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

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.