2016 4A Gridiron Classic
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2016 3A Gridiron Classic
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Tag Archives: Lake Stevens
2016 Gridiron Classic
VFL’s Big Game of the Week:
Monroe vs. Lake Stevens
Game Recap as broadcasted on Sports Radio 950 KJR
Listen to Varsity Football Live’s Radio Recap by clicking on play button below
Varsity Football Live’s Big Game of the Week
Monroe vs. Lake Stevens
Big Game of the Week: Monroe vs. Lake Stevens
10-28-16
Lake Stevens Routs Bearcats for Fourth Consecutive League Title
| Friday | Oct 28th | 2016 | 4A WesCo | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Stevens High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Monroe | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | |
| Lake Stevens | 14 | 21 | 7 | 0 | 42 | |
Lake Stevens Routs Bearcats for Fourth Consecutive League Title
By Steve Dion
The build up for what some dubbed “The Game of the Decade” in WesCo country was tremendous. The parking extended several blocks with standing room only. Virtually the entire town of Monroe showed up. Which undefeated heavyweight would prevail; the up-and-coming Bearcats or three-time defending champ Vikings?
Monroe was excited for this game, but maybe they were too pumped up in the early going. Lake Stevens’ cooler heads prevailed throughout the entirety of the ballgame.
On their first drive, the offense converted a crucial third and long which set up a 45 yard Blake May touchdown less than two minutes into the game.
Monroe was unable to generate a response and Lake Stevens took full advantage by getting the ball into the hands of one of their premier playmakers Hunter Eckstrom whose availability was uncertain heading into the game. He took a pitch out of the backfield 63 yards to the house for a two score lead early.
Monroe began to shoot themselves in the foot because moments later they coughed it up and handed it right back over to the Viks.
Early in the second quarter quarterback Conor Bardue who has done a fantastic job taking over after Jacob Eason graduated found Josh Rasmussen from 33 yards out. The rout was on.
The Bardue/Rasmussen battery notched 4 touchdowns in the game one of which occurred immediately after an act of pure highway robbery by Anthony Hutchinson who ripped the ball from a Monroe ball carrier.
At halftime the scoreboard read 35-0 in favor of Lake Stevens. The total yardage was 298 to 74 in favor of the Vikings: a complete display of domination. Monroe’s JJ Jerome never got in a rhythm and the vaunted lines of scrimmage were humbled by the hungrier Vikings.
The running clock did take effect in the third when Rasmussen’s fourth and final touchdown put his team up and over the requisite 40 points.
Monroe was able to grind out a field goal, but those were the only Bearcat points in the game. They will have to shake this one off if they want to advance in the postseason.
Lake Stevens claims the WesCo 4A crown again and the #1 seed out of District 1 all the while looking like an increasingly dangerous team heading into the playoffs.
The Final Score:
Lake Stevens 42, Monroe 3.
Top Performer
Lake Stevens
Jake Rasmussen- 4 rec TDs
4A State Rankings
Football Week #3
WASHINGTON STATE RANKINGS WEEK #3
| 4A | LIVE 5! | Football | Week #3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| 1 | Sumner | South Puget Sound | 3-0 | |
| 2 | Camas | Greater St. Helens | 3-0 | |
| 3 | Richland | Mid-Columbia | 3-0 | |
| 4 | Graham-Kapowsin | South Puget Sound | 3-0 | |
| 5 | Bothell | KingCo | 3-0 | |
| 4A | IN THE HUNT | Football | Week #3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| 6 | Chiawana | Mid-Columbia | 3-0 | |
| 7 | Monroe | WesCo | 3-0 | |
| 8 | Olympia | South Puget Sound | 3-0 | |
| 9 | Skyline | KingCo | 2-1 | |
| 10 | Battle Ground | Greater St. Helens | 3-0 | |
| 4A | ON THE BUBBLE | Football | Week #3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| - | Lake Stevens | WesCo | 3-0 | |
| - | Woodinville | KingCo | 3-0 | |
| - | Eastlake | KingCo | 2-1 | |
| - | Bellarmine Preparatory | South Puget Sound | 2-1 | |
| - | Union | Greater St. Helens | 2-1 | |
4A State Rankings
Football Week #2
WASHINGTON STATE RANKINGS WEEK #2
