The Rainier Mountaineers showcased a formidable performance on January 3, 2024, decisively defeating the Eatonville Cruisers with a score of 49-16. This victory marks a strong return for the Mountaineers following a Christmas break, as they demonstrated both defensive prowess and offensive coordination on their home court.
From the opening whistle, Rainier established their dominance, leading 10-2 after the first quarter. The Mountaineers maintained their momentum, extending their advantage to 26-11 by halftime. Their defense was particularly impressive, as they limited Eatonville to a season-low two points in the first quarter. The Mountaineers further intensified their defensive efforts, culminating in a remarkable fourth quarter where they held Eatonville scoreless.
Freshman standout Lexi Beckman and sophomore Alexis Myers led the scoring for Rainier, each contributing 10 points to the team’s total. Senior Anika Plowman, making her season debut, added a valuable nine points, while both Courtney Eckroth and Kaysen Bravo chipped in with six points apiece. The contributions from the entire team were crucial in securing the 33-point victory.
Despite the significant win, first-year head coach Jordan Hunt expressed a desire for improvement. He described the game as “sloppy” and emphasized the need for the team to refine their performance as they move forward. “The girls know we have to play cleaner basketball, but we are excited to clean things up, and that starts with our conditioning,” Hunt stated. He also highlighted the importance of Plowman’s return, noting, “If we can keep her healthy, she can make a huge difference this season.”
Myers’ performance was particularly noteworthy as she reached double digits on the scoreboard for the first time this season. Hunt praised her consistent energy, which he believes is vital for the team’s overall success. “Lexi always brings consistent energy that we need to have as a team,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rainier holds a record of 4-3 and is preparing for a challenging non-league matchup against Toutle Lake, set for Saturday night. This upcoming game will test the Mountaineers’ ability to maintain their strong performance while addressing the areas needing improvement.
The Mountaineers are off to a promising start, and with continued effort and focus, they aim to build on this victory and solidify their standing in the league.
