Jake West leads the Shasta Cascade League leading Weed Cougars in assists and rebounds, and averages nearly 10 points per game. But, those stats are not why Jake West received an Impact Player Award.

West’s impact on the success of the Cougars can’t be measured with stats. There is no statistical category for basketball savvy—knowing what to to do, when to do it, and how. There is also no stat category for clutch plays—no category for game-winning or game-tying plays.

Twice this season, West has brought his Cougars from the brink of defeat to victory in the final seconds of the game.

Against Trinity, trailing 45-44, West drove the lane for a basket with four seconds on the clock, giving the Cougars the win, 46-45. When the first option on the game-winning play wasn’t open, West knew exactly what to do. There was no panic, no rush—just ice-water in the veins.

After the game, West didn’t give a canned response to questions. Instead he gave a detailed description of what the coach wanted on the play, how the play unfolded, and why he did what he did. It was obvious he knows the game.

Of course, that West has a high level of basketball sense should come as no surprise. Gramps is Mike “Silver Fox” Carpine, Weed’s head basketball coach. Mom, Alisa Cummings, coaches at Weed Elementary. His pop, Bobby West, has also spent considerable time as a coach. You could say basketball savvy is in West’s genes. (more…)

There’s a type of player that every football coach is happy to have. You know the type—hard worker, committed, and hits like a freight train, with or without the ball. Weed Cougar Travis Andrews is one of those players.

Cougar Coach Erik Johnson can spend 10 minutes talking about Andrews, when all you really asked for was the time. Johnson calls Andrews “The Beast.” Mind you that is THE Beast, not a beast. Why?

Well, the homecoming game against Los Molinos, a 41-0 win for Weed, is a good example. Andrews scored two touchdowns, one running and one receiving. He threw a TD pass during a fake punt. Ran the ball 11 times for 80 yards, and had 14 tackles—not bad for a night’s work.

For the season, Andrews leads his team in tackles and touchdowns scored. He’s also fourth in the Shasta Cascade League in tackles per game.

Add that all up and it’s pretty clear that Travis Andrews has a positive impact on his Cougar team. And that, earns him an Impact Player Award.

The Impact Player Award is given on a monthly basis and goes to Siskiyou County high school athletes, male or female, that have had a significant impact on the success of their team. I select the players based on my own observations, often in consultation with the player’s coaches. (more…)

WEED – Erik Johnson has been named the new Weed Cougars varsity football head coach. Johnson served as the Cougar junior varsity coach last season.

Johnson was the Defensive Coordinator for the Mt. Shasta Bears’ section championship team in 2006 (9-1). During the regular season Johnson’s defense tallied 23 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries. Johnson also spent three years as an assistant coach with the Bear JVs.

Johnson has wasted no time in assembling his staff. His offensive coordinator will be Thomas Covington. Covington will also work with the quarterbacks and defensive backs. Sean Harker will coach the running backs, receivers, and linebackers. Johnson will handle the offensive and defensive lines himself.

Dave Toms is the new JV coach and offensive coordinator, with Martin Nicolas running the defense. (more…)

Sometimes, it’s not a simple thing to determine which player has the greatest impact on the success of a team. That’s the case with the Weed Cougars varsity basketball team. For example, there’s just 1.4 points per game difference between the leading scorer and the third leading scorer. Statistically, there are several Cougars that are close together in multiple categories. That’s when I go to the coach.

I spoke with Weed coach Mike Carpine, and explained the criteria for the award. Carpine suggested senior forward Aaron Power-Bearden based on his consistent performance during the season.

Consistency is what I also have observed about Aaron. I’ve been following his play for the last three or four years, and he always shows up for game time. Somewhere on the stat sheet you’ll find Aaron with something positive in every game—points, rebounds, steals, or assists. He always seems to contribute in a major way.

Statistically this season, Aaron leads the Cougars in rebounds. He is second in steals and assists, and third in scoring. Aaron also has the best field goal percentage among the starters, and second best free throw percentage. He has scored in double figures nine times this season with a high of 25 points. Aaron is also versatile. He can play the post, run the floor and jack a 3-pointer. (more…)