Roosevelt's Anthony Washington, Jr. is Fueled by Family
As his sister battles cancer for the second time, Roosevelt senior Anthony Washington, Jr. finds strength and motivation to excel on the court.
SEATTLE, Wash. – For Anthony Washington Jr., it would be understandable to let basketball take a back seat. His 13-year-old sister, Eniyah, is battling cancer for the second time.
But instead of being consumed by the challenges his family is facing, the 6-foot-6 forward has taken a different approach.
“It fuels the fire in me,” said Washington, a senior at Roosevelt.
Eniyah was initially diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which she overcame with remarkable strength. When the cancer returned, she was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, requiring a bone marrow transplant.
While Washington led the Roughriders to a 78-43 victory over Eisenhower during the holiday break, Eniyah was in the hospital with a positive prognosis.
“It motivates me,” Washington said. “All of the hardships just make me want to go harder.”
That motivation has translated into standout performances on the court, where Washington showcases a versatile offensive game, including a strong midrange shot and the ability to play above the rim.
The win over Eisenhower was the second of three straight victories for the Roughriders to close out the year. With the grueling Metro League schedule resuming in the new year, building momentum was a critical confidence boost for the program.
“I like playing hard teams, but I also like to win,” Washington said. “It gives me confidence and it also takes it away.”
That honest assessment reflects the reality of playing in Washington’s most competitive high school basketball league. However, Washington embraces the challenge.
“I love it,” he said. “It’s like waking up on Christmas and seeing a present. I love the competition.”
Roosevelt started 2025 with a narrow, three-point loss to West Seattle. However, with significant size and talent, the Roughriders are poised to upset some of the league’s perennial powerhouses.
For Washington, basketball has always been a part of his life. His father, Anthony Washington Sr., began his collegiate career at the University of Washington in 2002, later transferring to Portland State and playing professionally overseas.
“It was a lot of pressure,” Washington Jr. said. “I felt like I had to do basketball, but then it just came naturally, and I started to grow a love for it.”
Washington Sr. is no stranger to the Metro League. He played for legendary Garfield teams alongside standouts like Brandon Roy (now Garfield’s head coach) and Will Conroy (an assistant coach at USC).
The younger Washington joked that he’s heard all the stories. Now, it’s time for him to create his own.
“At first, I felt like I had to,” Washington Jr. said, “but then it became that I want to. I’m just going to give it my best.”
Another Dollar Playing for Roosevelt
Former UCLA star, Washington assistant, and Seattle U head coach Cameron Dollar has another son playing at Roosevelt.
After standout guard Jalen Dollar graduated in 2024, his younger brother, Jason, has stepped into the spotlight as a freshman.
Working his way back from a knee injury, Jason saw his first varsity action against Eisenhower, scoring his first varsity point on a free throw in the second half.
The freshman has already shown strong instincts at the point guard position — a family trait — which should benefit Roosevelt as the season progresses.
“His older brother helped me become the player I am,” said Anthony Washington Jr. “He taught me a lot of stuff, so hopefully I can do the same thing for him, bring him up. If he’s anything like his brother, then yeah, he’ll help us.”
Holiday Tournament Roundup
Seattle Prep’s Beckham King has let the Panthers to win is six of their last seven games, with the one loss coming on a wild finish in Arizona during the Cactus Jam. King was named to the All-Tournament Team with Seattle Prep taking third place.
Garfield was also at the Cactus Jam, taking home the tournament title. Tripp Haywood was named the tournament MVP, while Brandon Roy, Jr., was named to the All-Tournament Team. The Bulldogs play Seattle Prep at Prep on Friday night.
The Surf ’n Slam in San Diego featured several local programs in the “Slam” division. Eastlake finished in fifth place, while Bainbridge topped Sumner for the title. The Wolves’ Kaleb Dehaan was named to the All-Tournament team, while Bainbridge’s Luke Johnson was the MVP.
Sounds like Mount Si’s Latt Ford put on a show at the Desert Holiday Classic. Click on the IG post below or a slick alley-oop dunk.
Bellevue swept its division in at the Desert Holiday Classic with three-sport star Bryce Smith winning MVP honors.
While Puyallup is a bit outside of what I would consider my “coverage area,” the Vikings’ Mason Sonntag participated in the Desert Holiday Classic dunk contest and there’s a great photo in this article.
As always, if you have a great story idea, please click the link below and send me a message.