MATTAWA – The Wahluke Warriors put together a 9-15 season under first year Head Coach Anfernee Cortez. Despite the record, he said last season was great for growth.  

“I thought there was a lot of learning last season for us, especially with a team full of guys going through their first year starting on varsity. I think just with that, I know there's going to be some growing pains and some learning,” Cortez said.  

Cortez said he feels good about the foundation the Warriors built last season and are returning their core players this season. Cortez also serves as the head coach of football at Wahluke. However, when the opportunity presented itself to lead the basketball program, he was excited.  

“I was excited to step into it, and I took some time to think about it. It’s my first head coaching job in the high school basketball ranks, but I've been around basketball my whole life,” he said.  

Cortez played for Zillah when he was in high school and even won a state championship during his time there. He said he takes those experiences and what he learned from his coaches there and applies it to his philosophy today.  

He said sports gave him good role models growing up. As a coach today, he wants to do the same and give back.  

“I've played sports all my life. I know the impact that my coaches had on me as an athlete. That's what I’d like to give back as well, and that's what inspires me to be a coach and an educator,” he said.  

Wahluke lost some competitive games that could have gone the other way last season. This is something that has stuck with them in the offseason as they look to improve, Cortez said.  

“Our boys understand what it's going to take this year for us to overcome those. Going into the season they shared that mindset of knowing what we weren't very good at last year, and we're looking to improve it this year,” he said.  

With only one starter graduating last season, the Warriors bring back an experienced roster. With a set of players that already know what to expect, Cortez said they will be able to lean on them throughout the season.  

One player to watch is Keaton Zirker. Cortez called him one of their leaders who displayed that by being vocal on the court.  

Cortez is confident in his players that come off the bench as well. Everybody understands what is expected of them and can be relied upon to produce when they’re on the court.  

“Whoever our starters are, they're going to understand they're going to play a lot, and some of them are probably going to have to play the whole game. We got to make sure they're ready for that too,” Cortez said.  

Teamwork, communication and hustle will be important factors to seeing success this season, according to Cortez. The Warriors have also been working on improving their defense as they gear up for the start of the season. Cortez said they have done really well so far.  

One challenge Cortez anticipates navigating is lack of height. However, for what they lack in height they make up for in speed and intensity, he said. Additionally, avoiding turnovers and staying out of foul trouble will only benefit the Warriors this season.  

After making it to the 1A district tournament last season, the Warriors feel confident they can make it back there this season. They host their first game of the season Dec. 2 against Tri-Cities Prep at 7:15 p.m. 

“The expectation is we know we could get there, and now it's to build off of that. To be better than last year, is the expectation. I think we have some great potential to do that. It's just going to be us doing what we need to do every single practice and every single game,” Cortez said.  

    Icker Lopez (10) dribbles the ball toward a Knights defender during their game last season. Head Coach Anfernee Cortez said teamwork and communication will be important to achieving success this season.
  

    The Wahluke Warriors’ Keaton Zirker (11) puts up a three-point shot with a Knights defender in his face. Head Coach Anfernee Cortez called Zirker one their leaders this season.