State preview: Marysville Pilchuck boys vs. Eastside Catholic

Published 4:27 pm Tuesday, March 3, 2015

When/Where: 9 p.m., Thursday, Tacoma Dome

Records: Marysville Pilchuck 19-6, Eastside Catholic 23-6

AP Rankings: Marysville Pilchuck (not ranked); Eastside Catholic (No. 6).

How they got to Tacoma: Marysville Pilchuck edged Kennewick 51-47 in a 3A regional game at Chiawana High School in Pasco. Eastside Catholic also had a close game, escaping with a 53-51 victory over Wilson.

Players to watch: Marysville Pilchuck—Michael Painter, Sr., G; Bryce Juneau, Jr., G; Cole Grinde, Sr., G; Nate Heckendorf, Jr., G; Josh Bevan, Jr., G. Eastside Catholic—Matisse Thybulle, Sr., F; Mandrell Worthy, Sr., G; Max Hudgins, Sr., G.

Breakdown: The Crusaders finished second in the 3A Metro League, which sent five teams to the final eight in Tacoma. Led by Thybulle (18 points per game), a University of Washington signee, Eastside Catholic won each of its last three playoff games by six points or less. Worthy, who will play at Montana State, averages 15.5 points for the Crusaders.

The Tomahawks, meanwhile, are the lone representative from the Northwest District and are making their first state appearance in 22 years.

Twitter: @Krueger_David

Prediction: Eastside Catholic 63, Marysville Pilchuck 54