3A Semi-Final Standouts: District 1

<p>Thursday night was a dandy up at Everett Community College for the boys 3A District 1 Semi-Finals. Three of the top four seeds made it, while Ferndale, the seven seed, was making moves to upset expectations. There’s a lot of talent up north and these games lived up to the hype. Here are the results and key players from Thursday night.</p> <p><strong>Mountlake Terrace 51 Arlington 46</strong></p> <p>This was a tight game that saw runs from both sides. Arlington held the lead for a good portion of the game, but senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="931185" first="Jeffrey" last="Anyimah"] put his mark on it and helped Mountlake Terrace pull away at the end.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="931185" first="Jeffrey" last="Anyimah"] 5’11 G Mountlake Terrace 2022</p> <p>I’ve been hearing this guy’s name all year, but this was the first time I got to see him play. He has an impressive array of moves to get to the hoop, but his wiggle and ability to find room in tight spaces is top tier. He’s got a high motor, can score in a hurry, and brings it defensively as he showed on a big-time block of a layup attempt with time running low in the game. Anyimah then went on to hit a pair from the charity stripe to wrap up the victory.</p> <p><strong>Zaveon Jones</strong> 6’2 F Mountlake Terrace 2024</p> <p>This kid is one to keep an eye on. He’s already filled out nicely and uses that big frame to fight through defenders and do work on the glass. He can bully his way through guys in the paint and finish, but he also shows good footwork to maneuver around defenders. He’s another one for the Hawks with an incredible motor.</p> <p><strong>Ethan Martin</strong> 6’0 G Arlington 2022</p> <p>Martin can flat-out put the ball in the hole. He came into the game averaging 24 ppg on the season and was blazing hot in the first quarter, notching 11 points. He cooled off a bit after that, finishing with 20 points, but he showed a dynamic ability to get shots off. He had the fadeaway, double pump, hesi into a layup, and drilled a tough three with his man glued to him with 23 seconds left to cut the lead to four. He showed grit in battling through his cool down after the first quarter but also showed an ability to dish the ball when defenses start keying on him. </p> <p>The dance goes on for Mountlake Terrace at Everett CC. They secure their spot in Regionals and play Ferndale in the District Championship Saturday at 6:00 pm. </p> <p>Arlington moves to a loser-out/winner to Regionals game Saturday against Cascade (Everett). Tip is at 2:30 pm, Everett CC.</p> <p><strong>Ferndale 72 Stanwood 65</strong></p> <p>Ferndale jumped out early, getting a double-digit lead after one quarter. Stanwood fought back and brought this one down to the wire. [player_tooltip player_id="1058741" first="Jazen" last="Guillory"] was clicking on all levels, leading Ferndale to the victory after the Golden Eagles shot 19 free throws in the final quarter.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1058741" first="Jazen" last="Guillory"] 6’3 G Ferndale 2022</p> <p>The senior leader took control from the start and controlled the pace of play all night. Guillory is highly underrated in his ability to run a team. His spatial awareness is next level, and he knows how to set up his teammates for open looks by shifting defenses. He plays at a slow pace in the half court but can speed it up for a quick spin move to the hoop. He’s never hurried and displays superb footwork protecting his dribble, but also on the block where he takes smaller defenders. This was his game, and you can’t look past the Golden Eagles as long as Guillory is running the show.</p> <p><strong>Luke Wells</strong> 6’0 G Ferndale 2022</p> <p>For all the praise I have for Guillory, he can’t do it alone. Wells cashed in on multiple three-pointers, creating that space inside for others to operate. He played with an appetite for action, doing a little bit of everything for Ferndale. He also showed he can be that secondary playmaker for the Golden Eagles. He has the skill to make timely, on-target passes with either hand and was a great decision-maker against Stanwood.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="674443" first="Mack" last="Hepper"] 6’4 G Stanwood 2022</p> <p>Hepper is a big, fast guard who can translate that speed to his dribble. He’s capable of taking it coast to coast and has the athleticism to finish it with a flush. Hepper ran the offense off and on and excelled in the pick and roll where he showed good vision to dish, and the aggression necessary to threaten the help defender.</p> <p><strong>Max Mayo</strong> 6’1 G Stanwood 2024</p> <p>Besides having a fun name to say, Mayo has the ability to get hot from the field. He went on a run, hitting threes, sinking floaters, and was pivotal in keeping the Spartans close. He’s got a little shake with the ball and will be a huge part of Stanwood’s future.</p> <p>Ferndale will advance to Regionals. First, they play for the District championship against Mountlake Terrace on Saturday at 6:00 pm, at Everett CC.</p> <p>Stanwood’s next game is an early one - 11:00 am against Shorecrest, who was upset by Ferndale in the first round. The game is on Saturday at Everett CC; loser goes home, winner goes to Regionals.</p>