1/29/2026
PUYALLUP, WASH
James Thomas scored a game-high 18 points as the defending 1A State Champion Annie Wright Gators used a decisive 12-0 fourth-quarter run to secure a 53-47 victory over Cascade Christian on Thursday night.
With the win, Annie Wright improves to 6-0 in Nisqually League play and 12–6 overall. Cascade Christian drops to 12-5 overall and 4-1 in league action.
The matchup marked a rematch of a non-league regular season meeting earlier this year in Tacoma, where Annie Wright prevailed 66-59 in overtime.
Defense set the tone early. Annie Wright’s James Thomas and Cascade Christian’s Cole Theiste traded baskets in a tightly contested first quarter, with the Cougars holding a slim 10-9 lead after one. The defensive battle continued into the second quarter, as neither team gave an inch. A late jump shot from Thomas pushed the Gators ahead 20-18 at halftime.
Annie Wright began to create separation in the second half. Brian Holliday connected on a pair of three-pointers in the third quarter, helping the Gators extend their advantage to 34-29 heading into the final frame.
Cascade Christian found an offensive spark in the fourth quarter, as Marcus McNicol scored all eight of his points after halftime to pull the Cougars within two. However, Annie Wright responded emphatically, slamming the door shut with a 12-0 run fueled by key scoring plays from Z Poulin, Austin Collins, DJ Anderson, and Holliday.
The surge proved decisive, as the Gators closed out another statement win.
Scoring Summary
Annie Wright:
James Thomas (18), Brian Holliday (14), Austin Collins (7), Z Poulin (6), DJ Anderson (3), Riley Martinez (2)
Cascade Christian:
Cole Theiste (17), Marcus McNicol (8), Jeremiah Lowe (7), Kona Resseau (5), Trent Whittington (4), Borne Howerton (2), Corban Linderman (2)
Sumner Holiday Inn Express Game MVP: James Thomas (Annie Wright), 18 points
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Below are Annie Wright highlights from the game.
Annie Wright Highlights
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