SEQUIM — This isn’t your regular Sequim-Port Angeles basketball doubleheader.
With Sequim High School will holding its 100th anniversary celebration today, a rivalry that needed no extra emphasis got some anyway.
“It’s more than just a game,” Sequim sophomore Gabe Carter said. “It’s something that we’re doing for the community and for everyone else. It’s not about us, it’s about something big right now.”
In what has proven to be a banner year for the Port Angeles-Sequim rivalry, tonight’s doubleheader is also very much about the Olympic League girls and boys playoff races.
Both varsity games feature two of the top three teams in their respective Olympic League standings.
The Sequim boys (7-2 in league, 11-3 overall) took sole possession of second place after beating Port Townsend 62-55 at home Tuesday night.
The Port Angeles boys (6-2, 8-4), meanwhile, sit just a half game behind in the league standings entering tonight’s 7 p.m. game.
The Roughriders have lost three of four to Sequim and suffered their first season sweep at the hands of the Wolves in nine years last season.
“The thing that scares me about them is nothing really bothers them,” said Port Angeles coach Wes Armstrong, who is still looking for his first win against the Wolves. “They have great composure.
“They just keep grinding things out and make you play their style of basketball. We have a tough job in front of us. We better be ready to go, or it’s going to be a long night.”
The girls game matches up two of the Olympic League’s best as well.
Having beat Sequim six straight times from 2008-10 by an average of 42.3 points, the first-place Rider girls (8-0, 9-2) come in as clear favorites.
Yet these aren’t the same Wolves of years past.
The Sequim girls (6-3, 9-5) solidified their grip on third in league with a 49-36 win over Port Townsend on Tuesday night.
And with a full house expected to show up by the 5:15 p.m. tip, the Wolves should have a big crowd behind them.
Fans are encouraged to show up early for tonight’s games.
There is a possibility some will be turned away, much like at this fall’s Sequim-Port Angeles football game at Civic Field, a game that drew more than 4,200 people.
Tickets cost $6 for adults and students and must be purchased at the door.
