construction of the lighted Jack Whittaker Field that has served as a La Conner sports and special events venue since 1972.

The honorees enjoyed taking pictures and reminiscing both during the halftime program and after the game. Don Misner, who was involved in initial planning of the banner project five years ago, said as an undersized lineman he was bolstered by his teammates.

"I was able to play center, at what I weighed back then, because I had Wes Otis and Dave Hedlin on either side of me," said Misner, who went on to play college basketball before embarking on a long and accomplished career as a teacher and coach.

Zimmerman said that he and Frey, who died in 2023, would often rehash the '68 season when they bumped into one another over the years.

"You could tell it was important to him," Zimmerman said. Frey moved from teaching and coaching into school administration and later entered the private sector as a contractor and inn owner.

Sellen was unable to attend. He had earlier shared with the Weekly News how he and Frey were impressed with the hard running style of standout back Claude Wilbur, Jr.

"I remember that we had to tell Claude that it was okay to run around tacklers," Sellen recalled, "and that he didn't always have to run through them."

Wilbur, the father of school board member J.J. Wilbur, joined his teammates for the ceremonies and from his wheelchair took photos with a phone camera of the unfurled large blue banner.

Big Lady Braves win

As for the game itself, La Conner had clinched its 13th win in 18 starts well before the halftime festivities.

The hosts bolted to an early 19-0 lead and never looked back. A running clock was employed in the second half when the lead stretched to 40 points.

"This game gave us a glimpse of what we're capable of both offensively and defensively," coach Joe Harper said afterward. "We had 20 or more in both steals and assists.

"It was really great," he added, "to see us move the ball and find the openings offensively. We were able to spread the minutes out and everyone made an impact when they were on the floor."

He lauded the play of the McCormick sisters and Kiana Jenkins.

"Maeve (McCormick) had another great night both offensively and defensively and Nora (McCormick) hit five of seven shots to lead all scorers with 12 points," he said.

"Kiana," said Harper," broke out some and put up 11 points of her own."

La Conner had a key road matchup at Mount Vernon Christian last night.

"MVC is going to be a challenge for us and a great matchup leading up to districts," Harper said Saturday.

The La Conner boys' team was idle Friday night. The Braves (12-5 overall; 6-0 in league) were at MVC last night.

The La Conner girls resume action at Mount Vernon High Feb. 5. The teams are at home Feb. 6 opposite Coupeville.