| 4A | LIVE 5! | Football | Week #2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| 1 | Sumner | South Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
| 2 | Camas | Greater St. Helens | 2-0 | |
| 3 | Graham-Kapowsin | South Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
| 4 | Richland | Mid-Columbia | 2-0 | |
| 5 | Bothell | KingCo | 2-0 | |
| 4A | IN THE HUNT | Football | Week #2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| 6 | Bellarmine Preparatory | Sound Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
| 7 | Skyline | KingCo | 1-1 | |
| 8 | Monroe | WesCo | 2-0 | |
| 9 | Chiawana | Mid-Columbia | 2-0 | |
| 10 | Skyview | Greater St. Helens | 1-1 | |
| 4A | ON THE BUBBLE | Football | Week #2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| - | Battle Ground | Greater St. Helens | 2-0 | |
| - | Olympia | South Puget Sound | 2-0 | |
| - | Union | Greater St. Helens | 2-0 | |
| - | Eastlake | KingCo | 2-0 | |
| - | Lake Stevens | WesCo | 2-0 | |
4A State Rankings
Football Week #1
WASHINGTON STATE RANKINGS WEEK #1
| 4A | LIVE 5! | Football | Week #1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| 1 | Sumner | South Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
| 2 | Graham-Kapowsin | South Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
| 3 | Gonzaga Preparatory | Greater Spokane | 0-1 | |
| 4 | Camas | Greater St. Helens | 1-0 | |
| 5 | Bothell | KingCo | 1-0 | |
| 4A | IN THE HUNT | Football | Week #1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| 6 | Richland | Mid-Columbia | 1-0 | |
| 7 | Monroe | WesCo | 1-0 | |
| 8 | Chiawana | Mid-Columbia | 1-0 | |
| 9 | Skyview | Greater St. Helens | 1-0 | |
| 10 | Skyline | KingCo | 0-1 | |
| 4A | ON THE BUBBLE | Football | Week #1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | School | League | Record | |
| - | Battle Ground | Greater St. Helens | 0-1 | |
| - | Mount Si | KingCo | 1-0 | |
| - | Bellarmine Preparatory | Sound Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
| - | Lake Stevens | WesCo | 1-0 | |
| - | Kennedy Catholic | North Puget Sound | 1-0 | |
Team Preview:
Lake Stevens
Dion & Willits First Glance
Team Preview Presented by theFinalScore.TV
Listen to Steve Willits’ team preview of the Lake Stevens Vikings by clicking on play button below.
Lake Stevens Vikings Football Preview with Steve Willits from Sound Live Sports Network
Football Preview: Lake Stevens Vikings- Steve Willits from Sound Live Sports Network
9-1-16
Football Preview:
4A WesCo
Dion & Willits Breakdown
League Preview presented by theFinalScore.TV
Steve Dion and Steve Willits breakdown the 4A WesCo League. Who are the top teams coming out of this tough conference?
Is there a new crop of teams on the rise to challenge perennial powers? We’ll break it down for you!
Listen to our league preview of the 4A WesCo by clicking on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Be sure to visit SoundLiveSportsNetwork.com and follow Steve’s high school football coverage all season long!
Varsity Hoops Live – Steve Willits – Cascade vs. Kamiak/Lake Stevens vs. Snohomish (Girls)
Varsity Hoops Live Game Recaps- Cascade vs. Kamiak/Lake Stevens vs. Snohomish (Girls)
Listen to Steve Willits’ game recaps by clicking on play button below
Game Recap 2/19: Steve Willits from Sound Live Sports Network
2-19-16
Varsity Hoops Live – Steve Willits – Lake Stevens vs. Snohomish
Varsity Hoops Live Game Recap- Lake Stevens vs. Snohomish
Listen to Steve Willits’ game recap by clicking on play button below
Game Recap 2/5: Steve Willits from Sound Live Sports Network
2-5-16
Skyline Survives in Shootout with Lake Stevens
| Saturday | Nov 28th | 2015 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Dome | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Skyline | 6 | 18 | 6 | 7 | 37 | |
| Lake Stevens | 14 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 34 | |
Skyline Survives in Shootout with Lake Stevens
By Steve Dion
The nightcap of semifinal Saturday at the Tacoma Dome would pair Skyline and Lake Stevens with a ticket to the 4A championship game next week on the line. Heading into the contest, both teams were aware that Gonzaga Prep earned their berth to the title game earlier that afternoon. Which team would set their date with the Bullpups for next Saturday?
