Kienan Walter shook off a tough Wednesday night at the free-throw line to sink three foul shots in the closing seconds as the Knights rallied past the Cruisers in a loser-out contest at W.F. West High School in Cheahlis.
The win earns King’s Way a spot in the regional round of the Class 1A state playoffs. The Knights (17-6) will play Kalama at 6 p.m. on Saturday at W.F. West for third place in the District 4 tournament.
Walter scored 10 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter as King’s Way came back from an eight-point deficit midway through the final quarter.
The winning points came when Walter made all three free throws after he was fouled on a 3-point attempt. Walter was just 4-for-15 from the line prior to making the three at the end of the game.
Walter then stole the ball on the next Eatonville possession to seal the victory.
“We just picked up the defensive energy and the kids dug their heels in because they knew we needed to get extra possessions (in the fourth quarter),” King’s Way coach Daven Harmeling said.
Kyle Gonzales had a key steal for a layup, and turned a defensive rebound into an outlet pass for a Walter dunk that helped to energize the Knights’ rally.
King’s Way would have been in control if not for a tough night at the foul line. The Knights finished 14-for-31 from the line, while Eatonville only attempted nine free throws.
KING’S WAY CHRISTIAN 48, EATONVILLE 46
EATONVILLE — Ray Springer 13, George Tomal 2, Johnathon Warner 2, Wyatt Coleman 5, Jake Johnson 8, Brooks Moeller 4, Carson Hutchings 10, Jacob McCormick 0, Justin Brandt 0, Kaelin 0, Derick York 0. Totals 17 (7) 5-9 46.
KING’S WAY CHRISTIAN — Cole Jensen 8, Mikey Johnson 0, Arda Ayden 8, Kyle Gonzales 5, Kienan Walter 25, Anthony Huser 0, Joe Mills 2, Karter Graves 0 Nick Pulicella 0. Totals 14 (6) 14-31 48.
Eatonville 9 13 14 10—46
King’s Way 11 10 8 19—48
