ARLINGTON — The Arlington High School boys basketball team defeated the Lake Stevens Vikings, 80-48, on Dec. 23.

Arlington executed textbook defense,  as well as sharp shooting behind the three-point line, and converted on free throws. “Our kids played with a lot of heart and intensity,” Arlington Head Coach Nick Brown said. “They weren’t going to be denied.”

Arlington’s senior guard Gavin Smoke was smoking that night, hitting almost every three-point attempt, scoring,21 points.

“It was a good team effort,” Smoke said. “I felt like everyone came out ready to play.”

Another key perimeter shooter and defensive player was senior point guard Kaleb Bryson, who lead in steals and racked up 12 points. Sophomore point-guard Donavan Sellgren was tied with three-pointers with Bryson, completing two, but was also the second highest scoring player, hitting for 15 points. “We got contributions from everyone,” Brown said. “It was a good collective effort.”

The game started fast in the first period. The Vikings drew first blood with a layup, but the Eagles responded with shots of their own, and thwarting the Lake Stevens’ offense.

Senior post Noah Jones imposed his size to work his way inside the key to catch passes and work in layups. “We just shot really well,” Jones said.  Outside the three-point line, Smoke scored a three which quickly increased the Eagles’ lead.

On defense, the Eagles stopped the Vikings mid-court, swatting passes and scoring on steals. “Our defense was really good as well,” Jones said. “We just doubled and got a lot of steals.” The Eagles led at the end of the first period 22-6.

In the second quarter, the Vikings showed they were still in the game, closing the Eagles’ lead by scoring more points then they had in the first quarter. The Vikings tied in scoring with Arlington in the second quarter. The Eagles still controlled the game, despite the Vikings’ efforts, with the game at 37-21 at halftime.

By the third quarter, The Eagles again demonstrated accurate shooting and an imposing defense. Bryson pressured the Vikings’ offense, including a steal which he converted for a field goal. The Eagles passes creating holes in their opponents’ defense, which made for even more scoring.  The Eagles led at the end of the third quarter, 62-34. As the fourth quarter began, the all the Eagles had to do was execute with the consistency they had established throughout the game. The Eagles ended the score to 80-48.

Brown was pleased with the team’s all-around execution, which won the game.

“I’ve got nothing that I’m really frustrated with,” Brown said. “I thought it was a good effort all around.”

This was their third win in a row since their loss against Stanwood on Dec. 10, The Eagles’ priority in the remainder of the season is to keep executing and winning games. Smoke hoped the team’s consistency will take them far in the conference. “We’re going to try and take one game at a time,” Smoke said. “We’ll see where it takes us.” As of Dec. 26, The Eagles current overall record is 6-1, with a league record of 2-0.

I think we’ll do well if we keep playing what we did well tonight,” Jones said.