The back and forth affair began early when Viking quarterback Jacob Eason connected with Riley Krenz for a fifteen yard score. Without skipping a beat, Sparty gave their rebuttal in the form of an 81 yard Danny Sinatro catch and run. The first of many botched extra points for both teams occurred on this Skyline touchdown. The floodgates opened at this point as the high-scoring shootout was underway. The quarterback clash between Blake Gregory and Jacob Eason took center stage. Gregory was allotted half as many pass attempts with a dozen as Eason threw twenty-four times, but trailed in passing yards slightly at 244 to 252 and matched in touchdowns with one apiece. The running attacks were nearly identical in the first half with Rashaad Boddie and Andrew Grimes recording 10 and 12 runs for 34 and 38 yards respectively. Two plays that stood out in the first two quarters was an Eason pass in which he rolled out toward the sideline, bought time, and at the very last moment before taking a big hit zipped the ball to a receiver on the other side of the field for a big gain. Also, Boddie hauled in a fingertip catch along the sideline which set up his touchdown that garnered many “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd. Everyone in attendance was in store for an exciting finish.
Lake Stevens opened the second half with a seven-play eighty yard drive in less than three minutes culminating in a Asi Tupua run from two yards out. The extra point was blocked and instead of a four point lead for the Viks, they only led by a field goal at 27-24. Skyline gained the lead on a Bradley Kim reception from Gregory which required fantastic improvisation and vision, but Grimes captured a 34-30 edge shortly thereafter which held into the final quarter.
Midway through the fourth frame, Gregory struck once again on his brilliant game under center as he found Kim to give Sparty a 37-34 advantage. With less than three minutes remaining, it was gut check time for Lake Stevens. The purple and black were marching down the field when on a Skyline blitz, Eason was forced out of the pocket. Harry Reed and Joseph Chauvin bottled up the big quarterback and the ball fell to the turf. Skyline’s Alex Diegel jumped on the football and the official indicated the ball was heading the other way. The Viking defense was able to stave off enough offense in the ensuing drive to give themselves one last shot with less than a minute remaining. Three unsuccessful deep throws put the game on one last play. Eason drops back, fires to the right corner of the endzone. Intercepted by Noah Park! The Skyline sideline flooded onto the field thrilled to be victorious in a memorable game that places them forty-eight minutes from a state championship.
When asked where this game ranks among games Coach Taylor has been involved with, he simply replied, “It’s right up there!” In regards to his quarterback Blake Gregory, Mat said “hopefully this game will get on video for more college coaches to see” as his signal-caller has proven great ability and decision-making throughout his Spartan career. Skyline will play Gonzaga Prep for the 4A title next Saturday.
The Final Score:
Skyline 37, Lake Stevens 34
Top Performer
Skyline
Blake Gregory- 22/28, 436 yards, 3 TDs, 13 rush, 54 yards, TD
Bradley Kim- 2 receptions, 47 yards, 2 TDs
Lake Stevens
Jacob Eason- 32/42, 390 yards, 2 TDs
Andrew Grimes- 24 rush, 157 yards, TD
Riley Krenz- 12 rec, 173 yards, TD
Coach Interview with Lake Stevens’ Head Coach Tom Tri
2015 Varsity Football Live Coach Interview
Lake Stevens Vikings – Head Football Coach
Tom Tri
Lake Stevens has emerged as a top 4A team in 2015 led by Georgia commit Jacob Eason as the Vikings will strive to improve on their elite 8 finish in 2014. Dick Fain catches up with head coach Tom Tri as he talks about his playmakers and expecatations this season.
