Cruiser Boys Capture Evergreen 1A League Title

One day removed from clinching the Evergreen 1A league title, the Cruisers completed their domination of that league with a 73-56 win over Elma sealing an undefeated league record.

Eatonville's Reilly McIlraith drives to the basket for two of his game-high 26 points in the Cruisers 71-36 drubbing of the Hoquiam Grizzlies. Photo - Cheryl Taylor

Earlier in the week on Monday, January 31st, they hosted the Tenino Beavers in a league matchup for their second time this season. The Cruisers had the upper hand in their first meeting, 63-45.

The second matchup would be more of the same. Just like in the first contest, the game was close at halftime with the Cruisers leading 30-27 but Eatonville would run away from the Beavers in the 3rd quarter when they went on a 17-11 run.

Tenino would fight back late in the fourth to close the gap to 8 points but that would be as close as they would get and the Cruisers would pick up the win 59-51.

The Cruisers would have three players score in double digits with Reilly McIlraith leading the way with 18 points. Shay Brannon would record a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds while Kyle Cox would drop in 12 points and 9 rebounds.

The following night, the Cruisers would host the Hoquiam Grizzlies for Senior Night after downing them 58-48 earlier in the year.

Before the game, the Eatonville community would recognize the five seniors that have graced the Rainier Connect Arena for the last four years. Those seniors were Reilly McIlraith, Jakob Lucht, Waylan Mettler, Brandon Storm, and Justus Roulst. They have all been instrumental in the team's successes over the years.

The Cruisers would lead 20-13 after the end of the first frame and then would go on a 25-9 run in the second to put the game away and pick up the win, 71-37.

Four Cruisers would be in double-digit scoring on the night with Reilly McIlraith leading the way with 26 points. Shay Brannon would record his second double-double in as many nights with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jakob Lucht and Walker Bruun would both add 10 points apiece. Waylan Mettler had a strong night in the paint with 10 rebounds.

With the victory over the Grizzlies, the Eatonville Cruisers clinched the Evergreen 1A league title with one game left in the regular season.

The Cruisers would finish up the week hosting the Elma Eagles in another Evergreen 1A league matchup and put their unblemished league record on the line.

Missing three of their starters, the Cruisers would trail by two at the end of the first quarter and Elma would extend that lead by one and take a 33-30 lead into the locker room.

Not wanting to give up that unblemished league record, Eatonville came out to start the third quarter fired up. The Eatonville crowd would see them go on a 28-11 run to lead 58-44 going into the final frame and would then cruise to a 73-56 victory to finish the regular season with an 8-0 record in the Evergreen 1A league.

"With us being down three key players against Elma, I am so proud of the way the available players played. Their 28 point outburst in the 3rd quarter was a sight to see," exclaimed Head Coach Mark Swartout.

The Cruisers would have four players in double digits on the night. Senior Reilly McIlraith led Eatonville with a game-high 27 points. Kyle Cox had a great game down in the paint with 18 points despite getting into foul trouble early in the third quarter. Jakob Lucht finished with 13 points and Brandon Storm chipped in with 12.

With the Cruisers finishing 8-0 in league play and capturing the Evergreen 1A league title, the first league title for Head Coach Mark Swartout, they will be the #1 seed going into the district playoffs next week. They will host the #4 seed out of the TriCo league the La Center Wildcats on Thursday, February 10th at 6:00 pm.

The Cruisers battled with La Center (3-5, 7-13 overall) earlier in the season and came away with a 74-66 victory.