Bonus Episode Part 2 - "East Lewis County Legends" with Bill Bakamus

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In this Bonus Episode, Neil sits down with East County Legend, Bill Bakamus

For more than four decades, Bill Bakamus defined what it meant to be a coach — and to be the best in Washington State high school basketball history. His story begins in Morton, Washington, where hard work and faith were a way of life. Bill’s father, Vladimir Bakamus, was a respected man in the community — a steady example of grit and humility — and those values became the foundation for how Bill approached both life and basketball. After his early days in Morton, Bill Bakamus’s career took shape at Mark Morris High School in Longview, where his teams became known for their discipline, intensity, and respect for the game. Year after year, his squads earned a reputation not just for winning titles, but for how they played — with precision, unselfishness, and heart. His name became synonymous with excellence in coaching and character in leadership. Behind every championship, though, was a story of sacrifice — long hours, personal

challenges, and the constant balancing act of family and career. Coaching was never just a job for Bill Bakamus; it was a calling, one grounded in faith, hard work, and a deep love for helping young men discover their potential. His players didn’t just learn plays; they learned life lessons — discipline, integrity, and perseverance. Bill Bakamus isn’t just a name in the record books. He’s a reminder that greatness in coaching comes not only from trophies, but from the lives you influence along the way. He remains a man of faith, of purpose, and of quiet humor — still young enough to write the next chapter of his story. Who knows which college might be calling next? What will he do when that phone rings tomorrow? Hear his story — and the game of winning.