District Playoff Elimination Round Recap
It’s win or go home time. With their backs against the wall, how will they respond? We catch up with a District 3/4 3A second-round game, a District 6 4A play-in game from Wednesday night, and the players who rose…
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Continue ReadingIt’s win or go home time. With their backs against the wall, how will they respond? We catch up with a District 3/4 3A second-round game, a District 6 4A play-in game from Wednesday night, and the players who rose to the occasion.
3A – Lincoln 75 Gig Harbor 92
It was a slow build-up for the Abes and Tides, but after a tame first quarter, the two teams exploded for a combined 99 points over the next two quarters. Gig Harbor pushed to extend the lead in the third quarter, but Lincoln fought to keep it within sight, turning on the full-court press and speeding up the Tides. Gig Harbor withstood the tactical attack and held on for a convincing win.
Luke Browne Luke Browne 6'6" | SG Gig Harbor | 2023 State WA 6’6 G/F Gig Harbor 2023
The big man ate against the Abes, grabbing up any rebound in his vicinity and spraying threes from outside the arc. He went off for 27 points to lead the Tides and just could not be stopped inside. His presence in the middle, cleaning up misses, and getting high percentage looks, was key to Gig Harbor sustaining the lead through multiple pushes by Lincoln.
Gig Harbor will play Evergreen (Vancouver) Friday, 7:00 pm at home. Winner punches their ticket to Regionals, and the fifth/sixth place game in Districts.
Lincoln is eliminated with the loss.
4A – Sunnyside 61 Eastmont 67
This one went back and forth right up until the end. A furious run by Eastmont in the fourth quarter propelled them over the top.
Brent Maldonado 6’0 G Sunnyside 2023
Maldonado is a supremely quick and crafty guard. He excels at keeping the dribble alive, prodding around defenders, and patiently setting up teammates. He has a knack for getting to the hoop and made a big layup plus the foul with just under three minutes to go, pulling the Grizzlies within one. They were a bit undersized against Eastmont, but Maldonado led the charge, setting the tone for a scrappy game.
Noah McNair 6’1 G Sunnyside 2024
McNair had an up and down game, showing the ability to create space off the dribble but coming up just off on a lot of his attempts. He has a good handle, even in traffic, and has a great step back where he is still able to get his legs under the shot. His teammates have confidence in him to create and score. Even with his shot off a little bit, McNair displayed great instincts as an outlet when teammates were trapped, and in reading the ball’s flight path on rebounds. He had a few follows that showed great awareness.
Tyrell Malcolm 6’1 W Eastmont 2022
Malcolm plays a lot bigger than his listed height. He’s a strong, super athletic kid who can absorb contact at the rim and spring up over guys as well. He’s an aggressive player, ripping down rebounds and running, but he has great body control and footwork that allows him to flow smoothly from full speed into a euro step to finish at the basket.
Eamon Monahan 6’0 G/W Eastmont 2023
This guy is a bit of an old-school player. He operated mostly from mid-range and in, showing great concentration and patience on his shots. He’s cash from fifteen feet and in, using pullups, going glass, or splashing the net. He’s got good hangtime on his jumper that outlasts defenders and a nice crossover that gives him just enough space.
Ethan Easley 6’2 W Eastmont 2022
Easley showed throughout he can work in the post and out-muscle guys, but he really turned it up in the fourth quarter after Tyrell Malcolm fouled out. Easley was super aggressive going to the basket, drawing fouls, and cashing in at the line. He’s an excellent worker on the boards and was key in securing the win.
Eastmont plays Wenatchee Friday at 6:00 pm at home. They need to win the next two games to reach Regionals.
Sunnyside is eliminated with the loss.