HS Basketball: Federal Way Deals Auburn Mountainview's First Loss of the Year

1/29/2025

(Auburn, WA)

In a battle that saw two of the top teams in the NPSL colliding for the second time this season, Federal Way rallied back down 11 in the closing minutes to stun Auburn Mountainview 57-56.

Auburn Mountainview came into the night undefeated on the year. An unblemished 17-0 record that included a win over Federal Way in the middle of December. Federal Way’s lone loss in league play came on that December evening to the visiting Lions, but now the Eagles looked to deal a stage of revenge against Auburn Mountainview. A win for Auburn Mountainview would clinch the NPSL title for Auburn Mountainview.

The game began with Federal Way jumping out to an early 6-1 lead. Saxon Niles was an important post presence for Federal Way in the opening minutes. Auburn Mountainview quickly disintegrated the Federal Way lead. Kolven Posey began heating up from 3. A pair of threes in the first quarter helped pace Auburn Mountainview to claw within 2 at the end of the first quarter. The visiting Eagles led 15-13 at the end of the period.

Kolven Posey continued to be an offensive weapon utilized by Auburn Mountainview to great production in the 2nd quarter. Finishing with 15 points at the half, the Auburn Mountainview guard had an excellent all around game for the hometown Lions. Federal Way had offensive firepower of their own. Angelo Williams’ perimeter shooting and Breyden McVey’s lane drives kept the Eagles toe to toe with the undefeated Lions. Auburn Mountainview led at the half 30-28.

The second half picked off right where it left off. Kolven Posey not only was red hot, he turned it up a notch. Posey tallied 11 points in the 3rd quarter alone, including a trio of threes. Auburn Mountainview led after three quarters of play 45-37.

In the 4th quarter, Auburn Mountainview led 52-41 with the league title in sight. Marcel Jones and Saxon Niles came to crash the party. The tandem of seniors helped lead the Federal Way rally. The Eagles comeback effort featured multiple offensive rebounds off missed free throws leading directly to Federal Way scores. In the closing seconds, Brayden McVey drove down the lane and found Saxon Niles for the game winning bucket with 3 seconds left. Federal Way hung on for an incredible win.

Federal Way with the win puts themselves at 10-1 in NPSL play, with an extra league game in hand on Auburn Mountainview. Should both Federal Way and Auburn Mountainview win out, the two teams will split the league title.

Scoring:

Federal Way:

Saxon Niles 23; Angelo Williams 10; Marcel Jones 9; Brayden McVey 8; Eric Turner 3; Jacob Hurskin 2; Justin Calcolte 2;

Auburn Mountainview:

Kolven Posey 26; Sebastian Arius 11; Beckett Jones 9; Sudan Luok 5; Lucas McClendon 4; Cody Bennion 1;

Saxon Niles’ winning bucket and 23 points leading Federal Way was worthy enough to be named our Elisportsnetwork.com MVP of the game.

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Here is our ESN Postgame Show including highlights from the game.

ESN Postgame Show