Monroe boys beat Snohomish 38-34 in 4A District 1 semifinal

EVERETT — The Monroe boys basketball team didn’t have a double-digit scorer or a 3-pointer made Saturday night.

But the Bearcats had heart and, as a result, are going to the district championship.

A big second-half run helped Monroe top Snohomish for the first time in three tries this season, as the Bearcats gutted it out against the Panthers 38-34 in a 4A District 1 semifinal game at Everett Community College.

“It’s just a fierce rivalry. It’s been like that all season,” said Monroe senior Andrew Chartrand. “It’s been emotional. It’s been competitive. Coming out and beating a team like that, after losing to them twice in the regular season, just shows our heart. I love it.”

Rhen Shore led the Bearcats with nine points — seven of which came in the fourth quarter. The senior helped Monroe, which started the game with a 9-0 run, reclaim the lead with 2:38 to go in the game. Shore — who grabbed 11 rebounds — made five free throws in the final period and added a block at the buzzer for good measure.

“He had a look in his eye that he was determined to get to the rim,” said Monroe head coach Tyson Horner. “He had quite a few free throws, but he also made some nice baseline moves. He’s so unselfish. He doesn’t take enough shots sometimes and we, as a coaching staff, have to let him know, ‘We need you to get going.’”

Colby Kyle (six rebounds and four blocks), Devin Sepich and Trenton Newhouse scored six points apiece for Monroe (13-9 overall) in the victory. Newhouse left the game after falling hard on his left arm late in the second period and did not return.

Horner wasn’t sure of his availability for Thursday’s district championship game against Jackson or Cascade.

“I think it’s just what we have as a team,” Horner said. “Trenton Newhouse was on pace for a great night in the first quarter. He had six. I had a feeling, starting him tonight, that he was going to get rolling. He might have a broken wrist, it’s a huge loss. Other guys had to step up.”

Horner said Newhouse could have a dislocated or broken wrist, and he would go in for X-rays soon.

Without Newhouse, other Bearcats had to step up, including Chartrand, who finished with five points and four steals.

“We don’t have that guy that’s going to go off for 30 a game,” Chartrand said. “But we do have everyone that can go off for 10 and we can beat anybody.”

After a strong start to the game, the Monroe offense stalled in the second and third quarters.

But the Bearcats got it going when they had to, outscoring the Panthers 14-8 in the decisive fourth quarter to clinch a spot in the district championship game at 8 p.m. Thursday at Everett Community College.

“I had all the confidence in my team that they’re going to pull it off,” Sepich said. “There’s never a doubt in my mind in the fourth quarter. This is what we practice all year for. This is what the brotherhood’s all about.”

Saturday’s contest was a defensive battle, with Snohomish doing most of its damage in a 16-point second quarter. Panthers senior Gus Baxter came off the bench and scored 11 points — a team-high for Snohomish (14-7) which got a 3-pointer by Jake Shogren at the buzzer to take a three-point lead into the half.

“(Baxter) was a big lift,” said Snohomish head coach Len Bone. “He came in and without what he did, heck, we would have been down 10 or 12 in the first half.”

But poor shooting in the second half doomed the Panthers, who shot 12-of-48 from the field and scored just 13 points in the second half.

The loss means Snohomish will face Kamiak at 8 p.m. Tuesday at EvCC in a loser-out game.

“If you don’t play well for an hour and a half it doesn’t mean you’re not a good team,” Bone said. “I would expect us to practice well Monday and I would expect us to play well Tuesday night. We’re on a lot harder road than we could have been on, but that’s the way it is.”

Monroe 38, Snohomish 34

At Everett Community College

Monroe 11 7 6 14 —38

Snohomish 5 16 5 8 —34

Monroe—Alex Johnson 3, Andrew Chartrand 5, Tyler Koontz 0, Trenton Newhouse 6, John Montero 0, Rhen Shore 9, Tristan Witham 3, Alex Spahman 0, Colby Kyle 6, Isaiah Cole 0, Devin Sepich 6. Snohomish—Zak Carlson 4, Jake Shogren 7, Will Layton 0, Mitch Morris 0, Kobe McDaniel 6, Gus Baxter 11, Kole Bride 0, Danny McGregor 2, Jake Perry 0, Collin Kane 4. 3-point goals—Shogren 2, McDaniel 2, Baxter 3. Records—Monroe 13-9 overall. Snohomish 14-7.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

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.

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.

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

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

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.