By Christopher Taylor
Herald Writer
EVERETT – Facing a motivated opponent in a hostile gym, with playoff seeding at stake, Mariner used outside shooting to come from behind and defeat Everett 53-47 Friday in a Western Conference South Division game played at Everett.
Mariner senior forward Josh Bollinger ruined Everett’s senior night, scoring a team-high 14 points, including four 3-point baskets. Bollinger’s performance was even more impressive because he played despite an ankle sprain which occurred in an earlier practice.
“It didn’t cross my mind that I was not 100 percent, once I started warmups, I believed I was fine,” said Bollinger after the game. “Tonight I was able to get and make some shots from the outside. This win will totally boost our confidence for the playoffs.”
Bollinger’s fourth 3-point basket increased Mariner’s lead to 45-37 with 6:32 to play in the fourth quarter. However, Everett stormed back to tie the score at 45 when junior forward Adam Moore scored two of his game-high 16 points on a layup with 4:10 to go.
Mariner made four straight free throws to take the lead for good at 49-47 with 2:24 remaining. Moore scored on a short jumper trimming the lead to 49-47 on the next Everett possession, but Mariner was able to hold the ball, forcing Everett to foul. Mariner converted on their final four free-throws to hold on for victory.
“I thought our team played well, executing defensively and running the offense,” said Mariner coach Dexter Griffen. “Bollinger was not 100 percent, but he gave it all he had tonight. This was a big win, now we get to start the playoffs at our place.”
Everett had their biggest lead at 13-9 in the second quarter before Mariner went on a 16-8 run to take a 25-21 halftime lead.
“My worst nightmare came true tonight,” said Everett coach Darrell Olson. “These kids can shoot and Mariner is an athletic team. They can check and rebound. I told our team after the game that we have to gear down and then tomorrow gear up and get ready for Tuesday.”
Mariner’s (13-5 league, 14-6 overall) victory clinches second place in the South, while Everett (11-7, 13-7) fell to fourth in the league. Mariner will now host Cascade on Tuesday and Everett travels to Snohomish in playoff action.
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Mariner-Stockl 5, Livingston 3, Quinn 9, Woodley 2, Olson 9, Bollinger 14, Grondahl 11. Everett-Lee 4, Allison 13, Sophan 8, Cronin 2, Wertheimer 4, Moore 16 3-point goals-Lee 3, Grondahl 1, Livingston 1, Stockl 1, Olson 2, Bollinger 4, Quinn 1. Records-Mariner 13-5 in league, 14-6 overall. Everett 11-7, 13-7.
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