McIlraith Leads Cruisers Over Montesano To Stay Perfect In League Play

The Cruiser boys basketball team played host to the Toledo Riverhawks on Monday (1/24) last week in another non-league match up but a 25 point outburst in the 4th quarter by the Riverhawks allowed them to get by the Cruisers 71-62.

Eatonville led after by 1 entering the final quarter, but Toledo's Jake Cournyer exploded in the fourth quarter scoring 14 of his game-high 27 points to help put the Cruisers away.

The Cruisers would have two players score in double digits with seniors Reilly McIlraith leading the Cruisers with 19 points and Jakob Lucht with 15.

Eatonville Head Coach Mark Swartout tries to fire his team up in their game against Toledo. The Cruisers would eventually fall 71-62. Photo: Alyssa Wood-Shotswell

Eatonville would then head down south to Castle Rock for another non-league affair with the Castle Rock Rockets.

The Cruisers jumped out to a 14-9 lead after one quarter before Castle Rock found its mark from the floor. A pair of 17 point quarters to bookend halftime gave the Rockets a 43-38 lead heading into the fourth.

Eatonville would outscore the Rockets 17-14 in the final frame but would come up short. Dropping the contest 57-55.

Eatonville would have three players in double figures with Reilly McIlraith leading the way with 17 points. Jakob Lucht would score 14 and Shay Brannon would record a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The Cruisers would look to bounce back when they hosted the Montesano Bulldogs in a 1A Evergreen league matchup on Friday.

After staying close with the Cruisers in the first quarter, The Bulldogs would fold under the pressure as the Cruisers went on a 17-8 run in the second quarter to break the game open and lead by 10 at the half, 27-17.

Eatonville's offense would explode again in the second half outscoring the Rockets 31-17 as they cruised to a 58-34 victory.

With four Cruisers scoring in double digits, it was Reilly McIlraith again leading the Cruisers in scoring with 18 points. Shay Brannon would kick in 12 points with 10 of those coming in the final quarter. Walker Bruun checked in with 11 points followed by Jakob Lucht's 10.

The Cruisers will finish out their schedule with a home game on Monday, January 31st against Tenino at 7:00 pm, another home game against Hoquiam on Tuesday, Feb. 1st @ 7:00 pm, and then finish off the regular season with their final game at home against Elma on Feb. 3rd at 7:00 pm.

Senior Night for both teams will be on Tuesday, February 1st. Please plan to attend this game and cheer on and support the seniors that have graced the Rainier Connect Arena court for the last 4 years.