3A boys basketball district tournament breakdown

SCHEDULE

All games on Tuesday, Shorecrest at Everett, 7 p.m., Marysville Pilchuck at Glacier Peak, 7 p.m., Ferndale at Mountlake Terrace, 7 p.m., Shorewood at Stanwood, 7 p.m.

FAVORITE: STANWOOD

Stanwood finished the regular season with a 20-0 record – the Spartans’ first undefeated regular season since 1948 – and as the No. 2-ranked team in the Associated Press 3A state poll, right behind nationally ranked Rainier Beach. Last season, Stanwood won the district tournament and was rewarded with a tough draw in the regional round of the state tournament. The Spartans were matched up with Franklin, which beat Stanwood 76-64.

Franklin went on to place fifth in the state tournament.

Stanwood has beaten every team in this district tournament, including the entire Wesco 3A South, where all five teams finished with .500 or better overall records.

DARK HORSE: SHORECREST

Shorecrest finished third in the deep Wesco 3A South, just one game behind Mountlake Terrace and Glacier Peak. The Scots open district play against Everett, a team they had no trouble with in the regular season when Shorecrest defeated the Seagulls 62-49.

If Shorecrest can get past Everett, the Scots could face Wesco 3A champion Glacier Peak. The Scots are quite familiar with the Grizzlies, splitting their two regular-season contests with Glacier Peak, with each team winning at home.

It’s likely the third meeting could be at a neutral site – Jackson High School – with a state berth and a spot in the district title game on the line. Shorecrest forwards Alex Hofstrand and Masamba Njadoe, who both average double-digit scoring, could be key in upsetting the Grizzlies.

DID YOU KNOW?

After starting league play 0-5, the Shorecrest Scots won their final eight league games to grab the No. 3 seed and a game against Everett.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Trey Chambers, G, Glacier Peak

Chambers is one of two players on the Glacier Peak varsity who returned from a year ago. Along with Ty Kjellesvik, Chambers has been called upon to lead his Grizzlies’ teammates and be a calming presence in big games.

Glacier Peak’s sixth man off the bench last year, Chambers has been thrust into a scoring role this season and has thrived. He leads the Grizzlies, averaging about 17 points per game, the third-highest average in the Wesco 3A South.

After being picked last in The Herald’s preseason coaches poll, the Grizzlies used that as motivation. After finishing tied for the Wesco 3A South title with Mountlake Terrace – earning the No. 1 seed by a preseason draw – Glacier Peak is right back where it always seems to be this time of year: contending for a district title.

GAME WE WANT TO SEE

Stanwood vs. Mountlake Terrace

Rarely is a 20-0 team not a lock to win a district tournament, and while Stanwood is the favorite heading in, the Spartans have their work cut out for them. Stanwood hosts Shorewood in its first district game, setting up a potential matchup with Mountlake Terrace in the semifinals.

Terrace plays Ferndale (5-7 in the Northwest Conference, 8-12 overall) in the opening round of the district tournament. The Golden Eagles struggled in a league where they’re the only 3A team, finishing in the bottom half of the conference.

Stanwood barely edged out the Hawks, 63-61, when the two teams met on Jan. 17, needing a basket in the final minute of the game to keep its undefeated season alive.

Imagine the excitement of a rematch with a state berth on the line.

PREDICTION

Stanwood wins its second district title over Glacier Peak, with both teams qualifying for state. Mountlake Terrace takes the No. 3 seed out of districts. Shorecrest could also be a No. 3 seed out of districts. We have no idea who the Nos. 2 and 3 seeds will be, but we’re quite certain they will be Wesco South teams.

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.