After three consecutive wins in the 4A bi-district tournament, it seemed like nothing could slow down the Skyview boys basketball team.
On Friday, something did slow the Storm — Friday traffic on Interstate 5.
But despite arriving at Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma almost an hour later than planned, the Storm picked up right where they left off, knocking down 11 3-pointers in a 74-69 win over Kentwood.
“I was proud about how our guys responded,” Skyview coach Matt Gruhler said. “This was one of the more state tournament-like games in intensity, and with all the traveling we’ve been doing over the past 10 days, it would have been easy for them to say ‘You know what? We’re tired.’ But they didn’t.”
Alex Schumacher scored a game-high 31 points, hitting six 3-pointers and pulling down nine rebounds. Kyle Gruhler hit four 3-pointers, including one from nearly halfcourt to end the third quarter.
“It was a back-and-forth game, and Schu made some really big shots,” Gruhler said. “He was 6 for 10 from 3-point range. … Kyle was 4 for 7 from 3, so between the two of them, they were 10 for 17. That’s a good shooting night for us.”
Gruhler finished with 14 points, and Samaad Hector added nine points and 10 rebounds.
The win gave the Storm fifth-place in the bi-district tournament. Currently ranked No. 2 in the RPI, Skyview will now wait to see who its opponent will be in the regional round of the state tournament.
“We’ll just wait and see how the rest of the state plays out,” Matt Gruhler said. “We’re looking forward to the chance to play at the (Tacoma) Dome. This is the first time in school history we’ve got to play in the state tournament, and we’re just trying to make it the best experience possible.”
SKYVIEW 74, KENTWOOD 69
KENTWOOD — Anjaylo Lloyd 14, Javaughn Walker 3, D’Angelo Minnis 28, Alphonse Oywak 15, Ryan Wilds 3, Tre-Jordan Fuentes-Williams 6. Totals 27 (6) 9-14 69.
SKYVIEW — Alex Schumacher 31, Cole Grossman 6, Jovon Sewell 7, Samaad Hector 9, Squeeky Johnson 7, Lowell Dunmire 0, Chris Webster 0, Kyle Gruhler 14, Jace Chatman 0. Totals 25 (11) 13-21 74.
Kentwood 14 17 18 20–69
Skyview 13 21 25 15–74
