A long holiday break did not change the fortune of the Mount Si Wildcat boys’ basketball team. Going into their first game back from the break Wednesday, Jan. 3, against the Issaquah Eagles, the ‘Cats had lost six in a row and were looking to break that long string of defeats. The Eagles, however, had other ideas, using tough defense and great shooting to easily steamroll Mount Si.

Aaron Bright scored 24 points and the freshman had a combined 8 for 12 from the field (inside and outside three-point range) as the Eagles took a 61-20 lead after three and cruised to an 80-47 blowout of the Wildcats. Issaquah shot almost 60 percent from the floor and their defense was excellent as well, forcing 23 Mount Si turnovers.

David Wink scored 11 points to lead the Wildcats; the sophomore was the only Mount Si player in double figures. Junior Brent Hobzek added 18 for the Eagles while sophomore Robbie Primrose pitched in 11 to pace Issaquah.

Poor shooting didn’t help matters; the Wildcats shot just 34 percent from the field and missed all six three-point attempts. There was one positive: Mount Si out-rebounded the Eagles 14-9 on the offensive glass, but the rebounding battle overall was fairly even – 30 for Issaquah, 29 for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats returned home Friday, Jan. 5, and hosted Sammamish. The two programs are building a good rivalry. Last season’s four meetings were all classic battles, especially the two in the postseason that enabled Mount Si to win both a Kingco tournament title and state tournament berth. Even though the casts may be different (seniors from last year such as the Wildcats’ Kevin Englund and Kyle Clearman, and Sammamish’s Bright, Thomas and Danny, have graduated and both team’s coaches are new this year with rebuilding rosters), that didn’t stop the two teams from playing another down-to-the-wire classic.

For the complete story, pick up a copy of the Valley Record or subscribe by calling (425) 888-2311