Battling Adversity: Eatonville Cruisers Strive for Redemption Amidst Tough Week

In a challenging week for the Eatonville Cruiser boys basketball team, the squad faced setbacks in consecutive games against the Montesano Bulldogs and the Tenino Beavers, leaving the team with a 6-11 overall record and a 0-6 standing in Evergreen League play.

Eatonville's Griffin Clevenger shoots and scores over Tenino's Noah Schow in a game earlier in the season. Photo: Annie Norman.

On Wednesday, the Cruisers clashed with the Montesano Bulldogs at Rainier Connect Arena, succumbing to a 56-44 defeat. The game showcased a closely contested battle, with the lead changing hands ten times.

Despite great effort in the first quarter, trailing by only three points at 9-6, Griffin Clevenger's four points kept the Cruisers within reach. The second quarter remained competitive, with Amari Samuel contributing five crucial points. However, the Bulldogs outscored the Cruisers 15-13, establishing a five-point lead at halftime at 24-19.

Despite trading baskets in the third quarter, the Bulldogs used a couple of 6-0 runs and managed to extend their lead to 13 points before the Cruisers finished out the quarter on a 5-0 run to cut into that lead, trailing by only eight points heading into the final quarter.

Eatonville opened the 4th quarter with a 4-0 run, cutting the lead in half, but a late 10-0 surge by the Bulldogs sealed their victory. Hunter Klumpar led the Cruisers with 13 points and 9 rebounds, while Griffin Clevenger broke his scoring slump with 12 points. Turnovers plagued the team, totaling 25, coupled with missed opportunities, resulting in a challenging defeat.

Seeking redemption, the Cruisers traveled to face the Tenino Beavers at Brock Court but faced a tough 59-38 loss. Tenino dominated early with an 8-0 run, putting the Cruisers in an early hole. The second quarter witnessed an 11-0 run by the Beavers, extending their lead to 17. Eatonville managed to cut the deficit to 12 at halftime, but the third quarter proved to be the dagger, with Tenino's 18-0 run expanding the lead to 30 points.

In the final quarter, the Cruisers displayed a late offensive spark, outscoring the Beavers 18-11, but that 7 point advantage wasn’t enough to overcome the Beavers, as the Cruisers fell 59-38.

Griffin Clevenger led Eatonville with 11 points, and Hunter Klumpar contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds. Freshman Colton Herbrand, making his varsity debut, added two points and grabbed a couple of rebounds.

Now standing at 6-11, the Cruisers face an uphill battle for post-season play. To secure a district playoff spot, they must win their remaining games against Hoquiam and Elma. Additionally, they need Hoquiam to lose to Montesano, creating a tie for the final playoff spot at 2 wins and 4 losses. League tiebreaker rules would then determine the fourth seed.

Looking ahead, the Cruisers aim to regroup and celebrate Senior Night as they host the Hoquiam Grizzlies on Tuesday, Jan. 30th at 7:00 PM. The regular season concludes on Friday, Feb. 2nd, with a matchup against the Elma Eagles at 7:00 PM. Despite the challenges, the Cruisers maintain hope for a postseason berth and are determined to finish the season on a strong note.