Playing tough man-to-man defense is one of the favorite parts of the game of basketball for Mount Si Wildcats senior Brett Williams.
Williams, who was one of three seniors on the 2018-19 Mount Si boys basketball team that captured second place at the Class 4A state tournament, announced in February that he would continue his basketball career at Pacific Lutheran University. PLU, which is located in Parkland, is a NCAA Division-III program.
Williams said he meshed well with PLU head coach Chad Murray during the recruiting process.
“I really liked his philosophy just about basketball in general and about what he wants to turn the program into there. It is a great fit for me,” Williams said. “They focus on hard-nosed defense so it’s pretty similar to what we have been doing at Mount Si for the past two years. That is something that comes comfortably to me. I love the game of basketball. To get to be able to play at the next level is amazing. That is something a lot of kids dream about. I feel really lucky to be able to do it.”
Murray is currently in his second season leading the Lutes men’s basketball program. Not only did Williams like what he sees on the basketball court, he is a huge fan the highly esteemed academic programs at PLU.
“PLU has a great biology program and I’m looking to go into biology and then pre-med. That was really appealing to me,” Williams said.
With his high school career in his rearview mirror, Williams has nothing but the fondest of memories with regard to his high school career with the Wildcats.
“What I will remember the most about the team is obviously playing in the state championship game. That was huge for us. We worked all offseason with that goal in mind and we did it. Despite the loss, it was a really great season,” Williams said. “What I will remember most about our team was the great camaraderie we had. It was a great group of guys. We were always having a good time and that is what playing high school sports is all about.”
Mount Si Wildcats senior Brett Williams drives to the basket against the Curtis Vikings in the Class 4A state semifinals on March 1 at the Tacoma Dome. Photo courtesy of Don Borin/Stop Action Photography
