HS Basketball: Emerald Ridge Outlasts Puyallup; 2nd in Division With Week To Play

1/24/2025

(Puyallup, WA)

Emerald Ridge sent a message to the SPSL Friday night, downing the number 1 team in the division, Puyallup Vikings 65-52. The win puts Emerald Ridge on the cusp of clinching a spot in District 3 postseason play, while Puyallup will have to wait another day to wrap up a division title.

Emerald Ridge came into the night on a 6 game winning streak, including a 68-58 win over Rogers Wednesday night. Puyallup rallied to beat Sumner 66-60 in a thriller thanks to a second half rally. With a win over Emerald Ridge, Puyallup would clinch the SPSL North Title. Emerald Ridge needed a win to stay ahead of lurking Sumner for the second spot in SPSL standings.

The opening quarter began with Puyallup taking an early 7-2 lead and Viking guard Mason Sonntag scoring 10 points in the first four minutes of the game.

Yet Emerald Ridge hung tough courtesy of both Isaac Norris and Jamaize McGriff bringing the Jaguars right back into the game. ER led 15-13 after the first period of play. The second quarter proved to be where Emerald Ridge flexed their muscle. After Puyallup took a 19-18 lead midway through the quarter, ER went on a 10-0 scoring run to close out the half. Mychal Turner instigated the scoring spree with back to back buckets in a matter of seconds. Emerald Ridge led 28-19 at the half.

Puyallup sought to rally, trimming the ER lead as thin as 2. But in the end, Emerald Ridge’s offense saw contributions from multiple offensive stars. Jordan Bennett’s four three’s were vital in the Jaguars attack.

In the end, Emerald Ridge notched an upset victory over Puyallup 65-52. The win puts Emerald Ridge one game back of Puyallup for the top spot in the SPSL North. The ER win also puts them one game ahead of Sumner for the 2nd spot in the SPSL North standings. Top 3 SPSL North teams are guaranteed a spot in the district playoffs while the top two play for the opportunity to win the league.

Here are the scorers for the contest.

Puyallup:

Mason Sonntag 15; Drew Jones 13; Will Nasinec 10; John Mburu 8; Lawson Looker 3

Emerald Ridge:

Jamaize McGriff 18; Mychal Turner 17; Isaac Norris 12; Jordan Bennett 12; Calvontre White 5; Dominique Pace 2; Nik Husarik 1

Emerald Ridge will host South Kitsap on Tuesday, while Puyallup hosts Rogers.

To catch the full game replay, Click Here (Subscription Required).

Here is our interviews with our Game MVP Mychal Turner and Head Coach Pat Mullen with highlights of the game to follow.

ESN Interviews Game MVP Mychal Turner