The Edmonds-Woodway Warrior boys jumped to a big first-quarter lead and went on to beat the Lake Stevens Vikings 59-47 on Tuesday night at the Vikings’ home gym. The Warriors had their most balanced scoring effort of the season with all eight players getting on the board.
The Warriors started fast, opening the game with a 6-2 run. The focus on defense paid off as the Vikings were held to only seven first- quarter points, and the Warriors took an 18-7 advantage into the second quarter. The defensive intensity came at a price though, as both Travis Bakken and Jason Smarr were called for two quick fouls, forcing them to the bench for the remainder of the half.
Junior post Theo Lebesis came in for Bakken and played both solid defense and contributed six points in the first half to help the Warriors hold the lead. Devin Joseph scored eight points and distributed numerous assists as well. At halftime, the boys from E-W were ahead 34-23.
As often happens, Lake Stevens closed the gap early in the third quarter, getting to within file. Leading scorer Devin Stoen tried valiantly to will the home team to victory but the swarming defense forced him into rushing his shots and he finished with only nine points. Meanwhile, a rested Bakken teamed with Lebesis to fatigue the Vikings down low and the Warriors hung tough, ending the third period up 46-37.
In the fourth quarter, the Vikings got as close as seven points, but clutch foul shooting by Brad Rice, Joseph and Bakken allowed the Warriors to seal the victory. The Warriors’ balanced scoring was led by Bakken with 12, Joseph with 11, Lebesis with a season-high 10 and Luke Langdale, Alex Hull, Jason Smarr and Rice each adding six points. Leading scorer for the Vikings was Moussa Sanoh with 10.
The win, combined with a Kamiak loss, puts the Warriors in sole possession of second place in the Wesco South heading into this Friday’s game at first-place Jackson. Tip-off is 7:15 p.m. and the game can be heard starting with the 7:05 p.m. pregame on Warrior Radio.
Warrior scoring: Travis Bakken 12, Devin Joseph 11, Theo Lebesis 10, Alex Hull 6, Brad Rice 6, Luke Langdale 6, Jason Smarr 6, Tate Budnick 2
Viking scoring: Sanoh 10, Stoen 9, Dodge 9, Lian 8, Rahn 5, Blaine 3, Lat 2, Hendrickson, Stone, Rothgeb
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