The Sehome boys' tennis team captured another Northwest Conference title with its 7-0 win against Lynden on Thursday, Oct. 3.

In doing so, the Mariners have swept 11 of their 16 opponents, and No. 2 singles player Nick Smith has been a major reason.

The senior has compiled a singles record of 15-1. His only loss was a 7-5, 6-2 defeat against Lake Washington's Nick Orlor in a non-conference match. Lake Washington is the only team to beat Sehome (15-1, 12-0 NWC) this season.

Smith joined singles teammate Avery West at the Class 2A State Tournament last year and should be a favorite to nab one of District 1's spots in this year's state tournament.

"Nick has been an integral part as a starting player on our varsity tennis team since he was a freshman," Sehome coach Bonna Giller wrote in an email.

Giller also gave credit to Smith for his ability lift team morale.

"Nick brings a lot of energy, humor and competitiveness to our team. Nick plays year-round and has improved his game both mentally and physically by leaps and bounds the past four seasons. I'm looking forward to Nick earning another trip to state this season."

Smith has two more chances to prepare for the Class 2A Northwest District Tournament. Sehome plays Sedro-Woolley on Monday, Oct. 8 and Anacortes on Tuesday, Oct. 9. District play begins at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 15, at Sehome High School and Western Washington University.

DALE PLAYING HIS BEST AT SEASON'S END

If there's a right time for an athlete to play his or her best, it's usually at the end of a season.

Bellingham boys' tennis player Brad Dale is doing just that.

The Red Raider senior won three matches in straight sets against Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes and Ferndale last week to improve his singles record to 9-2.

Only four Northwest Conference players have more singles wins than Dale.

"Brad was battling some illness early in the season, but he has bounced back and is playing his best tennis right now," Bellingham coach Steve Chronister said. "He had a great week."

Dale has helped Bellingham (11-3, 10-2 NWC) lock up second place in league play and will look to earn a state spot during the Class 2A Northwest District Tennis Tournament.

BASKETBALL OFFICALS SOUGHT FOR UPCOMING SEASON

Interested in officiating middle school and high school basketball?

The Northwest Board of Women's Basketball Officials is seeking members to referee youth basketball games. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend a meeting at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at LaVenture Middle School in Mount Vernon.

The NWB provides officials for games in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties.

"We're seeking men and women ranging from college students to retirees who will help us enhance the quality of girls' basketball, while supplementing their income," NWC president Ron Van Soest wrote in press release. "We provide training and mentoring for all new officials."

Training for new and returning members begins at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at LaVenture Middle School, 1200 LaVenture Road, Mount Vernon. The basketball season begins in late November. For more information, call 360-734-2807, email soundmarine@comcast.net or visit www.NorthwestBoard.com.

LUMMI FOOTBALL GAME DATE CHANGED

Lummi's contest against Muckleshoot originally scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at Muckleshoot has been changed to a 5 p.m. start on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Game location is the same.

The Blackhawks play three games in one week from Saturday, Oct. 6, to Saturday Oct. 13, and plays five games in the final three weeks of its season.

Reach DAVID RASBACH at david.rasbach@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2271.