Everett, WA – The race for the north region resumed on Saturday afternoon with a date against the Bulldogs of Bellevue College. The Trojans sit at 4-4 while the Bulldogs are 3-5 and suffered a first round loss to EvCC earlier in the season.
Bellevue opened up the game as the aggressors and got up by nine, just three minutes into the game. Everett struggled against the opposing zone defense and shot just 37% from the floor, one of five from beyond the arc. Meanwhile Bellevue was over 53% from the floor and got up by as many as 16. Everett might have been down by more if not for Raefe McEnroe who carried the Trojans with 19 first half points. At the break, Everett improved the team field goal percentage to 50% but still trailed by 10. EvCC's leading scorer Derek Smith was held scoreless on just two shot attempts.
The Trojans had some revitalization to start the second half and slowly chipped away at the lead. Jailin Johnson started a surge with a made three, that was followed by back-to-back threes from Daniel Headdings. Derek Smith got the first lead of the game for EvCC on a drive and score, and Everett led 51-50.
The Trojans had several shots at the rim that just rolled out, not getting the benefit of missed foul calls and Bellevue took advantage, regaining the lead by four with five minutes to play. After some great back and forth action, the Trojans trailed by two with 1:14 to play. Everett got the stop they needed and Ethan Martin hit the go ahead three with 30 seconds remaining. Up by one, EvCC got the stop they needed, then Jailin Johnson and Raefe McEnroe sealed the game with four consecutive free throws. The Trojans earned their 5th north region win, 83-78 over Bellevue.
Raefe McEnroe finished the game with 24 points, a new career high and grabbed 12 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season. Ethan Martin finished the game with 16 and added 7 assists, while Derek Smith scored all 11 of his points in the second half. Daniel Headdings, normally known for his defensive presence, scored 11 as well and hit two momentous threes.
Peninsula and Shoreline, the region leaders both took losses tonight, which moves Everett just one game out of first place. They play a big game on Valentines Day next week against Skagit Valley who is also 5-4. Everett beat the Cardinals in their previous meeting 82-71. Tip off for that game is at 7pm.