Cruiser Boys Continue to Struggle, Drop Both Games Last Week
The Eatonville High School boys’ basketball team’s search for answers continued last week as the Cruisers dropped back-to-back games, extending their losing streak.
On Tuesday, Eatonville traveled to Lakewood, where the Clover Park Timberwolves dominated in an 82-43 victory. Clover Park seized control early, outscoring the Cruisers 22-5 in the first quarter. They delivered another decisive blow in the third quarter with a 26-10 run.
With the Cruisers missing their leading scorer due to illness, senior Lowell McWright stepped up, leading Eatonville with 18 points.
“We were short-handed with some sickness, but all the guys that played really stepped up,” Head Coach Josh Bennett said. “The thing I love most about this team is our constant fight and grit.”
Eatonville aimed to rebound from the tough loss on Friday in a rivalry matchup against the Orting Cardinals. The game was tightly contested early, with the Cruisers rallying in the second quarter to cut a 10-point deficit to just five at halftime, 25-20.
However, Orting capitalized on Eatonville’s struggles after the break, pulling away with a 21-point fourth quarter en route to a 59-42 win. Amari Samuel led all scorers with 17 points for the Cardinals, while McWright and Michael Stogsdill chipped in seven points each for Eatonville.
“It was the best half-court defense I’ve seen us play this year, especially in that first half,” Bennett said. “But Orting just hammered us on the offensive boards in the second half. You give up close to 20 offensive rebounds, close to 20 turnovers, and shoot 15-of-28 from the free-throw line—it’s a tough night for any team.”
Despite the losses, Bennett highlighted the team’s character and determination.“Our culture was on full display,” he said. “The way we carry ourselves and act as a program was noted by members of both our community and Orting’s. As a coach, I could not be more proud.”
The Cruisers will look to turn things around at home on Tuesday, Jan. 21, when they host the Foss Falcons at 7 p.m. They’ll wrap up the week on the road against the Washington Patriots on Friday, Jan. 24, also at 7 p.m.
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