Cruisers Show Grit but Fall Short in Season Opener Against Timberwolves

The Eatonville Cruisers boys basketball team opened their 2024-2025 season Saturday night, facing off against the Morton-White Pass Timberwolves in a hard-fought non-league matchup. The Cruisers, led by first-year Head Coach Josh Bennett, were eager to start the season with a win, but Morton-White Pass and standout player Judah Kelly dashed those hopes, securing a 66-60 victory.

Eatonville's Amari Samuel shoots over Morton-White Pass's Judah Kelly scoring 3 of his team high 20 points in the Cruisers 66-60 loss to the Timberwolves this past Saturday night. Photo: Bailey Andersen.

Kelly dominated the game, dropping a game-high 29 points and leading the Timberwolves to the win despite Eatonville’s late-game rally.

The game started evenly, with both teams trading baskets in a back-and-forth first quarter. Neither team gained the upper hand, and the score stood tied at 16-16 after one. Eatonville Head Coach Josh Bennett praised his team’s early energy.

“We started the game off great,” Bennett said. “We did not come out flat, and our energy was awesome from the jump.”

Eatonville looked poised to take control in the second quarter, going on a 9-2 run early to establish a 25-18 lead. However, the Timberwolves quickly responded with a 9-0 run of their own to close out the quarter, entering halftime with a slim 27-25 advantage.

The third quarter proved pivotal, as Morton-White Pass broke the game wide open. The Timberwolves outscored the Cruisers 27-13, with Kelly taking charge and delivering critical buckets. Meanwhile, Eatonville struggled offensively, with Amari Samuel providing the bulk of the scoring, contributing 9 of the team’s 13 points in the period.

“The third quarter was tough on us,” Bennett admitted. “MWP went on a 9-0 run at one point, and we made some turnovers that we shouldn’t have. I should have used a timeout earlier in that stretch, but I thought we were one or two possessions away the whole time during the third to turn it around. That is how much confidence I have in this group.”

By the end of the third, the Timberwolves had extended their lead to 54-38.

Despite the daunting 17-point deficit, the Cruisers refused to fold. Led by Lowell McWright, who scored 12 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, Eatonville mounted a spirited comeback. They outscored Morton-White Pass 22-12 in the final frame, cutting the lead to as little as four points.

“Being down 17 going into the fourth quarter, most teams would have given up,” Bennett said. “In the huddle before we went back out there, the boys committed as a team that they would fight until the end and try to get back into the game. We cut it to four during the fourth, but ultimately, we missed some shots, and time ran out on us. I am beyond proud of the guys for how they clawed their way back into the game.”

The Timberwolves held on to win 66-60, spoiling Bennett’s debut as head coach.

“I can’t stress enough how hardworking and connected this group is already,” Bennett added. “They have been bought in from day one to the culture and everything we are trying to accomplish as a program. I am very fortunate to coach these kids.”

Scoring Breakdown:

Amari Samuel: 20 points

Lowell McWright: 17 points

Jeremy Osborn Jr.: 13 points

Colton Herbrand: 4 points

Carter Taylor: 3 points

Nash Sherrard: 2 points

Kai Rose: 1 point

The Cruisers will look to regroup as they prepare for a busy schedule next week. Eatonville will open up 2A SPSL league play by hosting the Orting Cardinals on Monday at 7 p.m. before hitting the road to Tacoma to take on the Foss Falcons on Wednesday, also at 7 p.m.

“This is a tough group, and we’re excited to keep competing,” Bennett said.