Eatonville Honors Seniors Before Falling to Timberwolves in Season-Ending Loss

On Monday, Feb. 2, the Eatonville Lady Cruisers hosted the Clover Park Timberwolves at Rainier Connect Arena at Eatonville High School on Senior Night, hoping to strengthen their case for one of the final two berths into the district playoffs.

The last time the two teams met, Clover Park came away with a 53-39 victory. This time, Eatonville looked determined to change the outcome.

Eatonville seniors Emma Johnson, Savanna Price, Dakota Montgomery, Sadie Mettler and Bailey Eden pose together on the court after being honored prior to the Cruisers’ game against Clover Park. Photo: Heather Quirie

Before tipoff, the Cruisers recognized their five seniors, Sadie Mettler, Dakota Montgomery, Savanna Price, Emma Johnson and Bailey Eden, honoring them for their hard work and dedication to the program over the past four years.

Eatonville came out with energy and purpose. The Lady Cruisers jumped out to an early lead, but the Timberwolves slowly worked their way back. What had been a nine point advantage dwindled to just one by halftime. A decisive 17-7 rebounding advantage by Clover Park in the third quarter helped swing the momentum, and the Timberwolves took control en route to a 70-53 victory.

Eatonville struck first in the opening quarter when Montgomery sank a pair of free throws for a 2-0 lead. Clover Park answered with back to back three pointers to go ahead 6-2. The teams traded baskets until late in the period. Trailing 10-8, the Cruisers went on a 6-0 run to move in front 14-10. Eatonville carried that momentum through the closing minutes and led 18-13 at the end of the first quarter. Montgomery, Morgan Laird and Josie Lavergne each scored four points in the period.

The Cruisers extended their lead early in the second, opening on a 6-2 run to go up 24-15. Clover Park responded with a 13-0 run to flip the score and take a 28-24 lead. A Jordyn Green three pointer sparked a 7-2 Eatonville run, allowing the Cruisers to regain control and head into the locker room with a 31-30 advantage. Green scored seven points in the quarter to pace Eatonville.

Clover Park opened the third quarter with another three pointer to reclaim the lead. The teams exchanged the lead several times before Eatonville went up 40-36 with just under four minutes remaining. The Timberwolves then took over, closing the quarter on a 13-2 run to build a 49-42 lead heading into the final period. Lavergne led the Cruisers with four points in the third.

Eatonville scored first in the fourth quarter, but Clover Park seemed to match every bucket. The Timberwolves outscored the Cruisers 21-11 in the final eight minutes to secure the 70-53 win. Delaney Livernash scored five of her seven points in the quarter to lead Eatonville down the stretch.

Green finished with 13 points leading the Cruisers. She added four rebounds and two steals. Laird contributed 10 points, four steals and two rebounds. Lavergne also scored 10 points, pulled down seven rebounds and recorded a blocked shot. Montgomery added nine points and grabbed a team high 12 rebounds. Livernash chipped in seven points.

With the loss, Eatonville finished the season 4-16 overall and 3-11 in league play, placing sixth in the 2A SPSL. The record was not enough to persuade the seeding committee to award the Cruisers one of the final two at large berths into the district playoffs, bringing the season to an end.

Head coach Chelsea Caramandi reflected on her departing seniors and the impact they made on the program.

“Sadie served as a natural team organizer this season, stepping into a leadership role and supporting her teammates both on and off the court,” Caramandi said.

“Dakota’s improvement this year was evident in her rebounding, defensive presence, and overall confidence on the court. She put in the work, and it showed.”

“Savanna grew tremendously this year, attacking the boards and embracing her role with confidence. Her positive energy and sense of humor were a gift to our team.”

“Emma approached her time with our team with appreciation and a willingness to give what she could. Her gratitude did not go unnoticed, and we wish her the very best moving forward.”

“Bailey contributed on the boards for our JV team this season, and we wish her the best in what’s ahead.”