Impressions from Tuesday night’s victory for Arlington over Lake Stevens

So far this season after I have watched a game I have been able to draw some conclusions about where each team is at in this early part of their season schedule.

After watching Lake Stevens and Arlington on Tuesday my thoughts are more of confusion.

The game was a tale of two halves. Lake Stevens dominated the first half behind 10 3-pointers, including four a piece from Devin Stoen and Dakota Tomson. But the Vikings were outdone in the second half by a great defensive effort from the Eagles, who rallied from an 18-point halftime deficit to win 63-59 and remain unbeaten on the season.

So I guess I have to start off with the winning team. Despite a poor first half, the Eagles were very impressive to comeback and win the game. And by improving to 6-0 on the season, their body of work remains impressive. However, a troubling thing was that first half — and not just for me. Eagles coach Nick Brown said that his team has turned in a few less than stellar performances in the first half of games so far this season. But just as impressive is their ability to persevere and continue to win.

The Vikings did a good job defensively on Terry Dawn, but the Eagles proved they had several other players who could step up. Kaleb Bryson scored 18, including four 3s, Noah Jones scored 14 and Bradey Brummel chipped in with 11. But it was really the defense that won the game for Arlington. After giving up 42 points in the first half, the Eagles allowed just 17 in the second half.

Since this was a game on the road against a team in Lake Stevens that is much better than its record (1-3), the Eagles have proven that they are going to be around for the long haul this season. It appears they just have some kinks that need to be worked out.

The Vikings are more of a mystery and could be a bit more of a work in progress. The good news for Lake Stevens is that they are loaded with talent. Tomson and Stoen are both go-to players for the Vikings that can produce. They are surrounded by players like Jared Rahn, Tory Rothgeb and Moussa Sanoh, who all have the ability to shoulder some of the offensive load.

The thing is, Tomson and Stoen are going to shoot lights out the way they did in the first half every game. They didn’t even maintain that clip for the entire game this time around. The Vikings rely a lot on the three and need more production from their post players. But this is a team loaded with seniors and led by Stoen and Tomson I have no doubt that they will continue to improve throughout the season.

After leading nearly every minute of the game, this was a devastating loss for the Vikings. But coach Mark Hein knows what he is doing and I’m certain he will make sure his team doesn’t overreact to this loss. I expect the Vikings to be ready to play their next time out and by the end of the season, we should be talking less about devastating losses and more about the playoffs.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Cal Raleigh wins 2025 MLB Home Run Derby

Cal Raleigh called his shot years ago. In a childhood video spreading… Continue reading

Portland Fire unveil name, branding as WNBA’s 15th team

A flame is being reignited for Portland’s new WNBA franchise. On Tuesday,… Continue reading

Silvertips forward Shea Busch participates in the Florida Panthers development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 1, 2025. Florida selected Busch in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 28. (Photo courtesy Shea Busch)
Shea Busch experiences whirlwind NHL Draft week

The Florida Panthers selected the Silvertips forward in the fourth round on June 28.

Late Mystics surge dooms Storm as stars struggle

Seattle dropped to 13-9 after shooting 36.2% from the field.

Jorge Polanco (7), right, of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his ninth inning home run with J.P. Crawford (3) while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Mariners sweep Tigers on way to All-Star break

The Detroit Tigers still have the best record in baseball,… Continue reading

Mariners select LSU pitcher with No. 3 pick in MLB draft

College baseball’s best pitcher is coming to the Emerald City. The Seattle… Continue reading

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning championship point against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentlemen's Singles Final on day 14 of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London. (Julian Finney / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Sinner conquers Alcaraz for his first Wimbledon title

The vision of Jannik Sinner covered in sweat and… Continue reading

Rome Odunze scans the field in a scrimmage at his youth football camp at Archbishop Murphy High School on July 10, 2025. The former University of Washington star is entering his second NFL season with the Chicago Bears. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Odunze ‘gives back’ in Everett youth football camp

The former University of Washington star hosts a single-day camp at Archbishop Murphy on Thursday.

The New York Yankees' Aaron Judge, top right, celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly ball during the 10th inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in New York. (Justin Casterline / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Yankees walk off Mariners on Judge’s sac fly for series sweep

Seattle blows 5-0 lead after Bryan Woo takes no-hitter into eighth inning.

Raleigh says Munoz tipped pitches during Yankees’ comeback

The Yankees had a bead on Seattle Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz. That’s… Continue reading

Midfielder Christian Soto dribbles up field during Snohomish United's 5-1 win against the Tacoma Stars at Stockers Fields on July 9, 2025 (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Snohomish United keeps playoff hopes alive in home finale

With 5-1 win against Tacoma, the USL2 club’s focus on local talent keys success in inaugural season.

AquaSox down Devils for consecutive wins

The AquaSox were on a 2-10 stretch coming into the series.

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.