Terrace's Blake Fernandez cleared to play

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Jennifer Buchanan / The Herald

Mountlake Terrace's Blake Fernandez dribbles the ball up the court during a against Rainier Beach during last year's state tournament. Fernandez will play his first game of the season Friday when Terrace takes on Shorewood.

Mountlake Terrace, who is ranked No. 1 in the latest Herald power poll, is about to get even better.

Hawks guard Blake Fernandez, who missed the first five games while he nursing a broken wrist he suffered during a fall league game, has been cleared to play.

"Guess who just found out he can play tomorrow?" Fernandez tweeted Thursday night "Me."

Fernandez is only excited to get back on the court.

"I'm really excited just because i'll be able to contribute to my team instead of yelling at everybody from the side line," Fernandez said.

The return of Fernandez could be considered an early Christmas present to Hawks coach Nalin Sood.

"If anybody wants to know what to get me for Christmas, give me a healthy Blake Fernandez," Sood said before the season began. "... We're obviously going to be a better basketball team when Blake comes back. We've got to hold the fort down until he gets back, which is going to be difficult."

Mountlake Terrace hosts Shorewood Friday night at 7:15 p.m.

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