Shorecrest Boys claim District Crown again, 55-52

Shorecrest boys basketball team, coaches and families
after District win against Stanwood.
Photo by Frank Workman

Boys' basketball
District finals Friday, 2-18-2017
Jackson High School
Shorecrest 55 - Stanwood 52

By Frank Workman

This season the Stanwood Spartans slashed a swatch through the state of Washington, defeating every in-state team they faced.

Until Friday night when they ran into a buzzsaw in the Shorecrest Scots.

For the second straight year, the Shorecrest boys (21-2) have claimed the District One championship by defeating Stanwood (21-2) 55-52 Friday night at Jackson HS.

Malcolm Rosier-Butler keeps the ball just out of reach while setting up a play.
Photo by Geoff Vlcek

Scots senior Malcolm Rosier-Butler performed a tight-rope act, scoring 27 points while being in foul trouble throughout the game. MRB was whistled for his second foul just three minutes into the game, yet returned in the second quarter to account for 13 points, giving him 16 for the first half alone. He netted four 3-point baskets in the first half alone.

With MRB on the bench for most of the first quarter, Stanwood sped to a 20-11 lead, with their vaunted half-court trap forcing numerous turnovers and easy baskets.

But the Scots adjusted, outscoring the Spartans 19-7 in the second stanza, including a 14-2 run over a stretch of four minutes, as they took a 30-27 lead into halftime.

MRB picked up his third and fourth fouls in the first two minutes of the second half, the fourth coming on the most questionable call of the entire season.

The game was nip-and-tuck until midway into the final quarter when the Spartans spurted to a six point lead midway into the fourth, 48-42. But the Scots' defense stifled the Spartans down the stretch as they held Stanwood to only four points the rest of the way.

Shorecrest's Chris Lee drives the ball into the paint
between three Stanwood defenders. Photo by Geoff Vlcek

SC's Chris Lee only made one basket all night, but it was a biggie as his 3-pointer broke a 50-all tie with just under a minute to play. Lee finished the night with 8 points (including 5-for-5 from the line) and provided a steady hand against Stanwood's stellar defense.

Stanwood contributed to their own demise by going 2-for-7 from the free throw line in the final quarter.

Coach Brian Fischer cuts down the net
Photo by Frank Workman

Said Scots coach Brian Fischer as he headed happily to the team bus, "We're the only team in Washington to beat those guys." 

(Stanwood's lone loss of the year was a Xmas holiday tournament game against Mater Dei, from Santa Ana, CA.)

 "After losing to them in their gym a week and a half ago, we knew we could beat them if we played well enough. And we sure did."

Both teams were assured a berth to Regionals next weekend. The WIAA will announce pairings on Sunday.


Shorecrest      11     19     9     16     55
Stanwood       20      7      9     16     52