Stanwood boys win 3A district title

MILL CREEK — The last time Stanwood faced Mountlake Terrace, the Spartans lost an 11-point halftime lead and the game.

It was a heartbreaking defeat, but perhaps a turning point for Stanwood, which has gone undefeated since that mid-January loss. And the most recent of those wins is the sweetest of all, a 47-43 victory over the Hawks in Saturday night’s championship game of the Class 3A District 1 boys basketball tournament at Jackson High School.

Stanwood never trailed after a brief Mountlake Terrace lead in the first quarter, and the Spartans led for good after a 29-29 tie late in the third quarter. Still, it took a layin by Stanwood guard Josh Thayer with just over a minute to play and four free throws by teammate Mason Garcea in the closing seconds to wrap up the win.

“This is something I know these kids have dreamed about,” said Stanwood coach Zach Ward. “And the way they’ve developed over the last month has just been awesome.

“We have a special group,” he added. “We don’t know what happens after tonight, but we know right up to now that this is the best we can do. ? Terrace is obviously a really good basketball team, but we’re just as good.”

Minutes after the final horn, the Spartans were still celebrating with their fans. The joyous players cut down the net and then posed for picture after picture.

“This is the biggest thing I’ve ever been a part of,” said Thayer, who led Stanwood with 17 points. “It’s amazing, and I’m so happy.”

“This is what you dream about as a kid,” added teammate Drew Sears, who tossed in 12 points. “This is incredible.”

The game was a showdown of two teams who came in with a combined winning streak of 22 games. Stanwood had won eight in a row since that January loss to the Hawks. Mountlake Terrace, meanwhile, had not lost since a late December game against Glacier Peak, a stretch of 14 wins in a row.

Stanwood began with a flurry, getting a layin from forward Cannen Roberson off the opening tip and forcing the Hawks into back-to-back turnovers on the way to an early 6-0 margin. But Mountlake Terrace rallied with two 3-pointers from forward Greg Bowman and another from guard Marquis Armstead for a 9-8 lead.

Bowman scored again with a tip-in for a three-point lead, but from there the Spartans re-established control. Three-pointers from guard Ian Zipp, Sears and Thayer allowed Stanwood to build a 25-20 margin at halftime.

The lead was down to one to begin the fourth quarter, and the final eight minutes were a frantic, back-and-forth tussle with as many miscues as highlights. Mountlake Terrace went scoreless for 2½ minutes to start the period, and had another stretch of three scoreless minutes later in the frame.

Stanwood, meanwhile, gained a six-point lead — 40-34, its largest of the second half — early in the final quarter, but then had a three-minute scoring drought of its own.

The key play of the late moments was an in-bounds play for Stanwood under its own basket. Thayer started to curl through the key, then cut back under the hoop for a pass and a layin that made the score 43-38 with a minute to play.

The Hawks got a layin by guard Blake Fernandez and a desperation 3-pointer by Armstead, the latter with five seconds remaining, but Garcea’s four free throws were enough to clinch the outcome.

And the celebration began.

As he watched his players cut down the net, Ward had moisture around his eyes. “That’s a little bit of sweat,” he said, “but I think the tears will probably come a little later.”

Both teams advance to regional games next Saturday at Glacier Peak High School. Stanwood will play Franklin at 6 p.m., while Mountlake Terrace will play at 4 p.m. against the winner of Monday night’s Kennedy-Foss game.

At Jackson H.S.

Stanwood 12 13 9 13 — 47

M. Terrace 11 9 13 10 — 43

Mountlake Terrace—Jesse Zerom 7, Blake Fernandez 9, Michael Lotz 0, Marquis Armstead 13, Greg Bowman 10, LeTrae Sarden 0, Loren Lacasse 4. Stanwood—Mason Garcea 4, Josh Thayer 17, Cannen Roberson 4, Drew Stang 6, Ian Zipp 4, Brady Garcea 0, Kurtis Hushagen 0, Drew Sears 12. 3-point goals—Josh Thayer 2, Ian Zipp 1, Drew Sears 1, Jesse Zerom 1, Blake Fernandez 1, Marquis Armstead 2, Greg Bowman 2. Records—Mountlake Terrace 20-3 overall. Stanwood 18-5.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

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

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink 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)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

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.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

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.