— from Tim M. Hance, OCS Basketball —
Orcas Christian School’s 2013-2014 basketball teams.
When coaches presented Team Captains Michael Harris and Cyrus Amour with the latest grade check report for the team, they took an unprecedented bold move of canceling all men’s basketball practices, effectively locking the gym, until the entire team’s academics improved substantially.
“We can’t afford to lose players to daily grade checks. It keeps us all from being able to practice and grow as a team,” said Amour. “If they (players on grade checks) can’t practice, then none of us will practice until we’re all caught up and strong academically,” said Harris. Both captains then called a players-only meeting and informed the team that practices were canceled in lieu of mandatory team after-school study centers during practice time.
OCS has a rigorous academic policy with weekly grade checks and daily accountability measures for students on grade checks to participate in OCS athletics.
Cleared to play, on Thursday night OCS Saints routed Lynden in their season opener 47-22, led by Michael Harris with 25 points, 6 steals and Ryan Flint with 7 points, 14 rebounds.
OCS Lady Saints initially dominated their season opener, coming out on fire with a 22-2 lead, and fought hard for a 47-33 victory, led by Maddy Hance with 24 points, 8 steals, Adia Dolan with 12 points, 3 steals, and Evie Hance with 11 points, 5 steals.
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