Prep boys basketball: Archbishop Murphy 70, Sultan 60

EVERETT — After stumbling to a 2-8 start to the season, the Archbishop Murphy boys basketball team might finally be getting into gear.

The Wildcats controlled the first half of Friday’s game, building an 18-point lead, and Archbishop Murphy held on for a 70-60 win to move the Wildcats into a three-way tie for second place in the Cascade Conference.

“Last couple of weeks we’ve been getting better,” Wildcats head coach Jamar Williams said. “And this (win) validates our hard work. Our team is starting to play well.”

Josh Parafina scored 20 points and Abe Lucas added 15 points and 20 rebounds for the Wildcats. Williams said Lucas’ rebounding effort was key on ends of the court.

“Lucas did a great job maximizing offensive possessions and he cleaned up a lot of things on the defensive glass to finish possessions,” Williams said.

The Turks, who came into Friday’s game averaging over 76 points a game, were held to just 22 points in the first half. Bubba Branham finished with 11 points. Sultan’s leading scorer, Giovonni Williams, was held to 10 points. His 30-point performance against Lakewood on Tuesday caught the Wildcats’ attention.

“Williams absolutely is one of the best in our league,” Jamar Williams said. “Every team pays attention to him. I think he just had an off game, with some credit going to our defense.”

At Archbishop Murphy H.S.

Sultan7152218—60

Archbishop Murphy22181911—70

Sultan—Robbie Rappuhn 0, Joe Schmidt 4, Giovonni Williams 10, Chris Walcott 4, Tyler Morris 11, Bubba Branham 14, Jordan Alexander 0, Cooper Beucherie 2, Antonio Rivas 11, Deion Bonilla 4. Archbishop Murphy—Abe Lucas 15, D’Andre Bryant 4, Connor Sand 3, Nolan Rogge 8, Darion Joseph 2, Chase White 0, Conner Longoria 10, Kerry Jackson 1, Josh Parafina 20, Ben Thacker 1, Connor Simmons 0, Yannick Kwesele 0, Tyler Klaudt 0, Anfernee Gurley 6. 3-point goals—Walcott, Morris 3, Rivas, Parafina 2. Records—Sultan 5-2 league, 8-3 overall. Archbishop Murphy 5-2, 5-8.