1/16/2026
The Emerald Ridge Jaguars stamped their status as the top dog in the SPSL on Thursday night, knocking off the previously unbeaten Bonney Lake Panthers, 69-54.
With the win, Emerald Ridge extends its lead atop the SPSL North to two games over Puyallup. Despite the loss, Bonney Lake remains three games clear of Olympia for first place in the SPSL South.
The SPSL scheduling format has teams playing home-and-home matchups within their division, while facing each team from the opposite division once, with home sites alternating each season.
Below is a look at the standings following action on January 15.
SPSL North Standings
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Emerald Ridge Jaguars — 11-0
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Puyallup Vikings — 9-2
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Sumner Spartans — 8-3
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Curtis Vikings — 6-4
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Rogers Rams — 3-8
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South Kitsap Wolves — 1-10
SPSL South Standings
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Bonney Lake Panthers — 10-1
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Olympia Bears — 6-4
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Graham-Kapowsin Eagles — 5-6
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Spanaway Lake Sentinels — 4-7
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Bethel Bison — 2-9
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Yelm Tornados — 0-11
SPSL North Outlook
Emerald Ridge tightened its grip on the No. 1 spot in the SPSL North with its win over Bonney Lake. With most teams having five games remaining, the Jaguars appear to have a clear runway toward the top seed in the SPSL Tournament.
The more intriguing race is for second place, where Puyallup and Sumner are on a collision course. A likely SPSL Tournament berth could hinge on their January 23 matchup in Sumner. Curtis travels to Olympia on Saturday in the lone SPSL divisional game of the weekend.
SPSL South Outlook
Bonney Lake remains firmly in the driver’s seat for the top seed in the SPSL South. The Panthers can clinch first place with a win next Friday, January 23, at Olympia.
Also on the slate that night is a key matchup between Spanaway Lake and Graham-Kapowsin. The Eagles won the first meeting this season, and a second win would put GK on the brink of securing its District Tournament spot.
Matchups to Watch Next Week
Friday, January 23 — Puyallup @ Sumner, 7 p.m. (Game of the Week)
A potential SPSL Tournament berth is likely on the line. Puyallup won the first meeting at Paul Hanawalt Pavilion, the night before Sumner’s football team captured its second consecutive state title.
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A Puyallup win would give the Vikings a strong hold on the SPSL’s second seed.
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A Sumner win would pull the teams into a tie, with both still needing to face Emerald Ridge one more time.
Friday, January 23 — Bonney Lake @ Olympia, 7 p.m.
The first meeting came down to the final shot. A Bonney Lake win would secure the Panthers the top seed in the SPSL South, while Olympia looks to solidify its status as a contender against the league’s newest powerhouse.
Friday, January 23 — Spanaway Lake @ Graham-Kapowsin, 7 p.m.
This matchup carries major postseason implications. A Graham-Kapowsin win would put the Eagles firmly on track for Districts, while a Spanaway Lake victory would set up a tight race for a top-three finish in the SPSL South.
SPSL 4A Boys Tournament Bracket
Top three seeds advance to the District Tournament.
February 5
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SPSL Semifinal: North #2 @ South #1
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SPSL Semifinal: South #2 @ North #1
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South #3 @ North #3 (Both teams advance to Districts)
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North #5 @ South #4 (Winner to Districts, loser eliminated)
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South #5 @ North #4 (Winner to Districts, loser eliminated)
February 7
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SPSL Championship Game — 4 p.m.
Tacoma Community College
Stay up to date on ESN for continued updates of the 4A Boys SPSL Playoff Picture
