Cruisers Quest For A State Title Comes To An End

Eatonville Head Coach Mark Swartout goes over pre-game instructions before the Cruisers regional round game in the state tournament on Saturday. Photo: Trevor Smith

The Eatonville Cruiser boys basketball team had a successful season after going undefeated in league play, winning the league title, and winning a berth to state for the first time in 18 years. However, that success came to an end when the Seattle Academy Cardinals defeated the Cruisers 71-53 in the Regional round of the WIAA State Basketball Tournament on Saturday at Bellevue College.

After trading three-pointers to open the game, the Cruisers found themselves in trouble early, trailing 24-17, and never recovered.

Seattle Academy’s do-everything player, Logan Britt, gave the Cruisers fits all afternoon. Britt’s game-high 27 points would come from inside and outside with him hitting from beyond the arc five times on the day.

Leading the Cruisers, like he has done most of the year, was Reilly McIlraith with 16 points and 8 rebounds.

Rounding out the stat sheet for the Cruisers: Jakob Lucht 13 points/ 5 rebounds, Shay Brannon 9 points/8 rebounds, Kyle Cox 5 points/2 rebounds, Brandon Storm 3 points/2 rebounds, Walker Bruun 3 points, Waylan Mettler 2 points/2 rebounds, and Jake Wood 2 points/1 rebound.

Head Coach Mark Swartout reflected on the season and the performance of his players in his postgame remarks. "I am very proud of these young men and the season they had." Swartout went on to express his appreciation for the seniors and how they will be missed.

“I was very fortunate to have the privilege of coaching the seniors who are amazing young men with outstanding families. I will truly miss my daily interactions with these quality young men, most of whom have been a part of my life for the past seven years.”

Eatonville seniors pose with Head Coach Mark Swartout following their season-ending loss to Seattle Academy. From left to right: Coach Swartout, Brandon Storm, Reilly McIlraith, Jakob Lucht, Waylan Mettler, and Justus Roulst. Photo: Karen Swartout

In speaking of the seniors, Swartout was referring to Reilly McIlraith, Jakob Lucht, Brandon Storm, Waylan Mettler, and Justus Roulst.

Even though the Cruisers will lose five solid basketball players, they will return a great group of young men who are eager to build on last year's accomplishments.

The Cruisers will return four juniors who all played starting roles during the season: Shay Brannon, Kyle Cox, Jake Wood, and Walker Bruun, as well as sophomore Griffin Clevenger who also saw some time in the starting lineup.

The Eatonville Cruisers finished the 2021-2022 campaign with a 14-7 overall record and an 8-0 record in league play. The team won the Evergreen 1A conference, placed second in the Southwest Washington District IV playoffs, and qualified for the state championships. Having to fill some big shoes will be a challenge for next season's team, but they're more than capable.