Bellevue will look to repeat as state champions led by players (bottom row left to right) Timmy Haehl, Morgan Richie, Marcus Griffin, Ross Conors; (back row) Shane Bowman, Henry Roberts, Budda Baker, Mustafa Branch, Max Richmond.
Photo by Jeff Napier
One of the nation's most consistent programs,
Bellevue (Wash.) may have had its finest team yet in 2012.
The Wolverines once again finished unbeaten and captured a state title, along the way
dispatching Texas power Trinity and outscoring opponents 635-72 on the season.
It will be hard to match that level of dominance in 2013, but head coach Butch Goncharoff won't let the Wolverines slip too far. Buoyed by a strong cast of young players, Bellevue will look to senior
Budda Baker to be the team's biggest playmaker.
The multi-talented Budda Baker
Photo by Jeff Napier
The speedy Baker can break the game open on either side of the ball. Although Bellevue typically spreads around its carries, there's little doubt that Baker will be a featured player on offense.
He'll be taking hand-offs from new quarterback
Timmy Haehl, a basketball player who has impressed the coaches with his athleticism.
With
Henry Roberts and
Morgan Richie back up front, the offensive line will be a strong point for the team, as will the defensive line, led by massive tackle
Marcus Griffin, who is committed to Washington State.
Shane Bowman will line up next to Griffin on the outside. Bowman's younger brother,
Ryan Bowman, could also see time there.
Chris Medzegian, the most experienced returning linebacker, will need to step up given the departure of Myles Jack and Sean Constantine.
In the secondary, Baker is the clear leader. If needed, Haehl may spend some time at safety.
Local look: "This team will find its place among the best Bellevue has ever produced. The Wolverines allowed just 72 points all season (last year). They allowed just 13 points in their five playoff games and beat teams by more than 40 points per game."
- Jayson Jenks, Seattle Times, following Bellevue's state finals victory over Eastside Catholic
