For Hazen girls basketball, it’s a family affair

By Isabella Fredrickson Managing and Sports Editor for the Kilt Hazen High School’s school paper • January 31, 2019 1:30 pm
Courtesy photo from Isabella Fredrickson From left to right — freshman Olivia Conklin, sophmore Giselle Guevara, freshman Ashley Smith, senior Madyson Smith, freshman Brooke Smith, freshman Ialissa Fredrickson, senior Isabella Fredrickson, (sitting) freshman Elizabeth Lopez, junior Izzabel Lopez
Courtesy photo from Isabella Fredrickson From left to right — freshman Olivia Conklin, sophmore Giselle Guevara, freshman Ashley Smith, senior Madyson Smith, freshman Brooke Smith, freshman Ialissa Fredrickson, senior Isabella Fredrickson, (sitting) freshman Elizabeth Lopez, junior Izzabel Lopez

By Isabella Fredrickson

Managing and Sports Editor for the Kilt

Hazen High School’s school paper

The Hazen girls basketball team is working harder than ever as they head into playoffs.

The girls finished third in the North Puget Sound League 4A Cascade Division with a league record of 9-5 and 14-6 overall.

If you ever get the chance to watch them play, there is no denying that the team is close, sharing a noticeable team chemistry both on and off the court.

The reason for this is more impressive than you’d think. There are three sets of sisters on the team, as well as a set of cousins.

Among the whole varsity team, there are only five girls who are not related to one of their teammates.

The sets of sisters include the Smiths — senior Madison Smith and freshmen Ashley and Brooke Smith, the Fredricksons — senior Isabella Fredrickson and freshman Ialissa Fredrickson and the Lopezs — junior Izzabell Lopez and her freshman sister Elizabeth Lopez on the junior varsity team.

The set of cousins are sophomore Giselle Guevara and freshman Olivia Conklin.

This season has been special because this year five freshmen came into the program, uniting with a relative.

“I’ve always been used to playing with my twin sister Brooke, but it’s a new experience playing with both of my sisters at the same time. I wish I got to play with my older sister longer, but I’m glad we all got to play together one year,” freshman twin sister Ashley Smith said.

For some games, all 3 Smith sisters have started, which is a special sight to see. Same goes for the cousins, who enjoy the extra family time.

“I like playing with my cousin because it makes us have a stronger bond and gives us more time together,” said freshman Olivia Conklin.

To add on to the network of family connections, one of the assistant coaches, Matt Fredrickson, also happens to be Isabella and Ialissa Fredrickson’s father.

With all the family connections within the team, the Highlanders have created an unbreakable bond, on and off the court.

It is truly a family affair.