Skyline Shocks Issaquah in KingCo Rival Clash

Skyline Shocks Issaquah in KingCo Rival Clash
By Steven Dion

Skyline Junior Connor Crisp

Jason Griffith’s Issaquah Eagles have picked up the ’14-’15 season where they left off last year when they made a deep run in the 4A state tournament. The plateau platoon appears to be a prime contender to raise the hardware in December with a player of the year caliber player and a super sophomore. However, as the new year turns, league play begins and each night on the floor is a challenge. The Skyline Spartans would visit the Eagles’ nest to take a crack at their league rival ahead in the standings. Bill McIntrye had the green and white ready to roll this Friday night.

Immediately following the opening tip, Ty Gibson buried a triple from the corner. However, the Spartans responded by matching the early scoring and in doing so, outmatching the home team in the level of intensity on both ends of the floor. A key play early in the contest was a block by Braden Ahlemeyer that sent the energetic Spartan student section into a frenzy. This swat led to a Spartan score on the other end that prompted an Issy timeout to regroup. This proved to be a smart coaching decision because the Eagles started to trim the deficit down and eventually take the lead. When Issaquah took a 27-24 lead at 3:37 in the second quarter, the resolve of Skyline was tested. They passed. At halftime, the Spartans regained the lead at 33-32.

When play resumed, more of the same back-and-forth trend continued as there were countless momentum swings and lead changes. Eagle sophomore Trevon Ary-Turner knocked down back-to-back triples to give the purple and white a 45-39 lead midway through the third. But once again, Skyline kept the game within reach. Down the stretch, Sparty realized they played too well to let this opportunity slip. Ahlemeyer knocked down two buckets in the post in the waning minutes. Additionally, Skyline captain Robert Biegaj pulled down a long rebound that led to a layup with twenty seconds left. Leading by four, the Spartans did not allow the Eagles to send this game into overtime and the major upset was complete.

The Final Score: Skyline 76 Issaquah 73

Top Performers:
Skyline
Robert Biegaj-26 points

Issaquah
Ty Gibson-26 points