To catch the complete radio interview with Lake Stevens Coach Tom Tri, simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Newport Stuns Viks in Comeback Fashion
| Saturday | Nov. 15th | 2014 | 4A | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Stevens High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Newport-Bellevue | 15 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 43 | |
| Lake Stevens | 20 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 40 | |
Game Recap below
Newport Stuns Viks in Comeback Fashion
By Steven Dion
Momentum is an intangible, yet powerful force in football that plays a major role in the outcome of the game. When one team grabs a lead and puts together several big plays, doubt creeps into the minds of the opposition. Newport was able to keep cool (in freezing conditions) in several moments of the game even when Lake Stevens appeared to be in good shape to pick up the win. After the opening kickoff of the game, it was clear that everyone in attendance was in for a show.
Brandon Otis wasted no time putting the Viks on the board as the junior took the opening kickoff 90 yards to the house for six quick points. Minutes later, LSHS added seven more on a 19 yard run by Andrew Grimes. Trailing by 14 with only 4 minutes elapsed, the Newport sideline was reeling. However, the Knights took a deep breath and proceeded to run in a 45 yard score in the hands of the quarterback Jordan Sanberg. They converted on the two-point conversion and sprouted new life. The high scoring first quarter would close out with touchdowns for each squad by Paul Wells and Hunter Eckstrom for NHS and LSHS respectively.
The Vikings grabbed hold of the game by capitalizing on back to back scoring drives on another Grimes rushing score and passing touchdown from Jacob Eason to Riley Krenz after Newport fumbling. Could the Knights overcome another double digit deficit trailing 33-15? The red and white rallied again by closing out the second half with another long quarterback keeper by Sanberg and a 12 yard dash to the plyon by Wells at the buzzer. Lake Stevens led by a slim margin at the half 33-28.
The running game was the name of the game for both sides with a slight edge in execution to Newport as their ability to mask the ball carrier and ability to create space with their offensive line from guys like Calvin Throckmorton kept the Viks on their heels. The Knights surprisingly picked up the lead early in the third as Nick Keithley ran 4 yards up the gut for a score. However, Grimes notched his third touchdown shortly thereafter with a 4 yarder of his own. Trailing 40-36 heading into the final quarter, could the Knights erase the deficit one last time?
Paul Wells answered the call again as an 18 yard run gave Newport a 43-40 lead. Jordan Sanberg would pick off Eason putting NHS in the driver’s seat to run down the clock. However, Lake Stevens recovered a fumble deep in Newport territory and were on the move. As the Viks were about to take the lead, a gang of Newport tacklers stripped the ball and needed a few first downs to kill the clock. They succeeded and came away with a shocking 43-30 win despite appearing dead in the water on several occasions. The Knights face Federal Way next week. FinalScore 43-40 Newport.
Top Performers:
Newport
Paul Wells – 3 rushing touchdowns (12, 18, 44)
Lake Stevens
Andrew Grimes – 3 rushing touchdowns (4, 19, 20)
theFinalScore.TV
4A State Football Rankings Week 9
theFinalScore.TV
4A State Football Rankings Week 9
By Steven Dion
There has been a little movement this week with teams in the Top 10. Federal Way jumped a couple of spots to number 6. Here is our breakdown of the top teams in the 4A Classification.
1) Camas 9-0, 6-0 League
Coach Eagle has his eyes set on unfinished business from 2013. The Papermakers season will likely wrap up in the woodshed again, but can they raise the hardware?
2) Bothell 9-0, 6-0 League
These Cougars has some serious firepower posting a 422-79 combined scoring tally in the regular season. The blue and white have the pieces to contend.
3) Chiawana 8-1, 7-0 League
Don’t sleep on the reigning champs. This team posted another solid season with the lone loss a non-league clash with fire-breathing Papermakers.
4) Gig Harbor 8-1, 6-0 League
The Tides are playing like tsunamis right now as Coach Chantler’s gradual building of a program has a Narrows 4A title in the bank and a great deal of momentum heading into the playoffs.
5) Union 8-1, 5-1 League
A team that has shown the ability to rise up in nail biters can bode well in November when most games are settled in the waning minutes. The mighty, mighty Titans are not a team to take lightly.
6) Federal Way 7-2, 5-0 League
The Eagles have been dominant since opening the season with a pair of losses. With a healthy linebacker unit and game-breaker Chico McClatcher, the sky is the limit.
