Boys basketball: Cruisers in line for an Evergreen three-peat

The Eatonville Cruisers boys basketball team, under the leadership of head coach TJ Cotterill, entering his second year, is gearing up for the 2023-2024 season.

The Cruisers enter the year with high expectations after securing back-to-back 1A Evergreen League championships.

With a solid core of returning players, the Cruisers boast a seasoned lineup. Team captains Griffin Clevenger, Hunter Klumpar, and Favien Pina, all seniors, bring leadership and experience to the court. Clevenger, a 2nd Team All-League selection last year, leads the returning players, along with Klumpar, both of whom will continue as starters this season.

Coach Cotterill expresses confidence in the team's returning players, emphasizing their off-season dedication and improvements.

"We're excited for the work and commitment this group has put in," Cotterill said. "Griffin Clevenger had incredible moments over the offseason of being able to change games on both ends of the floor, much like he did in a smaller role last year."

The team witnessed notable off-season improvements, with each returning player showcasing strides in skill development. Coach Cotterill commends the players for their commitment to the program's values, emphasizing fearless, relentless, and selfless basketball. Noteworthy individual progress includes Michael Stogsdill's growth on the defensive end and Cyrus-Mark Nueva's exceptional work ethic, despite spending part of the summer abroad.

"Hunter Klumpar had a strong offseason, too, after starting every game last year. We'll need him to step into a bigger role offensively, defensively, and with his leadership," Cotterill said.

Addressing the elimination of the 1-and-1 free throw rule starting this season, Coach Cotterill notes that while it won't alter the team's fundamental style, it does shift the strategy around situational fouling.

"It's definitely going to take some getting used to," Cotterill acknowledges, highlighting the need for an adjustment in how the team approaches late-game situations.

Looking ahead, Coach Cotterill reflects on the achievements of the previous season, expressing gratitude for the community's support.

"We've really emphasized creating a player-led program, and we spend a lot of time with players discussing our goals and standards that align with our vision," Cotterill said.

The Cruisers kicked off their 2023-2024 campaign on Nov. 28 with a non-league matchup against the Rainier Mountaineers, although results were unavailable at press time. Looking ahead, the team faces a challenging early-season schedule, including matchups against Black Hills, Cascade Christian, and Morton-White Pass.

"We all want a third consecutive league title, a district title, and a state championship, but we're focused on the habits that lead to those experiences,” Cotterill said.

Next up:

Dec. 1 vs Black Hills 7 p.m.

Dec. 2 @ Cascade Christian 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs Morton-White Pass 5:30 p.m.