3A GIRLS STATE: Shorecrest’s season of revenge continues

Shorecrest had a feeling it was going to play Cleveland in the first round of the state tournament even before the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association made it official by pairing the two in a draw on Sunday afternoon.

The Scots just had to look at their previous two opponents. On Feb. 18 Shorecrest defeated Glacier Peak 63-51 in the District 1 championship, avenging a loss to the same Grizzlies in the previous year’s championship. The next weekend Shorecrest faced Timberline, the team who knocked them out of last year’s playoffs in the regionals round.

This year, the Scots returned the favor, defeating the Blazers 51-47 last Saturday to advance to the Tacoma Dome for the first time since 2010, when Shorecrest lost to Cleveland.

Guess who Shorecrest plays in the first round of this year’s state tournament.

“On the car ride down (to the state draw) we were talking about it just seemed like destiny that we’d play Cleveland,” said Scots’ senior co-captain Janie Uppinghouse after the state draw on Sunday. “Then the draw winded down and we’re like, ‘Wow, we might actually play Cleveland.’”

Shorecrest head coach Dori Monson, who brought Uppinghouse and fellow co-captain India Matheson with him to the draw, said the team was excited to play anybody and thought it was just cool that the Scots once again have a chance for redemption.

“We were looking forward to anybody we’d play,” Monson said. “They thought it was funny that it just kind of continued this pattern of getting teams that knocked us out the previous couple of years.”

This year’s Cleveland (20-6 overall) team is quite a bit different from that 2010 squad that went on to win the 3A state tournament, but according to Monson they’re still a very good team.

The Eagles may have one advantage over Shorecrest (20-4), but Monson sees a strength for the Scots in a different area.

“From what I’ve seen on tape they probably have more team speed than us,” Monson said. “But I’d say we have more size going in. We’ve had post play that’s been really solid for us all year long.”

Uppinghouse and Matheson are two of Shorecrest’s starting forwards, along with sophomore Onyie Chibuogwu, who tallied 34 points and 14 rebounds in the Scots’ win over Timberline. Monson said that, along with his seniors — Allison Jones, Mickey Greenburg and guard Brianne Lasconia, who averages about 17 points per game — it’s easy to see how Shorecrest has been able to keep its season alive.

“All of our starters are gonna be important,” Monson said. “One of the hallmarks of our team is we’ve had different people step up from game to game. Onyie emerged in the game against Timberline. Bri has been fantastic for us all season long.”

The seniors give Shorecrest some state playoff experience, with five players “that have been there before,” Monson said.

“We have a team very dominated by seniors,” he said.

Monson says if Shorecrest is going to continue its recent trend of beating teams that have beat it, it’s going to take the Scots’ best game of the season. Luckily for Shorecrest, that’s another habit it’s developed this postseason.

“We’ve been telling our girls the farther we advance in the postseason the more necessary it is to be peaking at the right time,” Monson said. “I think we played our two best games of the year against Glacier Peak and Timberline and it’s going to take another best game of the year for every game in Tacoma.”

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.