Lady Cruisers Unable to Corral Mustangs, Fall 71-26 to End Season
The Eatonville Lady Cruisers' season came to a disappointing end this past Wednesday as they fell 71-24 to the Prosser Mustangs in the WIAA 2A Girls Basketball State Tournament at the Yakima Valley SunDome.
Despite entering their 20th state appearance with some momentum after defeating Ridgefield in the opening round, the Lady Cruisers struggled from the start. Prosser's relentless full-court press smothered Eatonville's offense and prevented the Cruisers from establishing their inside game with key post players Lillian Bickford and Hailey Hall.
"They double-teamed Lillian all game," Eatonville head coach Deanna Andersen said. "We just couldn't get her the ball in position to score, and that really hurt us."
Prosser's stifling defense set the tone early, forcing nine first-quarter turnovers to Eatonville's three. Those mistakes fueled a fast-paced Mustang offense that built an early lead. Eatonville's Bailey Andersen did her best to keep the Cruisers afloat with seven first-quarter points, but the Mustangs still raced to an early 16-9 advantage.
In the second quarter, Prosser overwhelmed Eatonville with a 23-2 run that effectively sealed the game's outcome. The Mustangs forced nine additional turnovers in the frame and limited Eatonville to just five points, sending the Cruisers into halftime trailing 46-14. By the break, Eatonville had turned the ball over 20 times, leading to 29 Mustang points.
"They just came at us from every direction," Andersen said. "We knew they were a strong defensive team, but they really took us out of our rhythm."
Eatonville showed signs of life to open the third quarter. After a rare Mustang turnover, Tia Schanbeck found Bickford inside, and the senior post banked in a shot off the glass to start the half. Prosser quickly responded with a 7-0 run and closed the quarter on an 11-2 spurt to extend their lead to 66-22.
With a running clock in effect during the fourth quarter, both teams traded possessions as time on the Lady Cruisers season ticked away. Eatonville briefly found a scoring spark, but Prosser closed the contest on a 5-0 run to finalize the 71-24 victory.
Andersen led Eatonville with 13 points, while Bickford, held in check most of the game, finished with four points, three rebounds, and two blocked shots. Schanbeck added three points, five rebounds, five assists, and a block. Hall and Sadie Mettler each contributed two points, with Hall pulling down a team-high 10 rebounds.
Despite the season-ending loss, Eatonville's campaign featured several high points. The Lady Cruisers finished with a 20-5 record, captured the 2A SPSL League title with a perfect 14-0 mark, and claimed third place in the Arizona Coyote Basketball Invitational.
"The season has been a tremendous success," Coach Deanna Andersen said. "We set our sights on a return trip to state and made the second round. Being around other teams of the highest caliber in the state is an achievement that the girls can be proud of all of their lives."
Andersen praised her team's dedication and growth throughout the season.
"They have dedicated so much time and effort; I couldn't ask for anything more," she said. "They grew as a team, and I watched each one mature and grow in their game as well."
With this being her daughter Bailey's final season, Andersen reflected on the bond with the group.
"Obviously, with this group being Bailey's class, I have spent more time with them than any group," Andersen said. "I am thankful for the support of the parents and community throughout everything we do, from camps and clinics to team dinners and snacks. We truly appreciate everyone who comes to games and cheers us on as well."
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