Arlington rests on its defense in win over Snohomish

SNOHOMISH — With a strong defensive effort from start to finish and an offense that finally got untracked after one quarter, the Arlington girls basketball team rolled past Snohomish 48-37 on Tuesday in an early-season showdown for first place in the Western Conference 4A North.

Snohomish led 11-9 after a rag-tag opening quarter for both teams, but in the second quarter the visiting Eagles took control. Arlington began the period with a 10-0 scoring burst to go in front 19-11, and the lead never dropped below six points the rest of the game.

And whenever the Panthers threatened to rally, Arlington regained command with an unyielding defense.

“The difference for us in the early part of the season has been our defense, and it was excellent again tonight,” said Eagles coach Joe Marsh, whose team improved to 6-0 this season and 3-0 in the Wesco North.

Arlington’s defense is rugged and relentless, and it can give fits to opposing offenses — as it did at times against Snohomish, which saw its records drop to 5-2 and 2-1. The Eagles contest every pass and continually have their hands around the ball, often resulting in a flurry of turnovers.

“We’ve been preaching, ‘Buy into defense because that’s what’s going to win you games late in the season,’” Marsh said. “Our offense is going to get better and better — it wasn’t great tonight and we’re going to keep working on that — but defense is the thing that we’re really pushing. And they’ve bought it.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever in my coaching career had a group that works as hard as these kids. They just work hard, and that makes it easy for the coach to convince them that defense is going to pay dividends. Because if we can keep playing defense like this, I’m excited to move forward.”

Senior guard Krista Showalter sparked Arlington’s early second quarter scoring run with a three-point play, putting the Eagles on top to stay. Teammate Jessica Ludwig followed with a free throw, Winter Brown dropped in a 3-point goal and, moments later, a runner from left of the key, and Showalter closed the 10-0 string with a free throw.

The teams traded points the rest of the period, but in the early moments of the third quarter Arlington ran off another seven unanswered points for a 33-18 margin. The lead reached a high of 17 points, 44-27, midway through the fourth quarter before the Panthers whittled the deficit to 11 points at the final horn.

The Eagles were obviously aware of Snohomish’s record, which included an impressive 46-43 win over Wesco North contender Lake Stevens on Friday.

“This was a big game,” Marsh acknowledged, “but I didn’t want to overdo that part of it because it’s still early in the season.

“Snohomish is a good team. They’ve been playing really well and this is a tough place to win. You know you’re in for a battle when you come in here. But this team is not afraid of a battle, and they came in here and took care of business.”

Panthers coach Ken Roberts, meanwhile, was pleased by some aspects of the game, but disappointed by others. In particular, he said, “our kids fundamentally have to get the ball protected a little better at the offensive end. Arlington is a really good basketball team and they’re very physical.”

The Eagles also have a decided edge in experience. Arlington starts five seniors, while Snohomish has just two on its entire roster.

“They’re a couple of years older than us at a lot of positions, so they’re a little stronger,” Roberts said. “But our kids will never quit.”

At Snohomish HS

Arlington9171111—48

Snohomish117514—37

Arlington—Taylor Graham 6, Veronica Ladines 0, Lindsay Brown 7, Krista Showalter 10, Emma Janousek 1, Jessica Ludwig 5, Winter Brown 12, Jayla Russ 7. Snohomish—Morgan Green 1, Ellie Otteson 5, Hannah Berntson 2, Shaylee Harwood 1, Callie Harwood 3, Kayla Lachapelle 10, Madeline Smith 12, Paige Helms 3, Bailey Armbruster 0, Tara Harms 0. 3-point goals—Graham 2, Showalter 1, Brown 2, Otteson 1, C. Harwood 1, Lachapelle 2. Records—Arlington is 3-0 in league, 6-0 overall. Snohomish is 2-1, 5-2.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.