Eastside Catholic defeats North Thurston to advance in state tournament

The Eastside Catholic Crusaders (ECHS) trounced the North Thurston Rams, 67-43, Friday night with an overwhelming early lead, advancing to Round 12 on the road to state.

Scoring first, Jacob Cofie kicked off the game with a quick two-pointer for ECHS, setting the tone for the night. While the Rams answered each Crusaders bucket at first, they eventually could not keep pace and fell short, 18-12, to end the opening quarter.

The second quarter was decisive as the Crusaders created an insurmountable lead that they would maintain throughout the game. Their ironclad defense allowed only one Rams three-pointer for the first half of the quarter, while their offense continued to sink basket after basket, including three-point buckets from Tate Dawson and Kayden Greene. The Rams fought to make a comeback but were unable to overcome the Crusaders assault. ECHS closed the half with a decisive 42-17 chasm.

After a time-out by the Crusaders one minute into the third quarter, both teams returned with renewed energy for the second half. The Crusaders continued their attack, but the Rams seemed ready to fight. Initially, the Rams answered each basket and blocked several shots, but the Crusaders worked together smoothly throughout the game with lightning-fast passes and consistent shooting. While North Thurston picked up momentum, the deficit proved too much and they ended the third quarter trailing by 30 for a 56-26 shortfall.

With a secure lead in the fourth quarter, the Crusaders defense appeared to ease up, allowing a series of 2-point buckets and a 3-pointer from Rams Conner Seward and Jorden Walker.

In the end, North Thurston simply could not overcome the enormous difference and the Crusaders brought home an easy 67-43 victory

The Eastside Catholic Crusaders advance to the next round of tournament play on Thursday, Feb. 29, at 2:00 p.m. at the Tacoma Dome. They will face off against Lincoln High School.