12/9/2025
PUYALLUP, WASH
In a battle of SPSL kingpins, Emerald Ridge thanks to opportune offensive rebounds and smart defense captured a statement win over the Puyallup Vikings in a tightly contested 57-51 affair.
Emerald Ridge saw contributions from Jordan Bennett and Darius Alexander who each scored 18 points in the win. Puyallup saw Will Nasinec and Bennett Hedman tie for the team lead in scoring with 12 points.
Puyallup and Emerald Ridge reignited their rivalry after four meetings last season. The home team won each of the regular season encounters before Puyallup won the SPSL Championship 53-48. The Vikings followed that up by trouncing Emerald Ridge in the District Playoffs 67-47. Both Puyallup and Emerald Ridge went on to advance to the Tacoma Dome in the State Tournament, with Puyallup advancing all the way to the State Championship Game.
The game began with fireworks in the first quarter. Emerald Ridge’s Jordan Bennett and Darius Alexander chipped in for 12 of 14 first quarter points. Puyallup Head Coach Kevin Olson had seen enough, he called timeout trailing ER 14-7. That proved to be the spark Puyallup needed. Quamari Costello lit up the highlight reel with a pair of ankle breaking jump shots. Will Nasinec scored 10 first quarter points, to fuel a furious 14-0 Puyallup scoring run.
To add insult to injury for Emerald Ridge, Jamaize McGriff, the Jaguars 6’7 forward was dealt with three fouls in the first quarter. Emerald Ridge leaned on Jordan Bennett in the second quarter. His quickness and effortless release dragged Emerald Ridge back in the game. Puyallup led at halftime 28-24.
The second half was a battle of the defenses. Highlighted by a defensive effort from Jamaize McGriff shelved with his three fouls. Ellis Mosley stepped in with important free throw makes for ER to claw them back in the third quarter. Puyallup led 39-36 after three quarters.
In the fourth, both teams traded punches reminiscent to a 12 round bout. Bennett Hedman turned up the heat with several corner 3’s. Lawson Looker and Mason Sonntag supplied the offense for Puyallup. Emerald Ridge saw their weight carried by Jordan Bennett and Darius Alexander.
The critical juncture came with a minute left in the game when Emerald Ridge went to the free throw line with in the bonus in a 51-51 tie. What came next was an offensive rebound display. ER would claim four offensive rebounds off free throw misses to supply a 57-51 lead and seemingly ice the game.
The Sumner Holiday Inn MVP of the Game was Jordan Bennett with 18 points.
To catch the full broadcast replay Click Here (Subscription Required)
Here is our interview with Mychal Turner and Game MVP Jordan Bennett followed up by highlights of the game to be posted shortly.
ESN Interviews Game MVP Jordan Bennett and Mychal Turner in Sumner Holiday Inn Express Post Game Show
www.elisportsnetwork.com
