The Vashon High School boys basketball team took to the floor of the Chief Sealth High School gym on Saturday, Nov. 27, for a jamboree to start their 2010-2011 season. 

Senior captain Alex Wegner returns for his fourth year as a varsity letterman. Wegner, one of eight seniors on the roster, said he is looking forward to the coming season.

“I’m really excited about what I see in this team,” he said.

Seniors Tyler Stoffer and Hamzah Griffin are back for their second year as varsity players, along with Kyle Bakker, who played on the varsity squad in the 2008-2009 season. Stoffer is also a team captain.

Seniors playing their first season in a varsity jersey are Jeff Rauma, Matthew Dick, Nick Fox-Edele and Adrian Arceo. 

Returning juniors are Dan Lofland and Jesse Hazzard. Junior Dylan Barsuto and sophomore Ben Whitaker complete the 12-man roster.

The Pirates took on Lake Washington High School in the first 10-minute game of the jamboree. They walked away with a 13-15 loss after leading most of the game.

Lake Washington boasts a 6-foot 10-inch tall, 230-pound  junior, Darian Nelson-Henry, a dominating inside presence. But the Pirates held their ground, keeping him to two points.

Victory came to the Pirates in the second game, which was against Sammamish High School. The Pirate defense forced a shot clock violation just before the Sammamish shooter put up a 3-pointer that would have tied the game. Lofland was fouled on the next possession and sunk the first of a one-on-one to clinch a game victory. The final score was 21-17.

“We got a little bit from a lot of places,” said coach Andy Sears, “and that’s what it’s going to take this year.”

The Pirates host Port Townsend High School at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, for their first home game of the season.

— Glenna Mileson is the mother of Pirate Alex Wegner.

Pirate basketball news, photos and game schedules will be posted on the team website throughout the season at www.vashonbasketball.com.