SNOHOMISH — It’s impossible to deny how big of a role sports play in today’s society, but sometimes we are all reminded that there are more important things in life.
Tuesday was one of those nights.
With Shorecrest leading Glacier Peak 34-32 with 7:26 to play in the fourth quarter of a game that will have a lot to say about who wins the Wesco 3A/2A South regular-season championship in boys basketball, Glacier Peak junior Zach Argue had his shot blocked by Shorecrest’s Brantle Harris and fell to the floor, awkwardly landing on his head.
Coaches and trainers immediately responded to Argue, who could be seen moving his feet and later his arms but for the most part laid motionless. An ambulance was called and Argue was taken on a stretcher to a local hospital to be evaluated.
“It was all precautionary is what they told us,” Glacier Peak head coach Brian Hunter said. “He was talking to us. It was all precautionary at this point. We’ll know more later.”
The teams were given three minutes to warm up after Argue was transported to the hospital before play resumed. When it did, the Grizzlies rallied for their fallen teammate. Glacier Peak went on a 12-2 run and went on to win 50-43.
With his brother on the way to the hospital, senior Jacob Argue led the charge. Argue scored the first five points for Glacier Peak after play resumed. His free throw with 6:10 to play in the fourth quarter gave the Grizzlies their first lead of the game.
“(Zach’s) brother was pretty incredible,” Hunter said. “He hit some super shots and was really special. He asked me and said, ‘Coach, I really want to go in for him.’ And I said, ‘You bet.’”
Argue wasn’t done, his 3-pointer with 1:35 to play in the game gave the Grizzlies a 46-36 lead and all but put the game out of reach .
“I’ve struggled with injuries myself and just to see him go down like that, I knew exactly how he was feeling,” Argue said. “I thought the best thing I could do was either go with him, which I definitely thought about, or just go out and give it everything.”
Argue finished with nine points, all of which came after his brother’s injury.
“When one of ours goes down, it’s just not something you want to have happen,” Jacob Argue said. “To go out with a loss would have been unthinkable.”
The Scots scored the first basket when play resumed early in the fourth quarter. After that, the Grizzlies held Shorecrest scoreless for more than five minutes of actual game time.
“I think our kids are just mentally tough,” Hunter said. “They practice hard and they believe in playing until the end. I think they were just playing for their friend and their brother out there.”
Hunter and his players stood next to their teammate as he was placed on the stretcher and led the crowd in applause as he was wheeled out of the gym.
After the game, emotions were still running high for Hunter and his players.
“It’s a big deal,” Hunter said. “It’s one of your guys. I told my players that it’s like my son out there. It scares me to death to see him like that. I think the kids love him too. It’s definitely not what you want to have happen at a high-school basketball game.”
The Scots, who played without leading scorer Drew Magaoay who missed the game with a sprained ankle, came in trailing the Grizzlies by 11/2 games in the league standings. Shorecrest could have pulled even in the loss column with a win and put itself in position for a league championship. Instead, the title would appear to be Glacier Peak’s to lose.
“It seems like such an insignificant thing,” Hunter said. “I don’t know if we’re really thinking about that. I think we’re just thinking about our teammate…I think the kids are happy that they got the win for Zach.”
After the game, tensions between the Shorecrest and Glacier Peak fans ran high, and the Snohomish County sheriff arrived to clear the gym and order the crowd to disperse.
At Glacier Peak H.S.
Shorecrest 17 4 13 9 —43
Glacier Peak 8 8 16 18 —50
Shorecrest—Malcolm Rosier-Butler 14, Brantle Harris 16, Tobyn Lawson 5, Chris Lee 0, Aubry Victor 0, Simon Acker 0, Steven Lin 0, Davis Strand 4, Phillip Pepple 4. Glacier Peak—Zach Hatch 11, Brady Southard 10, Grant Peltier 0, Justin Guffey 11, Jacob Argue 9, Jacob Middendorf 0, Austin Petz 0, Seiver Southard 6, Zach Argue 3. 3-point goals—Harris 2, Lawson 1, Hatch 3, S.Southard 1, Guffey 3, J.Argue 2. Records—Shorecrest 5-3 league, 9-7 overall. Glacier Peak 8-1, 13-4.
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