Basketball roundup: Przybylski’s 31 points powers Skyline over Hazen
Skyline High School
Boys (6-2):
Skyline 54, Issaquah 64 (May 3)
In a key rivalry game, Skyline hosted the visiting Eagles on May 3. With a slow start for both teams, the game was tied at 29 at the half. The Spartans struggled in the third quarter, managing only 3 points, and falling behind by 13. Skyline was unable to recover despite a 22-point fourth quarter. Senior Tyler Halter contributed 14 points on the night, while fellow senior Kauner Przybylski put up 22 points for the Spartans.
Skyline 80, Hazen 59 (May 4)
After Monday’s loss, Skyline coach Gordon Kaplan told his team, “Don’t tell me, show me,” challenging his players to rise to the occasion for their final game of the season. On senior night, at Skyline High School, the Spartans did just that with a decisive victory over the Hazen Highlanders from Renton. Senior Kyle Shim had a hot hand, chipping in 13 points, while senior Tyler Halter added 11 points. But the biggest performance of the night was 31 points put up by Kauner Przybylski, which included an astounding five 3-pointers. Przybylski set a new Skyline record this season for points-per-game, averaging 21.8, and will have his name placed on the leaderboard at Skyline High School. Skyline finished the season with a 6-2 record.
Girls (4-3):
Skyline 69, Issaquah 33 (May 3)
Skyline 23, Hazen 41 (May 5)
Eastlake High School
Boys (7-1):
Eastlake 57, Redmond 67 (May 3)
The Wolves came out on fire with an early lead to end the quarter up 15-9. Redmond attempted a comeback during the remainder of the first half, but the Wolves responded. Junior captains Cooper Brown and Will Woodward managed all of Eastlake’s 14 points in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Redmond came out fighting, putting up 20 points to Eastlake’s 16, and the game was tied at 45 apiece. Redmond continued its hot streak through the fourth quarter, taking a 10-point lead over Eastlake and winning the game 67-57, giving Eastlake its first and only loss of the season. Will Woodward achieved a double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Cooper Brown scored 14 points and Jackson Edward contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds.
Eastlake 51, Lake Washington 46 (May 4)
In Eastlake’s final game of the season against Lake Washington, both teams struggled to put points on the board, with an anemic 8-6 Eastlake lead after the first quarter. While Eastlake continued to struggle in finding their groove in the first half, Lake Washington managed to put up 13 points and led at the half 21-19. Determined to bring home a victory to end their season, Eastlake held Lake Washington to only 9 points and was up 33-30 after the third quarter. The fourth quarter was a tense back and forth, but with the help of several free throws, the Wolves eventually took the lead to finish the season with a 51-46 victory. Will Woodward got another double-double with 15 points and dominated the boards with 20 rebounds. Cooper Brown had 10 points and 6 rebounds, and Jackson Edward chipped in 14 points on the night. The Eastlake Wolves ended a phenomenal season by clinching the 2021 district championship. They have been invited to play in a tournament in June.
Girls (6-2):
Eastlake 50, Redmond 28 (May 3)
The Lady Wolves traveled to Redmond for their third and final meeting. Despite some poor shooting in the first half, Eastlake’s solid defense and second-half tenacity carried them for the win. The team shared the ball and had a very balanced night of scoring. Sophomore Kaylia Jackson led the way with 11 points, 7 deflections and 3 steals. Sophomore Ava Schmidt added 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. Junior Hallie Sehlin had 8 points and 7 rebounds. Senior Emily Holsan ended the night with 7 points, 4 deflections and 8 steals.
Eastlake 56, Lake Washington 63 (May 4)
The Lady Wolves had their final game at home against the Lady Kangs. Eastlake struggled early, ending the first quarter down 19-4. To open the second quarter, the Wolves bench provided a much-needed spark, with a Genevieve Hastings layup to pull the Wolves within 7 at the half. Unfortunately, the second half was as competitive as the first. Despite some late fourth quarter success and a last-second 3-pointer by Senior Kaitlyn O’Brien, the Wolves lost their final game of the season. Sophomore Ava Schmidt ended the night with 22 points, shooting 53% from the field, grabbed 8 rebounds and blocked 2 shots. Senior Emily Holsan contributed 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Junior McKayla Matsuoka had 7 points, 4 assists and 2 steals.
Eastside Catholic High School
Boys (4-0):
Eastside Catholic 65, Lakeside 38 (May 5)
In a match against Lakeside of Seattle, both teams were off to a slow start, and the Crusaders led at the half 24-16. The Crusaders came out strong in the third quarter, outshooting the Lions 23-11 to distance the lead and they never looked back. Eastside Catholic brought home the win with four players in double figures. Shane Nowell and Jaylahn Tuimoloau had 13 points each. James Laurence put up 10 points, and Patton Lanier added 11 points on the night.
Eastside Catholic 83, Franklin 55 (May 7)
Eastside Catholic came out strong with a pressure defense against Franklin, jumping to a stellar 34-11 lead in the first quarter. Maintaining pressure, the Crusaders held a significant lead at the half, 60-25. Franklin point guard Tariek Harris led the Quakers with 22 points, but it just was not enough against an insurmountable Eastside Catholic defense from seniors Isaaac Ticeson and Tate Cerrino. James Laurence had 24 points. Jaylahn Tuimoloau put up 16 points. Bennett Olujic kept the ball moving with 11 assists.
Girls (1-2):
Eastside Catholic 37, Seattle Prep 63 (May 5)
Gordon Kaplan, Shahin Lotfi, James MacIntyre and Megan Novak contributed to this report.
