Eagles finish as champs
Published 8:40 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008
In what was befitting a championship, the annual “Battle of the Birds” basketball game between the Snoqualmie Middle School and Chief Kanim Middle School eighth-grade varsity boys’ basketball teams did not disappoint those who turned out recently, as the game went into overtime. Chief Kanim entered the gym with an impressive 8-1 record, surpassed only by Snoqualmie at 9-0. With both teams battling for a championship, the game proved to be one for the annals, combining both pressure and emotion.
Snoqualmie’s Caleb Williams dribbled his way through defensive pressure, dishing out assists to teammates en route to scoring 10 first- half points. Taylor McCain was once again a force inside, grabbing rebounds and putting soft-touch baskets off the glass to lead all first-half scorers with 11. Alex Anderson bombed one in from long range, while Ian Brown, Max Nelson and Frank McLaughlin all contributed buckets in the first half as the Eagles went to the locker room with a 32-26 lead.
Chief Kanim was determined to play this game to the end, and began to chip away at the lead. However, with Kevin Isackson taking charges and applying the tough defense along side Brown, who also hit a clutch three, the Eagles were able to hold onto a 42-38 lead after three quarters. With regulation time running out, both teams had opportunities to win the game but the ball bounced its way into overtime. In the extra period, behind some ferocious screens from McLaughlin, Williams and McCain were able to score key baskets, posting up their opponents and also connecting on some pressure free throws, allowing the Eagles to increase their lead. Nelson iced the game with a late free throw, which enabled the Eagles to post a 57-53 win and end their 10-0 season as undefeated league champs.
“I’m extremely proud of the whole team’s effort and dogged determination displayed throughout the season.” said coach Brad Hillard.
Awards went to the following individuals: Taylor McCain and Caleb Williams shared Most Valuable Player honors. Frank McLaughlin took home Most Improved Player and Chris Goforth took home Most Inspirational Player. Pictured are, back row, left to right, Chirs Goforth, Frank McLaughlin, coach Brad Hillard, Max Nelson and Taylor McCain. Front row, left to right is Trevor Gardunia, Alex Anderson, Caleb Williams, Kevin Isackson and Ian Brown.
