2/17/26
#2 Emerald Ridge Jaguars 80, #7 Bonney Lake Panthers 62
(South Hill, WA) The Emerald Ridge Jaguars and Bonney Lake Panthers met once in the regular season at Emerald Ridge. The Jaguars had a 15-point victory en route to a perfect 16-0 regular season in SPSL play. Emerald Ridge made school history last season, making the State Tournament and a trip to the Tacoma Dome for the first time. Bonney Lake is looking to make State for the first time in their school’s history after a terrific regular season. A trip to State and the District 3/4 Semifinals on Thursday was on the line in this high-stakes matchup.
In the first quarter, neither team could miss from three-point range. The first six field goals made were all threes as Emerald Ridge led 12-6 halfway through the quarter. The Jaguars would go on a 15-4 run to close out the quarter and take a 27-12 lead. Six different Jaguars scored, led by Isaiah Kulbourne, who had eight in the opening frame, and Ellis Mosley came off the bench for seven points. Bonney Lake responded with a massive second quarter surge, doubling up Emerald Ridge 22-11 in the quarter. Jayden Barrett had seven of his nine points in the second, while Tae Jackson added five for the Panthers. Emerald Ridge led 38-32 at the halftime break.
In the third quarter, Emerald Ridge came out swinging again, as they put up 24 in the stanza. Isaiah Kilbourne had another big quarter with seven points, while Darius Alexander Jr. and Jordan Bennett each chipped in with a pair of baskets. The Jaguars led 62-44 going into the fourth. The two sides ran stride for stride in the final eight minutes, as each team put up 18 points. Jordan Bennett refused to miss from downtown, burying three triples to help lead Emerald Ridge to an 80-62 victory.
The Sumner Holiday Inn Express Game MVP went to Emerald Ridge’s Isaiah Kilbourne. Kilbourne scored 15 points, knocked down three three-pointers, and helped the Jaguars play stifling defense all night.
Emerald Ridge was led by Jordan Bennett, who had a game-high 25 points. Jamaize McGriff had 13 points, Darius Alexander Jr. had 11 points, Ellis Mosley had 10 points, and Gurshane Bhandal had six points.
Bonney Lake was led by Jace Andino, who had 17 points, 11 of them coming in the second half. Tae Jackson came off the bench for 12 points, Eli Davis had 11 points, Jayden Barrett and Cole Seminara each had nine points, and Keenan Perry had four points.
Emerald Ridge has clinched a spot in the State Tournament with the win. The Jaguars will face #3 Camas on Thursday at 6 PM at Auburn High School in a District 3/4 Semifinal. Emerald Ridge improves to 22-3 on the season.
Bonney Lake drops to 20-4 on the year and hosts #12 Union on Thursday at 7 PM in a loser-out game. The Panthers must win two games in a row for their first State Tournament appearance.
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ESN Talks With Game MVP Isaiah Kilbourne
Game Highlights
Darius Alexander Jr. Sets Up Jamaize McGriff For The Jam
Game MVP Isaiah Kilbourne Drains Three
Bonney Lake’s Eli Davis Sinks Three-Pointer
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