MP’s Painter signs with Saint Martin’s

Marysville Pilchuck wing Michael Painter loved the Marysville community he grew up playing in.

He’s hoping to find that same sense of community in Lacey, where he will play at Saint Martin’s University. Painter, The Herald’s Boys Basketball Player of the Year, signed his National Letter of Intent with the Saints on Thursday, finalizing his college basketball plans.

“It’s a sense of community,” Painter said. “(Marysville Pilchuck head coach Bary) Gould’s really built up a family sense at Marysville Pilchuck and Saint Martin’s is trying to do the same thing culture-wise and campus-wise. It’s a beautiful campus and I feel like I fit in great there.”

The versatile, 6-foot-4 senior will play wing or guard for the Saints and new coach Alex Pribble – a former assistant at Eastern Washington. Painter picked Saint Martin’s over Minot State and George Fox.

“There were some other places I could have gone, but Saint Martin’s just made the most sense,” Painter said. “Being off the I-5 corridor it’s nice to not be too far away so my family can come watch a game if they want to. And not being too far away from coming home once in awhile.”

Gould received a text from Painter Wednesday night alerting him of his decision, and thanking the Marysville Pilchuck coach for everything he’s done for Painter in his high school career.

Painter ended the text “family always.”

“I think that it is a really good situation for him,” Gould said. “I think so highly of Mike and I think it’s a spot where he can contribute and play and have a great experience. … He’s just a confident team player. I feel like he’s so coachable, and teachable, and moldable and shapeable. He’ll work so hard. Whatever the coach is going to ask him to do, he’ll do.

“It’s a wonderful pickup for Saint Martin’s. They’re going to be really pleased with what they get.”

Painter averaged 16 points, six rebounds and four assists per game this season and was a first-team All-Wesco selection. He led the Tomahawks to the state tournament, for the first time since 1993, and was a second-team all-tournament pick in Tacoma.

But it still took a bit for Painter to decide what was next. The senior is happy to have his letter of intent signed and his college plans figured out.

“It was a great sense of relief,” Painter said. “It’s really a great opportunity they’ve offered me to go down and play, get my school covered and get a degree from there. Instead of thinking about, ‘How am I going to finance college?’ I get to do the things I love. … It’s really starting to sink in and it’s an incredible feeling.”

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.