Everett rallies to defeat Stanwood

STANWOOD — Sophomore Justin Beretta ignited a six-goal run in the second quarter, powering Everett to a come-from-behind 12-9 victory over North Sound rival Stanwood in a boys high school lacrosse game on Saturday at Stanwood Middle School.

The homeschooled attackman’s goal at 10:46 of the quarter brought Everett within one of Division II Stanwood at 3-2. Just more than four minutes later, Jackson freshman Sean Billmyer beat Stanwood goalkeeper Chris Blackwell to knot the contest at 3 before Beretta found the back of the net again at 4:38 to put the Everett club ahead for good.

“This one was huge for us,” said Everett head coach Craig Hess, whose squad is battling undefeated Sehome-Bellingham along with Snohomish and Kamiak in the race for a Division I Wesco/NW Conference berth in the state tournament.

Beretta went to connect for the quarter’s final goal with just 44 seconds remaining, and that put Everett in the driver’s seat heading into halftime.

“Beretta made the difference for us tonight. You can’t measure how important he was,” Hess said.

Down 2-1 while struggling with Stanwood’s zone defense in the first quarter, Hess gathered his squad at the quarter break to regroup.

“At the end of the first we talked about how we wanted to get the tempo back,” Hess said. “Beretta’s goal reassured the boys that we could play against the zone. He got it going.”

Everett struggled with penalties throughout the game, but successfully killed seven of 10 man-down situations, including a key extra-man opportunity for Stanwood early the fourth quarter after Nick Stritmatter put Everett ahead 11-6 with 9:58 remaining.

Everett was whistled for an illegal check that landed Maysville-Pilchuck junior defender and co-captian Kain Davis on the sidelines to sit out the infraction. Just a minute later, Everett was dealt another blow as goaltender Bradly Strong was whistled for checking Stanwood leading scorer Jack Delich to the ground, forcing Hess to replace his starter.

“We struggled,” Hess said. “But we got through. We need to work on that.”

With both squads back a full strength, Stanwood grabbed back the momentum and went on to score the three of the final four goals in the game, including goals by sophomore Alexander Major with 6:06 and 26 seconds remaining. However, Stanwood was never able to overcome Everett’s strong second quarter.

Heading into Wednesday’s conference showdown with Snohomish at Glacier Peak High School, the victory gives Everett important momentum down the stetch.

Beretta finished the night leading all scorers with seven points (five goals, two assists) and three ground balls. It was his sixth hat trick of the season.

Stritmatter finished with four points (three goals, an assist) while Billmyer had a single goal and Strong had seven saves and Aiden Rounds three.

Kane Ayling led Stanwood with five points (four goals, an assist) and seven ground balls and goaltender Aiden Rounds had eight saves.

Everett (8-3-0) next faces Snohomish at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Glacier Peak High School. Stanwood (3-3-0) next plays Lynden (2-4-0) at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Stanwood Middle School.

Everett 12, Stanwood 9

At Stanwood Middle School, Stanwood

Everett1722—12

Stanwood2223—9

Everett — Justin Beretta 5 goals, 2 assists, 3 ground balls; Nathan Hanold 3 goals, 4 assists 1 ground ball; Nick Stritmatter 3 goals, 1 assist, 5 ground balls; Sean Billmyer 1 goal; Kane Davis 5 ground balls; Brad Strong 7 saves; Aiden Rounds 3 saves. Stanwood — Kane Ayling 4 goals, 1 assist, 7 ground balls; Alexander Major 3 goals, 1 ground ball; Jack Delich 2 goals, 3 assists, 2 ground balls; Dylan Weeda 1 goal, 1 assist; Chris Blackwell 8 saves. Everett 4-2-0, 8-3-0. Stanwood 3-2-0. 3-3-0.

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.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

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

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.