ARLINGTON — The Arlington Eagles completed their perfect record at home this season with a 70-62 win over the Lake Stevens Vikings on Jan. 25.
Not only was it the Eagles’ final home game of the regular season, it was also Senior Night.
“We started the game really well,” said Arlington Head Coach Nick Brown. “We got up by 12-14 points but they fought back and cut our lead to six in the fourth. Fortunately, we hit some major free throws and held on for the win.”
It was a hotly contested game with each team earning one technical foul and one intentional foul, according to Brown.
“It was a pretty wild game with a lot of emotions and a lot of excitement,” said Brown. “The fans were very excited and into the game. I had several people tell me it was one of the more exciting games they had seen in a long time.”
Brown said both teams had something on the line as the Vikings were fighting for a playoff spot while his Eagles were fighting for a league championship.
“We both had a lot riding on the game,” he said.
“It was an exciting night,” said Brown. “Terry Dawn had 23 points. He shot really well, I would say incredible. AJ Passalaqua did a great job in chasing down some loose balls, as well as hitting some threes. Russell Smithson, our other senior, got some key rebounds for us.”
“Terry Dawn played really well,” said Brown. “He had 20 points in the first half and really carried us along. He hit from everywhere. He scored some 3-pointers, scored from midrange and hit some layups. He was just everywhere on the floor and got some huge rebounds.”
The coach also pointed out that the victory gave Arlington a perfect record at home this season.
“I don’t know of any other time an Arlington boys basketball team has accomplished that,” Brown said. “I’ve looked back all the way to 1968 and haven’t found a boys basketball team with a better record. I think this is the best group that Arlington has ever had. This is a solid group of young men. They’re focused. They’re a special and unique team.”
In addition to pointing out the team’s successes this year, Brown also mentioned the accomplishment of one of his players.
“Terry Dawn scored this 1,000th point during the Jan. 18 game against Monroe,” Brown said. “Only two other Arlington players that I have in my records have done that. Brothers Brett Erickson and Ross Erickson both scored more than 1,000 points. Brett did it the ‘70s and Ross did it in the ‘80s. Terry has now moved to the second place in Arlington basketball scoring history.”
While the regular season isn’t yet over, Brown said is it possible that Arlington could be hosting a first-round game of the playoffs.
“We’re hopefully looking at hosting that first round game. It would be nice to have the gym full for that game,” said Brown. “I hope the community comes out to watch us play. This is a special group.”
Arlington played at Snohomish on Monday, Jan. 28, and won 56-46.
After the Jan. 28 victory over Snohomish, Arlington’s league record was 11-2 and its overall record was 17-2.
Arlington’s final game of the regular season is Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Mount Vernon.