Kamiak’s Daniel Shubert splits the defense of Jackson’s Brian Brown (left) and Connor Marschall during a 4A District 1 tournament game Saturday at Everett Community College. Kamiak won 62-58.

Kamiak’s Daniel Shubert splits the defense of Jackson’s Brian Brown (left) and Connor Marschall during a 4A District 1 tournament game Saturday at Everett Community College. Kamiak won 62-58.

Clutch 3-pointer lifts Kamiak past Jackson into 4A district title game

EVERETT — Kamiak boys basketball coach Cory West has seen Christian Clausen hit a lot of difficult shots in his time coaching the junior, but none quite as special as the one he made at the end of Saturday’s 4A District 1 Tournament semifinal game against Jackson.

Clausen’s baseline off-balance 3-pointer with eight seconds remaining gave the Knights a third victory this season over the Timberwolves — this time by a score of 62-58 — but more importantly sent them to the district championship where they will meet No. 1 seed Cascade next Thursday.

Clausen had made three of his first 11 3-pointers before delivering the dagger.

“He’s confident,” West said. “He missed a lot, but he just kept shooting. That’s what it comes down to. He puts in the time. He’s one of the only one that consistently texts me if he can come shoot in the morning.”

Clausen may have put in the time, but a contested 3-pointer with one second remaining on the shot clock is tough for even the best of shooters.

“Coach West puts all the confidence in me,” Clausen said. “That’s pretty much my job on this team. You play those minutes for a reason, shoot the ball.”

That the Knights even needed Clausen’s shot to hang on for the win was a bit of a surprise. Kamiak led by 10 with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but poor free-throw shooting and the efforts of Jackson senior Sam Saufferer got the Timberwolves back in the game.

Saufferer scored nine points in the final 2:01 of the game to cut Kamiak’s lead to one before Clausen’s big three.

“We pressed and we got some steals and extra possessions and he did hit some tough shots,” Jackson head coach Steve Johnson said. “Obviously, he didn’t shoot as well as he’s capable of in the earlier part of the game, but to play a big role in helping us come back at the end (was special).”

Saufferer finished with a game-high 24 points.

Clausen hit the big shot for Kamiak, but sophomore point guard Carson Tuttle paced them throughout the game. Tuttle finished with 18 points and seven assists. Tuttle was 0-for-6 from 3-point range, but 7-for-13 from inside the arc.

Until earlier in the season, Kamiak hadn’t beat Jackson since 2006. Now it appears the Knights have started a streak of their own. Beating the Timberwolves three times, coupled with advancing to his first district championship as a head coach, has made this a season to remember for West.

“It’s the most special (season) so far,” West said. “As a varsity coach this is my first time going to the district championship game. I want so badly for these guys to experience (winning a district championship), not for my own gratification, but for them. It’s the most gratifying thing to go up there and cut down nets and know that you’re going to state.”

The Knights’ victory ends Jackson’s run of five straight district championships. The Timberwolves were a disappointed bunch after having their comeback fall just short.

“It’s disappointing,” Johnson said. “We had a hand up, but he can make those kinds of shots. He made the shot, what can you say? It’s tough to come all the way back. I would have loved to have got a rebound there and come down the floor with a chance to win it, but it didn’t happen that way and that’s the way it goes.”

At Everett Community College

Jackson 10 11 18 19 —58

Kamiak 16 14 13 19 —62

Jackson—Brian Brown 6, Parker Manalo 7, Ian Willgress 0, Brock Peterson 8, Jordan Brajcich 2, Connor Marschall 3, Avery Goodwin 5, Hunter Johnson 1, Sam Saufferer 24, Islim Ouldtaki 2. Kamiak—Carson Tuttle 18, Christian Clausen 12, Jase Wiley 0, Trevor Gray 2, Coleman Grayson 14, Gavin Patrick 7, Daniel Sharpe 3, Nate Shubert 6. Records—Jackson 14-8. Kamiak 16-5.

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.