Impressions from Jackson’s 53-50 victory over Edmonds-Woodway

I’m beginning to think that I’m a curse for the Edmonds-Woodway boys basketball team. Every time I have seen them play this season I have walked away very impressed, yet every time they have lost.

The Warriors fell to the Jackson Timberwolves 53-50 on Friday night in probably the most well-played basketball game I have seen this season. Both teams were certainly on their game Friday night and it made for an exciting game throughout that ended with Devin Joseph missing a 3-pointer from beyond half court as time expired that would have sent the game to overtime.

What did I learn from the game?

The game only reinforced my faith in the Warriors to be a team that can make some noise at the district tournament and maybe sneak into the state regional round. They are improving offensively and becoming more balanced. Joseph can score and facilitates his teammates well. Jason Smarr continues to be the Warriors top scoring threat, but he is getting more help from his teammates. With Travis Bakken, Henry Olson and Joseph all playing well and players like Brad Rice, and Alex Hull able to add timely baskets the Warriors are getting harder and harder to stop each game.

The problem for Edmonds-Woodway is that so far that can’t figure out how to close games. They have been in tight battles with Jackson twice and nearly knocked off Issaquah early in the season. All games that would have been signature wins for the Warriors.

I still think the Warriors have the best shot to be the third team to come out of the district tournament and face the third place team from Kingco for a shot at regionals. Friday’s game showed me that the Warriors are closer to breaking through against one of these great teams. They didn’t make mistakes at the end of the game the way they had in some of their other close losses, they simply got outplayed in the game’s final minutes by a very good team.

It looks like Jackson and Arlington are on a collision course for the 4A District 1 championship game, but if one team could break up that potential match up and sneak into that game I think Edmonds-Woodway has a shot.

As far as Jackson, they just continue to do what they do best — win.

When his teammates were struggling to score on Friday, Jason Todd took over the game. The junior scored 29 of his team’s 53 points and provided just enough offense for the Timberwolves to sneak out with a win.

The difference between these two teams is that Edmonds-Woodway is a team learning how to win, Jackson on the other hand doesn’t seem to know how to lose.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.