Klumpar's Four Consecutive Double-Doubles Propel Eatonville to Impressive Wins

The Eatonville Cruiser boys’ basketball team showcased resilience and offensive prowess last week, securing three wins in four games to improve their season record to 4-4.

Eatonville's Mark Nueva goes up and scores over Morton-White Pass' Keaton Thompson in the Cruisers 72-57 victory over the Timberwolves. Photo: Annie Norman

In a Monday matchup, the Cruisers faced a slow start, committing four turnovers early in the game. However, a late first-quarter surge, highlighted by a 7-0 run, allowed Eatonville to take an 18-14 lead. The momentum carried into the second quarter, where a 9-0 run extended the lead to 37-24 at halftime. Griffin Clevenger and Amari Samuel led the first-half offensive charge, contributing 14 and 12 points, respectively. Eatonville outscored the Warriors 39—21 in the second half, securing a 67-53 victory. Clevenger notched a game-high 18 points, Samuel added 16, and Hunter Klumpar recorded the team's first double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Wednesday's game against Morton-White Pass Timberwolves proved challenging, with Eatonville succumbing to turnovers in the first quarter. Despite a 6-0 run to finish the half, the Cruisers fell short, losing 64-53. Klumpar achieved his second consecutive double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Mark Nueva contributed 14 points.

On Friday, the Cruisers, still on the road, faced the Castle Rock Rockets. Despite struggling from three-point range, shooting 2 for 19 in the first half, Eatonville secured a 59-41 win. Freshman Amari Samuel led with a career-high 24 points, and Klumpar recorded his third straight double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Eatonville sought revenge in the final game of the week, hosting the Morton-White Pass Timberwolves. After trailing 15-14 in the first quarter, the Cruisers dominated the second quarter, outscoring their opponents 20-9. They extended the lead in the subsequent quarters, securing a 72-57 victory. Mark Nueva led with a career-high 21 points, Klumpar secured his fourth consecutive double-double with 16 points and 20 rebounds, and Samuel and Clevenger added 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Looking ahead, Eatonville will host The Northwest School on Tuesday before facing the Cardinals in Orting on Thursday, concluding the pre-Christmas break schedule.