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TIME TO SHOW 'EM: Washington Eyes to Get IKE Back Into Playoff Picture in 2022
THIS YEAR IS PERSONAL FOR RAIHEEM WASHINGTON.
In Washington's words, this season for Eisenhower is a "revenge tour" after failing to reach the postseason in 2021, snapping a three-year streak.
"We had one bad year, and everyone is counting us out," Washington said. "Making it seem like we're not IKE anymore. We're going to show them this year."
"We had a young team; we were inexperienced and had some injuries. Things happened but we're going to bounce back this year."
Washington was a first-team, all-district pick a year ago after averaging 13 points per game for coach James Johnson.
The senior mimics his game after Los Angeles Laker Russell Westbrook as he considers his style to be "fast-tempo" as he is a "slasher" getting to the rim while getting his team involved.
This group of seniors, who have been together since the eighth grade, looks to use their length to be the difference in those close games that they were on the wrong side of last year.
"This is the team. I feel like we are way better than last year," Washington said. "We did lose Patrick [Punch], but we do have some solid players this year."
Because they have been around each other for so long, Washington knows these guys well. Trace Brooks is the hype guy in the huddle "clapping and dancing" and Devin Mason is the jokester.
"We like to have fun, but the moment we step on the court we get serious," he said.
Pulling on those black and gold jerseys with IKE across the front will make anyone get serious. It's a pride thing, Washington said to play for those three letters and the community it represents.
"Swoop means Eagle pride to us," he said. "We've got to go out there and give 110-percent when we step on the court because everyone wants to beat I-K-E."
Eisenhower's Covington says Gig'Em on National Signing Day
HOUSTON - Jaiya Covington has had a year to remember.
The Eisenhower senior took third in the 100-meter hurdles at the UIL State Track & Field meet in May, won a National Championship at the 2021 AAU Junior Olympic Games in the same event in July and then on Wednesday signed with Texas A&M track and field.
First I would like to thank all my coaches it took a village for me to get to this point. I also would like to thank my parents , family , and friends for supporting me. Furthermore I would like to announce my commitment to Texas A&M University #gigem 👍🏾 pic.twitter.com/TCBlpXyHRK
— Jaiya covington🤩 (@Jaiyaj01) November 11, 2021
Like I said - a year to remember.
"I think it's a great fit for me because just knowing that it's very convenient for where I live so seeing my family wouldn't be a problem and just the environment itself felt like home," Covington said of signing with Texas A&M. "This accomplishment means that I can do anything that I can put my mind to and to make it to the next level."
#UILState Track: Girls 6A 100 meter hurdles!!
1) Jalaysi'ya Smith - @DesotoTrackXC
2) Destiny Smith - @DickinsonISD
3) Jaiya Covington - @Eisenhower_AISD @TTFCA @AldineISD @AldineSports @AthleticsAisd @DickinsonFB @Jaiyaj01 @KPRC2RandyMc @KPRC2Vanessa pic.twitter.com/buJjrtS1OT
— VYPE Houston (@vypehouston) May 8, 2021
As Covington enters her senior season she will look to have another standout season in the 100-meter, 300-meter hurdles and the high jump. Last season, Covington took third at State in the 100-meter hurdle and made it to the Regional Championship for the high jump (season-best was 5-foot-6) and the 300-meter hurdles (6th - 45.46).
So, what does this day mean to her?
"It means a lot feel like it would have never come to this point because the year went by so fast so knowing the day is here I'm still numb," Covington said.