2/7/2026

TACOMA, WA

The Puyallup Vikings captured their second consecutive SPSL Championship, defeating the Emerald Ridge Jaguars 65-60 in a tightly contested title game. The victory marked a repeat championship for Puyallup and capped a postseason run that saw the Vikings avenge two regular-season losses to the Jaguars.

Puyallup set the tone early behind Bennett Hedman, who opened the game with a three-pointer as the Vikings raced out to a 7-0 lead. Emerald Ridge answered behind Jordan Bennett, who connected on three three-pointers in the opening quarter to keep the Jaguars within reach. Puyallup carried a 19-10 advantage after the first quarter.

Perimeter shooting continued to headline the second quarter. Will Nasinec knocked down a pair of three-pointers as part of a strong offensive start for the Vikings. Emerald Ridge responded with three-pointers from Isaiah Kilbourne and Jamaize McGriff, and McGriff later fueled an 8-2 run with his work in the post to trim the deficit to 33-29. Darius Alexander added a late three to bring the Jaguars within one, but Nasinec closed the half with a dunk as time expired, giving Puyallup a 37-34 lead at halftime.

The Vikings maintained control in the third quarter behind the interior play of Mason Sonntag and continued outside shooting from Hedman. Momentum swung further in Puyallup’s favor when Nasinec converted an and-one, helping the Vikings extend their lead to 54-48 heading into the fourth quarter.

Emerald Ridge made a late push in the final period. Ellis Mosley gave the Jaguars their first lead of the game with 4:19 remaining, but Puyallup quickly responded. Nasinec threw down a momentum-shifting dunk to restore the Vikings’ lead, and Hedman followed with a clutch three-pointer with 2:03 remaining to make it 61-57. Sonntag added a key layup in the final minute, and Puyallup sealed the win with a defensive stop in the final seconds.

With the victory, Puyallup repeats as SPSL Champions and heads into the district tournament with momentum after postseason wins over Bonney Lake and Emerald Ridge.

Here is a look at the scorers for the game.

Emerald Ridge

Jamaize McGriff 17; Jordan Bennett 16; Mychal Turner 8; Darius Alexander 8; Ellis Mosley 5; Isaiah Kilbourne 3; Gurshane Bhandal 3

Puyallup

Will Nasinec 18; Mason Sonntag 16; Bennett Hedman 11; Quamari Costello 10; Nick Jones 8; Porter Richardson 2

Both teams await the release of the District Playoffs Schedule to be released Sunday.

ESN Interviews Puyallup’s Will Nasinec and Quamari Costello

Final Seconds

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