High School Sports

News and commentary on high-school sports around Puget Sound.

Freshman Jayla Russ, thrust into action when senior Veronica Ladines broke her finger in practice after the start of district, exploded for 23 points and six rebounds as the sixth-ranked Eagles (22-4) reached their first state-title game since winning 3A in 1982.

The 6-foot Russ and Lindsay Brown, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds, helped Arlington rally from a 12-point deficit early in the third quarter in the semifinal showdown of top two finishers in the WesCo 4A North Division.

The Eagles survived a game-tying three-pointer from Lake Stevens’ Brittney Pahukoa as time expired in regulation, and outscored the ninth-ranked Vikings (20-8) in the overtime period. Pahukoa fouled out on a scramble play just 57 seconds into OT.

Pahukoa’s sister, Brooke, led Lake Stevens with 28 points and 14 rebounds.

Trailing 53-52, Lindsay Brown jab-stepped and faked a drive before delivering a go-ahead three-pointer from out top with 36.2 seconds left in regulation. Teammate Winter Brown added 1 of 2 free throws with 7.1 seconds to go for a 56-53 lead.

The two teams traded turnovers, Arlington making one final mistake in regulation with 3.3 seconds. After a Vikings timeout, the Eagles’ mistake gave Brittney Pahukoa just enough time to take the inbounds at midcourt , drive to the top of the three-point arc and launching the shot to force overtime.

It was the Eagles’ second win in three meetings between the two schools this season.