Girls basketball: Cruisers' postseason run continues

Update: Eatonville beat Elma, 50-44, on Feb. 17. The WIAA's 1A state tournament bracket shows the Cruisers matched against Seton Catholic in a first-round game on Friday, Feb. 23.

In a thrilling do-or-die showdown, the Eatonville Cruiser girls’ basketball team delivered a commanding performance, securing a 50-32 victory over the King’s Way Christian Knight’s. The win propels them into the consolation championship game and a shot at a state berth.

Right from the opening tip-off, the Cruisers asserted their dominance, establishing an early lead they would never relinquish. Their relentless defense held the Knight’s scoreless in a staggering first-quarter shutout, as Eatonville embarked on a blistering 14-0 run that bled into the second quarter, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. King’s Way struggled to find their offensive rhythm, notching their first bucket a mere two minutes into the second frame.

The Eatonville defensive proved instrumental, as stalwarts like Lillian Bickford, Sara Smith, and Sadie Mettler effectively contained the Knight’s offensive inside threats, forcing them into a barrage of perimeter shots.

Head Coach Deanna Andersen lauded her team's defense, emphasizing their ability to stifle King’s Way's inside game and force them to settle for shots from beyond the arc. Indeed, six of the Knight’s 12 field goals came from three-point range, a testament to Eatonville's suffocating defense.

Despite a late surge from King’s Way in the fourth quarter, Eatonville maintained their composure, ultimately sealing the victory with a commendable shooting performance. Shooting an impressive 59% from the field, the Cruisers converted 20 of their 34 attempts, while also capitalizing on 60% of their free throw opportunities.

Bailey Andersen spearheaded Eatonville's offensive charge with a stellar performance, tallying 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Smith contributed 11 points and 6 rebounds. Hailey Hall added 10 points, 6 rebounds, and a blocked shot while Ryan Stammen had a game-high 8 rebounds to bolster the Cruisers' formidable attack. Remarkably, 10 of the team's eleven players made their mark on the stat sheet.

ELMA REMATCH

Following this vital victory, the Cruisers set their sights on the consolation bracket championship game in the double-elimination tournament. That game against the Elma Eagles took place on Saturday, Feb.17.

Eatonville has already triumphed over Elma twice this season with scores of 58-43 and 54-44.