Everett, WA – The Trojans entered Wednesday nights matchup with three games remaining on the schedule, and an opportunity to claw back up to the top of the North Region standings. The visiting Skagit Valley Cardinals came in having lost three of the last four but the last time they came to the Walt Price Center they escaped with a 81-78 win.
The Trojans scored the first bucket of the game, but that would be their only lead of the first half, until a pair of Devin Smith free throws put EvCC back up 33-31 with a minute to play in the half. That score would hold through to the halftime buzzer and despite trailing for nearly 18 minutes in the half, the Trojans held on to a two point advantage. It was a balanced offensive attack with Brendon Redford leading the way at 10 points and 5 rebounds. Brycen Dillworth added 8 points and 3 assists, with Jake Howe and Devin Smith each chipping in 5.
Skagit opened up the second half right out of the gate with a made three to reclaim the lead but it was answered right back with a Cam Millican three. From there the lead would change five more times with two ties going into the under ten-minute media timeout. With game tied at 51, Skagit would take the lead back with a made three under eight minutes to play. More lead changes and ties would ensue through the next several minutes of action, neither team backing down. With just under two minutes to play Skagit Valley hit their 9th three of the game to take a one point lead but Brendon Redford answered right back and the Trojans held a one point lead with the ball and 39 seconds to play.
After a foul, Brycen Dillworth went to the line to shoot one and one, but missed the front end, giving SVC a chance to take the lead with ten seconds remaining. After a timeout out, Skagit drew up a play and had a shot at the buzzer to win, but it bounced off the back iron and the Trojans preserved the 69-68 win.
Brendon Redford led the Trojans with 24 points, a season high and the 3rd time this season scoring 20 or more points. He also grabbed 11 rebounds and led the Trojans on the glass. Cam Millican hit some timely threes finishing with 10 points and 5 assists and Brycen Dillworth finished with 11 points going 5-6 from the field, also dishing out 5 assists.
The Trojans will close out the season with a pair of games against Bellevue, which will determine first place in the North Region. Everett will head to Bellevue on Friday for a 4pm tip off, and then will turn around and close out the season the following afternoon on Saturday at the Walt Price Center.