ARLINGTON — Losing the 3A district championship to Lynnwood Feb. 20 hasn’t sat well with the Arlington Eagles, coach Joe Marsh said.

“When you get playoff-caliber teams, who are bigger, stronger and faster, it just gives us a good look at practice,” Marsh said.

That’s why he intensified the girls practice this week, pairing them against the Arlington boys C-team to prepare them for the 3A regional game against Bishop Blanchet Feb. 27 at Mountlake Terrace at 6 p.m. Blanchet has plenty of “bigs,” Marsh said.

“It’s good for us to play against size. We don’t have lot of size on our team that we can play against,” Marsh said.

It will be a high stakes-game for Arlington, as the winner heads to state and the loser’s season ends.

“I’ve got a bunch of seniors that’s either their last game or they’re going to Tacoma, so there’s a lot on the line here,” Marsh said. “I expect they’re going to come out and be ready to play.”

Arlington lost to Blanchet in the first round of the state tournament last season 67-44. The Eagles are showing the 23-2 Braves plenty of respect for their larger players and formidable record.

Among the tall order that is Blanchet is 5-foot-10 junior Jadyn Bush, who averages 18.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

“We know we have a pretty tough game, and that’s why we have to be prepared come Saturday for a really good team,” Marsh said.

Arlington will use it’s athleticism and communication to counter the size of Blanchet’s bigger players, much from their senior class.

“We really have to do a good job of helping each other out. We’ve done a pretty good job against bigs all year,” he said. “We just have to keep talking and rotating and helping each other.”

Arlington’s senior post, Jayla Russ, who averages 10 points and five rebounds a game, fits the bill.

Not only can she play the high post but can shoot from afar and brings athleticism to her 6-foot frame.

“We actually feel comfortable with her around other bigs being able to drive the ball, and go around people,” Marsh said. “It’s a different guard for them. A lot of the bigger girls struggle with Jayla out away from the basket.”

Russ is supported by senior Gracie Casteneda, who also averages 10 points a game.

Arlington likes to shoot the three as well, and senior Sevi Biesler has done great at that all year, Marsh said.

Arlington’s signature defense is also a factor in causing turnovers. Seniors Sarah Shortt and Emma Janousek average three steals a game.

“We have to help her [Russ] in defending against their size,” Marsh said. “We got to really help Jayla out. It’s got to be a team effort defensively.”