Lady Cruisers Show Resilience in Arizona, Secure 3rd Place in Coyote Basketball Invitational

The Eatonville Cruiser girls’ basketball team finished off the year by showcasing their resilience and determination during their recent appearance at the Coyote Basketball Invitational in Arizona, ultimately securing 3rd place in the competitive tournament.

The Eatonville Lady Cruiser basketball team poses for a team photo at sunset while down in Arizona participating in the Coyote Basketball Invitational. The Cruisers would come home with a 3rd place finish along with great memories and experience. Photo: Kahla Hall

The opening game against the Agua Fria Owls proved to be a nail-biter, with the Cruisers falling short by a slim margin, 46-47. Despite facing challenges with Agua Fria's relentless press, Eatonville displayed grit, staging an 8-0 run in the second quarter to take the lead. Eatonville struggled against Agua Fria's persistent press, resulting in turnovers and missed opportunities. Scoring leaders for Eatonville included Bailey Andersen with 16 points and Lilian Bickford with 11.

In a commanding performance against the Wickenburg Wranglers, the Cruisers dominated with a 57-20 victory. Bailey Andersen led the scoring charts with an impressive 25 points, while Hailey Hall contributed a season-high 12 points.

Facing the host team, the Arizona Lutheran Coyotes, Eatonville showcased resilience in a comeback win, securing a spot in the semifinals with a 55-53 triumph. Bailey Andersen's clutch 3-pointer and Lillian Bickford's game-winning basket were pivotal moments in the team's success. Andersen recorded a season-high 33 points, with Bickford adding 10.

Game 4 proved to be a physically demanding encounter as the Cruisers faced the aggressive Valley Christian Trojans. Despite a competitive start, Eatonville succumbed to a 53-36 defeat. Valley Christian's formidable defense and a robust 3rd quarter expanded the lead, leaving the Cruisers unable to mount a comeback. The game's physical nature took a toll on the team, with Hailey Hall enduring a hard hit to the eye that resulted in a black eye and missing eyelashes. Lilian Bickford and Bailey Andersen led Eatonville with 12 points each.

Undeterred by previous setbacks, the Cruisers sought redemption in a rematch against the Agua Fria Owls in Game 5. Eatonville secured a convincing 42-25 victory, claiming 3rd place in the tournament. Bailey Andersen again led the scoring with 15 points, and Hailey Hall recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Reflecting on the team's Arizona experience, Coach Andersen commended the players for adapting to travel and a different style of play. She highlighted the valuable lessons learned in overcoming challenges and expressed confidence in the team's communication skills as they head into league play.

Next Up: The Lady Cruisers will kick off 2024 jumping into 1A Evergreen League play hosting the Montesano Bulldogs on Friday January 5th at 7:00 pm.