7) Kentwood 8-1, 4-0 League
A staunch defense is the cornerstone of Conks football and the regular season did not disappoint as only 78 points have been surrendered in 9 games thus far.
8) Lake Stevens 8-1, 6-0 League
Clawing out a victory over Kamiak may be just what the doctor ordered as the Viks prepare for the postseason. The more reps young Eason gets, the more dangerous Lake Stevens becomes.
9) Gonzaga Prep 8-1, 6-1 League
The parity in the Greater Spokane league has given the Bullpups a well-balanced schedule in which there has not been any push-over weeks. A league championship may not be enough for Prep.
10) Graham-Kapowsin 8-1, 5-1 League
The second of two SPSL Eagles in the top ten rankings finished second to Emerald Ridge in the league standings, but are a top ten talent in the state. Foster Sarell can wreak havoc moving forward.
On the Bubble:
Wenatchee 8-1, 6-0 League
Emerald Ridge 7-2, 6-0 League
Kamiak 7-2, 6-1 League
theFinalScore.TV
4A State Football Rankings Week 7
theFinalScore.TV
4A State Football Rankings Week 7
By Steven Dion
Our team has scoured the entire state of Washington to see who might raise the trophy over their heads in December. As league play comes to an end and the playoffs quickly approach, here is our breakdown of the top teams in the 4A Classification.
1) Camas 7-0, 4-0 League
The 2013 state runner-up a season ago has wins over 3 of the top 10 in 4A (Camas, Federal Way, Union) earning the Papermakers the top spot.
2) Bothell 7-0, 5-0 League
Last week’s 56-0 dismantling of Skyline on the plateau was impressive. Bainter’s Cougs are firing on all cylinders as the playoffs approach.
3) Chiawana 6-1, 5-0 League
The defending state champs took down a tough Walla Walla team on the road last Friday. Falling to a hungry Camas squad by two points in week one is the only blemish on the schedule.
4) Union 6-1, 3-1 League
The Titans earned a road win against top-10 Federal Way in the season opener. Their only loss? Last Friday against Camas by the score of 37-20.
5) Gig Harbor 6-1, 4-0 League
Beating Olympia 45-14 is a clear indicator the Tides are steadily climbing up the 4A ranks. As the season unfolds, the win over Peninsula looks more impressive. Eastlake is the only loss on the record.
6) Gonzaga Prep 6-1, 4-1 League
The Bullpups shut-out Bellarmine Prep 17-0 early in the season and also have a nice win over Mt. Spokane. The lone blemish this season is a fluky loss against league opponent Shadle Park.
7) Kentwood 6-1, 3-0 League
The Conks are only allowing one touchdown per game this season. Yep, 7 points! The 35-14 win over Emerald Ridge was nice but a recent loss vs. Federal Way may be the only true test thus far.
8) Lake Stevens 6-1, 5-0 League
Since falling to Marysville-Pilchuck in week two, the Vikings have rolled out some blowout wins. Jacob Eason and the Viks square off against a tough Kamiak team on Friday.
9) Graham-Kapowsin 6-1, 3-1 League
Taking down the Spartans at Skyline HS on September 10th in front of a packed house shows the Eagles have grit to close out games. Losing to Emerald Ridge by a field goal is GK’s one trip-up this season.
10) Federal Way 5-2, 4-0 League
Meagher’s Eagles were slow out of the gates as they squandered a lead to #4 Union in week one and were blown out in week two by #1 Camas. Since then? 5-0 including a win over #6 Kentwood on the road.
A Strong Fourth Quarter Leads Marysville-Pilchuck over Lake Stevens
| Friday | Sept. 12th | 2014 | 3A/4A | Boys | Football | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Stevens High | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Marysville-Pilchuck | 14 | 7 | 0 | 19 | 40 | |
| Lake Stevens | 0 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 28 | |
Game Recap below
A Strong Fourth Quarter Leads Marysville-Pilchuck over Lake Stevens
By Colin Caruso
The top of 4A Wesco faced the top of 3A Wesco in this battle between the Lake Stevens Vikings and the Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks. Both teams wanted to prove that they were the top of the conference, no matter the classification.
