Third-quarter slump spells disaster for Sultan boys

MOUNT VERNON — For two quarters the Sultan boys basketball team traded punches with sixth-ranked Anacortes.

But in the third quarter it all fell apart.

Ahead by just three points at halftime, Anacortes held Sultan to only one field goal in the third quarter to open up a 19-point lead en route to a 65-43 win in a 2A District 1/2 consolation semifinal game at Mount Vernon H.S. on Wednesday night.

The loss ended Sultan’s season. Anacortes advanced to a winner-to-regional game against Sehome on Friday.

Sultan went 1-for-11 from the field and turned the ball over seven times in the third quarter and Anacortes seemed to score at will. The Seahawks outscored the Turks 20-4 in the quarter.

“The ball didn’t go in the hoop,” said Sultan head coach Nate Trichler. “And I think the ball not going in the hoop hurt our confidence on the defensive end. It was an uphill battle and you could see the kids’ eyes change a little bit.”

Anacortes held Sultan’s Brock VandenEkart, who had 10 points before halftime, to just one free throw in the quarter and frustrated the Turks star wing with a number of double teams.

“They sent an early double (on VandenEkart) in the second half and that just took the ball out of his hand a little bit,” Trichler said. “But he still had his shots in the key and I just wish they had fallen for the kid.”

In the first half Sultan came out on fire, hitting five of its first seven shots to open up an 11-6 lead. Anacortes didn’t take its first lead until midway through the second quarter on a Sam D’Amelio 3-pointer. But a VandenEkart 3-pointer helped Sultan retake the lead and from there it was back-and-forth until another D’Amelio 3-pointer at the buzzer gave Anacortes a 29-26 lead.

Cooper Beucherie and Robbie Rappuhn each scored eight points for Sultan. Sam Cotterill had seven rebounds and three steals and Antonio Rivas had eight rebounds for the Turks.

Trichler said he’s sad to see the season end and more so that it was the last game for a trio of seniors, including VandenEkart.

“Well the seniors love them to death,” Trichler said of VandenEkart, Steven Branham and Sam Cotterill. “They worked their butts off for four years for me. Brock has been on varsity for four years and it’s going to be weird to go to summer camp without him. We’re so used to leaning on him.”

At Mount Vernon H.S.

Sultan 16 10 4 13 — 43

Anacortes 12 17 20 16 — 65

Sultan—Robbie Rappuhn 8, Steven Branham 2, Joe Schmidt 0, Kolton Anderson 0, Brock VandenEkart 17, Jordan Alexander 0, Cooper Beucherie 8, Sam Cotterill 2, Antonio Rivas 2, Deion Bonilla 4. Anacortes—Matt Aldridge 11, Ty Johnson 6, Jordan Neville 0, Daniel McInerney 0, AJ Yost 5, Sam D’Amelio 13, Alex Luevanos 2, Andrew Medalia 12, Billy King 13, Joe D’Amelio 3. 3-point goals—S. D’Amelio 3, Rappuhn 2, VandenEkart 2, J. D’Amelio 1. Records—Sultan 11-12 overall. Anacortes 18-5.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

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

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck 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)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (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.