STANWOOD — Friday night’s boys lacrosse game between Kamiak and Stanwood was for second place in the Wesco/Northwest Division. The winner earned the second seed into the postseason, while the loser took the third seed, which requires a play-in game against the fifth-place team from the Metro League for a berth in the state tournament.
A 13-6 victory ensures Kamiak won’t have to play in that play-in game.
“We’re playoff bound, which is huge for our confidence and we can go in and get to work now,” Kamiak head coach Mike Harlow said.
Kamiak plays the third-place Metro team on May 19 in the first round of the state tournament. Stanwood plays in the play-in game on May 16.
Both teams came into the contest with one league loss and seemed evenly matched. A late run in the first quarter and a dominant fourth quarter proved to be the difference.
With the score tied 3-3, Kamiak scored three goals in the final minute and 25 seconds of the first quarter to extend its lead to 6-3.
“Hustle plays and faceoffs definitely helped us take the advantage there, along with ball placement and transition,” Harlow said.
Each team scored a goal in the second quarter and two apiece in the third quarter, giving Kamiak a 9-6 lead heading into the final quarter.
Kamiak outscored Stanwood 4-0 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
Stanwood had its chances, but the loss was marred by missed opportunities — especially on Kamiak’s penalities.
“The reason why we lost tonight is all the turnovers we had and we didn’t capitalize on man up,” Stanwood head coach Jesstin Perez said. “They (the Stanwood players) were ready, we just couldn’t capitalize on our opportunities.”
Kamiak outscored Stanwood in the fourth period by taking care of the ball and converting in transition. Junior Coleman Grayson helped lead the charge.
“He had probably four or five interceptions throughout the fourth quarter alone and they went straight into transition plays, so that helped us settle our offense,” Harlow said.
Kamiak’s offense was led by junior Steele Fosth, who finished with four goals and two assists and junior Tyler Keele, who had three goals and one assist. Sophomore Alex Indelicato added a goal and five assists.
“They definitely took over the game,” Harlow said of his three offensive leaders.
Fosth’s big game came after a tough week at practice.
“He’s been sick all week,” Harlow said. “He’s had kind of like a stomach virus. I guess he’s been kind of hungry to get back out here and help his team because he’s been out here watching everybody practice.”
Unlike many games played in the rain this season, the sun was out on Friday and though the weather was pleasant for the fans in attendance, the sun had its impact on the players. Both goalies, Stanwood senior Chris Blackwell and Kamiak freshman Joseph Prikhodko, seemed challenged to see the ball at points throughout the game. Despite the difficulties, each goalie finished with 10 saves.
“Both goalies played really well,” Harlow said. “I know that they set the fourth quarter up to have (Prikhodko) in the sun at probably the worst part (of the field) and we held them to zero goals. I think he had maybe three saves in the fourth quarter, which is pretty huge when you’re getting shot at and you can’t see the ball.”
Aaron Lommers covers prep sports for The Herald. Follow him on Twitter at @aaronlommers and contact him at alommers@heraldnet.com.
At Stanwood Middle School
Kamiak 6 1 2 4 — 13
Stanwood 3 1 2 0 — 6
Kamiak—Steele Fosth 4 goals, 2 assists; Alex Indelicato 1 goal, 5 assists; Tyler Keele 3 goals, 1 assist; Ben Barton 1 goal, Jacob Schmidt 2 goals; Nathan Wallen 1 goal; Anthany Smith 1 goal; Cole Montgomery 1 assist; Joseph Prikhodko 10 saves. Stanwood—Alex Major 1 goal; Taylor Tresch 2 assists; Jayce Wheeler 1 goal; Jack Delich 1 assist; Kane Ayling 3 goals, 1 assist; CJ Hilbrand 1 goal; Chris Blackwell 10 saves. Records—Kamiak 9-1 league, 11-1 overall. Stanwood 6-2, 7-3.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
