Russo, Wolves and steals.
It sounds more like a famous band or law firm.
Instead, it was the story of the game Tuesday, as visiting Eastlake knocked off Lake Washington 67-65 in a KingCo 4A matchup.
The only music heard was “string music” courtesy of Wolves’ senior forward Michael Russo, and the 33 points he poured through the nets. And, the only resemblance of a crime was the 13 steals the Wolves had against the Kangaroos.
On paper, Lake Washington’s size, overall record, and home-court advantage didn’t bode well for visiting Eastlake. Add to that the disappointment of a heart-breaking, two-point loss to Garfield in the Wolves’ last contest. But someone forgot to tell Eastlake the cards were stacked against them.
Down 32-25 at halftime, the Wolves came out of the locker room with increased focus, intensity and active hands going on a 7-0 run and knotting the score, 32-32.
Russo hit back-to-back three-pointers from the right baseline, and muscled his way to a three-point play inside helping lead the Wolves to a 50-46 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Eastlake continued its intensity on defense in the fourth, and Russo continued to fearlessly take it right to the big men of Lake Washington, drawing the hoop and harm. After inserting its starters for a final push, Lake Washington cut into the Wolves’ lead down the stretch, going inside to Darien Nelson-Henry. Ryan Guisness hit a big shot with 18 seconds remaining, cutting the score to 66-65. Lake Washington got the ball back, but Russo had a huge block with 4 seconds remaining, and after being fouled, Ryan Sikma knocked down one of two free throws to make it 67-65. Russo then stole the in-bounds pass to seal the big victory.
“I told them we needed to keep the ball from going inside to their big man, and to turn-up their intensity,” said Eastlake head coach Pat Bangasser, of his halftime speech.
Lake Washington got off to a fast start in the game going inside frequently to 6-foot-10 sophomore, Darien Nelson-Henry, who led the Kangaroos with 18 points.
Eastlake got some energy and solid play off the bench from reserves Anas Elkugia, Justin Lester, and Chad Marxen, and narrowed the once double-digit lead to six, 18- 12, at the end of the first quarter.
With the victory, Eastlake improved to 4-3 in league and 7-4 overall. They travel to rival Redmond at 8 p.m., Friday.
Skyline hangs on over Roosevelt
Skyline carried a 13-point lead into the fourth quarter against Roosevelt Tuesday night, and held on for a 48-43 road victory.
The Spartans, who erupted for 21 first-quarter points, were led by Cory Hutsen’s game-high 19 points. Connor Gacek scored 13 for Skyline, which improved to 5-1 in league play and 9-1 overall.
The Spartans square off against rival Issaquah at 8 p.m., Friday at Bellevue Community College before facing Garfield at 12:30 p.m., Monday in the King Holiday Hoopfest at the University of Washington.
Issaquah falls to Ballard
Issaquah led by five at halftime, but couldn’t hang on against Ballard, Tuesday, falling 65-53 on the road.
The Eagles carried a 28-23 lead to the locker room, but were outscored 20-9 in the third, and couldn’t recover.
Joe Evans led Issaquah with a team-high 21 points. Derek Quan and Nick Price had eight apiece. Gary Smith, Jr., led the Beavers with a game-high 22 points.
Issaquah fell to 1-6 in league and 4-7 overall with the loss. The Eagles host Skyline at 8 p.m., Friday at Bellevue Community College.
EC tripped up by Lakeside
Eastside Catholic lost a close defensive battle, 40-35, to Lakeside on Tuesday.
Joey Schreiber and Jake Springfield each scored 10 for the Crusaders.
Sten Jernudd led the Lions with a game-high 12 points.
Eastside fell to 3-5 in league and 3-9 overall. The Crusaders host O’Dea at 6:15 p.m., Friday.
