Cruisers Encounter Tough Defeat Against Tenino

In their lone basketball matchup last week, the Eatonville Cruiser boys faced a formidable challenge as they hosted the #8 ranked Tenino Beavers. The Cruisers, aiming to break their two-game losing streak, were up against a resilient opponent led by Noah Schow.

Eatonville's Hunter Klumpar shoots over Tenino's Cody Strawn to convert 3 of his team-high 22 points in the Cruisers 75-54 loss to the Beavers this past Tuesday night. Photo: Annie Norman

Schow, determined to secure victory for the Beavers, showcased an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high 44 points. The first quarter set the tone for Tenino's dominance, with Schow contributing 12 points to give the Beavers a 19-10 lead.

Undeterred, the Cruisers mounted a comeback in the second quarter. Capitalizing on 10-0 and 7-0 runs, Eatonville outscored the Beavers 22-10, heading into halftime with a narrow 32-29 lead.

However, the third quarter proved pivotal, with Schow once again taking charge. Scoring 14 of his game-high 44 points, he propelled Tenino to a 27-10 quarter, firmly establishing a 56-42 lead.

The final quarter saw the Beavers extend their lead, ultimately securing a 76-54 victory over the Cruisers. Despite a valiant effort, Hunter Klumpar led the Cruisers with 22 points, connecting on 5 three-pointers, while Mark Nueva contributed 14 points.

With this loss, the Cruisers' overall record dropped to 6-7, with a league play standing at 0-2. The team faces the challenge of regaining momentum to secure a spot in the district playoffs.

Looking ahead, the Cruisers have a crucial matchup against the Elma Eagles on Tuesday, Jan. 16th, at 7 pm. Subsequent away contests include a clash with the Sultan Turks on Wednesday, Jan. 17th, at 7 pm, followed by a game against the Grizzlies in Hoquiam on Saturday, Jan. 20th, at 5:30 pm. The upcoming games will test Eatonville's resilience as they seek to bounce back from the recent defeat and make a push for postseason success.