HS Boys Basketball: Emerald Ridge Returns to SPSL Championship

2/5/2026

PUYALLUP, WASH

Emerald Ridge 66 Olympia 51

In a rematch of last year’s SPSL Semifinal, the Emerald Ridge Jaguars repeated history with a 66-51 win over the Olympia Bears.

Emerald Ridge with the win advances to the SPSL Championship Game 4pm against Puyallup. Olympia looks ahead to the District Playoffs scheduled to start next Friday.

Five Olympia Bears scored in the first quarter to keep the state capital in pace with Emerald Ridge, with the score at the end of one quarter even at 14-14. Emerald Ridge faced adversity early on with forward Jamaize McGriff acquiring two fouls in the game’s first four minutes. But Emerald Ridge’s Mychal Turner has proven to be one of the standout seniors for Pat Mullen’s Jaguars side. Turner shined with 10 first half points to stretch Emerald Ridge into a 32-22 halftime lead.

In the second half, Emerald Ridge slammed the door shut on any hopes for an Olympia rally. Jordan Bennett scored 15 second half points to put the Jaguars in command. The turning point of the half came when Bennett deposited a layup to extend the ER lead to 47-31. Seconds later, Bennett came away with a steal and Darius Alexander fed Bennett for a three pointer to leave no doubt in the outcome.

Emerald Ridge held on for the win to return to the SPSL Championship where they face Puyallup for the second straight year. Puyallup won last year’s encounter 53-48, however Emerald Ridge won both regular season meetings this season.

Here is a look at scoring from the game.

Olympia:

Brody Cronk 13; Keegan Bell 10; Elijah Buol 9; Elijah Lewis 7; Brian Stevenson 6; Braden Barrett 2; Kingston Stanciu 1

Emerald Ridge:

Jordan Bennett 21; Mychal Turner 13; Darius Alexander 8; Isaiah Kilbourne 7; Jamaize McGriff 6; Gurshane Bhandal 6; Ellis Mosley 3; Corbin Williams 2;

Our Holiday Inn Express Game MVP was Mychal Turner with 13 points in the win.

To catch the full game broadcast Click Here (Subscription Required).

Below is our interview with Game MVP Mychal Turner and Darius Alexander followed up by highlights of the game.

ESN Interviews Game MVP Mychal Turner and Darius Alexander