Tulalip Heritage boys hang on this time to beat Lummi

TULALIP — Almost as quickly as momentum swung between Lummi and Tulalip Heritage in Tuesday night’s Northwest 1B game, so too has the race for supremacy in the league.

Lummi came into the game having already defeated Tulalip Heritage earlier this season in Bellingham and a second victory would all but guarantee the Blackhawks the regular-season league championship.

The Hawks made sure there was no premature celebration with a 64-49 win over the Blackhawks at Heritage School.

“I told the kids that if we get away with this win it changes the whole momentum (of the league) because we will go up and play tough like we did (before),” Tulalip Heritage head coach Marlin Fryberg said. “They know it now. It brings a different mentality to athletes after a loss just like it did when they beat us.”

In the first meeting on Lummi’s home court, the Hawks held a 14-point halftime and the Blackhawks needed a comeback to win. On Tulalip Heritage’s home floor, the Blackhawks didn’t have another come-from-behind win in them.

“That loss up there, that’s my fault,” Fryberg said. “I slowed the game down and I should have just kept running. That was something that I tried. Their shots fell and ours didn’t. I learn as a coach just as the kids learn as players. It didn’t happen again tonight. It got to a point where the coaches look at each other and said, ‘It’s not happening again.’”

With a full gym of mostly Tulalip Heritage fans, the Hawks rode momentum to an early 9-2 lead. The Blackhawks settled quickly and answered with a 7-0 run to tie the game. Lummi led 17-16 after the first quarter and extended its lead to as many as six in the second quarter, settling for a 26-23 lead at halftime.

“We didn’t play very well,” Fryberg said. “We didn’t box out, poor shot selection and shots weren’t going in. We went into the locker room and it weighed on them because they knew how important this game was. So we calmed them down and told them, “OK, we’ve got two quarters to go yet. We have to rebound and you’re shots are going to fall.’”

Fryberg was right.

Tulalip Heritage outscored Lummi 20-9 in the third quarter to take control of the game. The Hawks took their first lead since the first quarter midway through the third when Ayrik Miranda’s three from nearly 10 feet beyond the 3-point line gave them a 35-34 advantage.

The Hawks never trailed again.

“He didn’t have a very good first half at all,” Fryberg said of Miranda. “He mentally didn’t show up to the game, so I got his attention on the bench and I looked him right in the eye and I said, “I need you. I need you and me right now to connect because this is basketball and you’ve got to play basketball for me.’ He came out huge in the second half. He hit those 3-pointers and it changed the momentum.

“That kid can shoot that deep. If he’s focused he’ll nail them. Once he hit that one I knew it was going to be good and now I had him, he was focused. He was back in the game with me.”

Miranda wasn’t the only one. Seemingly every Hawks player chipped in in the second half as they outscored the Blackhawks 41-23.

The Hawks’ leading scorer, Keanu Hamilton, scored 20 points including nine in the fourth quarter to help thwart any ideas Lummi had of a comeback.

But his biggest contribution may have been on defense.

“Keanu Hamilton is just a flat out good athlete,” Fryberg said. “What I focused him on was staying on his feet (on defense). The kid likes to jump up and get cool swats and whatnot. I made him stay on his feet and once he did that he contained the kid in front of him so we have backside help.”

Shawn Sanchey helped Hamilton carry the scoring load, finishing with 18 points, including seven in the third quarter.

“It’s a big game for him because he went to the line in Lummi and unfortunately didn’t hit the foul shots,” Fryberg said. “I’m sure as an individual player he carries that, which he shouldn’t because it happens. But he had something to prove tonight and he came out and played basketball for us. He showed up real big from the get go.”

The Hawks travel to Lummi for the third and final installment of the rivalry between the two tribal schools on February 4 in a game that likely will decide the league champion.”

Aaron Lommers covers prep sports for The Herald. Follow him on twitter @aaronlommers and contact him at alommers@heraldnet.com.

At Tulalip Heritage H.S.

Lummi 17 9 9 14 — 49

Tulalip Heritage 16 7 20 21 — 64

Lummi—Dean Williams 7, Charlie Wilson 4, Leo Scarborough 3, Logan Toby 10, Austin Brockie 3, Willie Jones 3, Trazil Lane 10, Kavarez Lane 9, Deion Hoskins 0. Tulalip Heritage—Keanu Hamilton 20, Bradley Fryberg 5, Brandon Jones 2, Shawn Sanchey 18, Payton Comenote 4, Dontae Jones 0, Ayrik Miranda 6, Robert Miles 9. 3-point goals—Williams 1, Brockie 1, K. Lane 1, Miles 1, Sanchey 3, Hamilton 1, Miranda 2, Fryberg 1. Records—Lummi 5-1 league, 9-2 overall. Tulalip Heritage 6-1, 13-1.

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.