Lady Cruisers Eliminated From Playoffs, Season Comes To An End

Facing elimination, the Lady Cruiser basketball team ran into a buzz saw last Wednesday night in Montesano as they took on the Hoquiam Grizzlies in a loser-out contest in the SWW District 4 playoffs. Unfortunately, the Cruisers were unable to tame those Grizzlies as Hoquiam defeated them 60-36 at Bo Griffith Memorial Gymnasium at Montesano High School.

Eatonville got into foul trouble early and had to sit a few of their starters for long periods in the game, which hampered their offensive production.

After falling behind early in the first quarter, Eatonville was not able to climb back out of the hole and would trail by 18 at the half, 32-14.

The Cruiser offense would start to click in the second as they would match the Grizzlies' with 12 points. However, they would still trail by 18 as the teams entered the final period.

Foul trouble would hurt the Cruisers even more when two of their starters would foul out of the game midway through the period and Hoquiam would continue to extend their lead and take the win 60-36.

The loss knocked Eatonville out of the district tournament and ended their season.

Injuries plagued the Cruisers in the latter half of the season and were major factors in the team's losses this year. Bailey Andersen struggled with dislocated bones in one of her ankles and missed significant time, Sara Smith sustained a season-ending knee injury in a game against Elma at the end of the regular season, and Lilian Bickford broke a finger that required surgery that also ended her season.

The Cruisers finished the season with a 13-9 overall record, finished in third place in the 1A Evergreen Conference with a 4-4 record, and were 1-3 in district play. They will lose senior starters Hannah Kralik and Brooke Blocker to graduation and will return a fairly young team. Replacing those key players will be tough, but Head Coach Deanna Andersen will get her team ready and back in contention to make the district playoffs again next season.

HOQUIAM 60, EATONVILLE 36

Eatonville 8 6 12 10 - 36

Hoquiam 17 15 12 16 - 60

Eatonville: Bailey Andersen 9, Ryan Stammen 8, Alayna Meyer 7, Hannah Kralik 5, Hailey Hall 4, Brooke Blocker 2, Ella Gendreau 1.

Hoquiam: Chloe Kennedy 23, Graci Bonney-Spradlin 16, Ashlinn Cady 9, Ella Folkers 5, Nadine Stewart 5, Ellie Graham 2.