MOUNT VERNON — Stanwood played good defense out of halftime and scored 26 points en route to 72-59 win over Bellingham in the Prostock Winter Classic at Mount Vernon H.S. on Saturday.
Ahead just four at the half, Stanwood got six points apiece from Drew Stang, Skout Roberson and Josh Thayer in the third quarter to distance itself and open up a 60-44 lead.
Stang led all scorers with 21 points and Thayer added 17 in the nonleague victory that kept the Spartans unbeaten at 9-0.
Spartans guard Ian Zipp, who has been out since early December with an Achilles’ injury, took part in warmups, but coach Zach Ward said the teams is just being careful with Zipp and making sure that he gets completely healthy before he plays again.
“We’re really being cautious with Ian,” Ward said. “We would love to have him back for second half of the season.”
Stanwood goes into the second half of the season as the favorite to win the Wesco 3A North and maybe another district championship. Ward said that’s a bit of a new role for his team, but he’s not worried about them.
“I think we’ve played well in the big games and this is a different role for these guys as the lead dog,” Ward said. “It can be easier to play as the underdogs. I don’t think they think about it. They don’t talk about it and it makes no difference in how they prepare.”
At Mount Vernon H.S.
Stanwood17172612—72
Bellingham13171613—59
Stanwood—AJ Martinka 5, Anthony Engelhart 0, Josh Thayer 17, Drew Wright 4, Carlton McDonald 0, Brady Garcea 4, Derek Ross 2, Isaac Olson 0, Karsten Chaplik 5, Drew Stang 21, Skout Roberson 12. Bellingham—Hurley 8, Franklin 3, Haywood 0, Check 7, Hofstetter 2, Guy 0, Fox 12, Lewis 6, Hayes 17, Grimm 0, Chamberlis 4. 3-point goals—Hurley 2, Check, Fox 2, Thayer 2, Chaplik. Records—Stanwood 9-0 overall. Bellingham 5-4.
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