When these two teams face off, the offensive skill position players take center stage. For Marysville-Pilchuck, look no further than their running backs Killian Page, JJ Valencia, and WSU commit Austin Joyner. For the Vikings, Jacob Eason steals the show.
Eason, a Georgia commit as a junior, threw for 2941 yards last year and 23 touchdowns. The Vikings thrive on his legs and incredible arm, and at 6’5 215 he can sling the ball all over the field.
Joyner put a stamp on this contest early for the Tomahawks. He scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, giving the Tomahawks an early 14-0 lead. His 100 yards on the ground in the first half led all rushers.
But Eason responded in the second and third quarter for the Vikings. He led three touchdown drives to tie the game late in the third at 21.
But Joyner was not done. He ran for two more scores in the fourth, and Page added another for the Tomahawks, to win 40-28.
Top Performers:
Marysville-Pilchuck
Austin Joyner – 13 carries for 197 yards and 4TD
Killian Page – 22 carries for 120 yards and 2TD
Lake Stevens
Jacob Eason – 35/51 for 377 yards and 2TD
2014 KBRC Radio Football
Broadcast Schedule
2014 KBRC Football Broadcast Schedule
Week 1
Friday, September 5- Nooksack Valley vs. Anacortes, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Week 2
Friday, September 12- Cedarcrest vs. Burlington-Edison, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Week 3
Friday, September 19- Lake Stevens vs. Mount Vernon, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Week 4
Friday, September 26- Squalicum vs. Sedro-Woolley, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Week 5
Friday, October 3- Ferndale vs. Anacortes, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Week 6
Friday, October 10- La Conner vs. Concrete, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Week 7
Friday, October 17- Jackson vs. Mount Vernon, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Week 8
Friday, October 24- Anacortes vs. Burlington-Edison, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Week 9
Friday, October 31- Sedro-Woolley vs. Ferndale, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Coverage begins on KBRC Radio 15 minutes prior to kickoff.
Girls- Lake Stevens spoils home court advantage for Newport, advances to Regional Round of 16
| Tuesday- Feb. 19 | -2013- | 4A | NW | District | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport HS | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Lake Stevens | 13 | 15 | 9 | 11 | 48 | |
| Newport-Bellevue | 15 | 7 | 8 | 13 | 43 | |
Girls- Lake Stevens spoils home court advantage for Newport,
advances to Regional Round of 16
By Colin Caruso
To secure the final spot in the 16 team regional tournament, the Lake Stevens Vikings traveled to Newport to play the Newport Knights. Lake Stevens’ band brought unbelievable noise, playing the likes of Led Zeppelin and Kansas to pump up the crowd for the win. Unfortunately for Newport, it seemed to do the job and ignited Lake Stevens, whose offense responded early led by senior Brooke Pahukoa. Pahukoa contributed twelve points and three steals in the first half for the Vikings.
The undersized Vikings did an excellent job of reading passing lanes, accounting for 13 steals in the first half. Their defense was spacious at times in pursuing the steal, allowing easy layups for junior Casey Schoenlein, who filled the box score in the first half with four points, six rebounds, and five blocks.
The game remained within single digits the entire first half, with Lake Stevens carrying a six point lead into halftime.
Defense was the focal point for both teams coming out of the locker room. Both teams stifling defense contributed to the lowest scoring quarter of the contest with only 17 total points scored in the third. Lake Stevens took a seven point lead into the final quarter.
Newport began their comeback midway through the fourth, with back to back threes by Kaitlin Sahlinger and Laura Moretti to cut the Lake Stevens lead to just three with 5:24 remaining. A layup by Anna Crabtree for the Knights three minutes later cut the lead to one with 2:21 remaining, the closest Newport had been since the second quarter.
But Brooke Pahukoa stepped up again for the Vikings, going 4-4 on free-throws in the final minute to secure a 48-43 win for Lake Stevens. The Vikings now advance to state and face Davis on Friday in Wenatchee at 8PM.
Top Performers:
Lake Stevens
Brooke Pahukoa (22 points, 6 steals)
Brittney Pahukoa (9 points, 7 steals, 4 rebounds)
Newport
Casey Schoenlein (4 points, 10 rebounds, 8 blocks)
Marikah Wright (6 points, 7 rebounds)