MATTAWA — The 2024-25 basketball season is going to be one of change for the Wahluke boys team, which has a new coach and a whole new lineup. 

Three of the Warrior starters on the 2023-24 team were seniors, and new coach Anfernee Cortez said there have been other changes as well. 

“We’re going to have a whole new starting five this year,” Cortez said. “We have some returners who have varsity experience, and they’re fitting into their new roles really nicely so far.” 

It’s also a new experience for the head coach – it's Cortez’s first job coaching basketball. He’s been the Warrior football head coach for five years, he said. He replaces longtime coach Clayton Buck, who moved out of the area. 

After one week of practice the team has attracted about 40 players, Cortez said. Some will be playing both varsity and junior varsity. 

“I feel like everyone has a role on our team,” he said. 

With only a few days of practice behind them, the Warriors are still working to determine which players will play on which teams.  

“Experience-wise we’ve got a mix of upperclassmen all the way down to freshmen on the varsity squad right now,” he said. “I think we have enough experience on there, some good seniors who can help us out big time with guys who don’t have that much experience.” 

Cortez said he’s pleased with what he’s seen so far. 

“I like the effort of our guys. I’m really excited to practice and get better every single time,” he said. “I love the work ethic of these kids – it's really great.” 

Players are willing to step in and take on new roles, Cortez said. 

“These guys rarely saw the court last year, and they’re seeing the court full-time this year in a leadership role. I’m really super-impressed with their skill and their ability to play the game. You’d think they were starters for a year or two instead of getting their first chance to start,” he said. 

Senior guard Diego Perez saw playing time in 2023-24, and Cortez said he’s put it to good use. 

“He’s probably our most experienced varsity player so far,” he said. “He’s a leader for us and he works hard.” 

Cortez said junior Keaton Zirker also has responded to the challenge.  

“He has some great abilities and skill around the basket and for the ball, and a great defender as well,” Cortez said. 

While the head basketball coach's job is a new role, Cortez said there are things that are common to all head coaches regardless of the sport. While he doesn’t have coaching experience in basketball, he’s played the game a lot, he said. 

“I’ve been involved in the game for a long time. I’ve come from some pretty successful programs as a player. And I had some great coaches as a player,” he said. 

He has a good support system. 

“There are going to be challenges,” he said. “I think I have the right coaching staff in place (to help deal) with those challenges and problem solve. I think that’s what it comes down to, too, is relying on them. And I’ve got some good people around me that aren’t coaches, that I can rely on too, to advise and implement certain things that we believe.” 

The South Central Athletic Conference is a tough football league, and Cortez said it’s just as tough in basketball. The league was previously divided into East and West divisions but has been combined into one league this season. 

“I think everyone has gotten better in our league, from Zillah to Royal to Wapato,” he said.  

    Keaton Zirker puts up a shot in a February 2024 South Central Athletic Conference playoff game. The Warriors will field a whole new starting lineup for 2025-25.