February 26, 2025
ISSUE 9
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COURTESY HEATHER QUIRIE
The Eatonville Lady Cruiser basketball team and coaches posed for a photo following their thrilling 51-48 victory over Fife to secure their spot in the WIAA State tournament.
STATE BOUND By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
The Eatonville Lady Cruisers secured their place in the 2A State Tournament in dramatic fashion Saturday night, edging out the Fife Trojans 51-48 in a nail-biting contest at the West Central District 3 playoffs. With the season on the line, Eatonville battled back from an 11-point halftime
deficit, outscoring Fife 18-10 in the third quarter to pull within three heading into the final frame. The Cruisers opened the fourth with a pivotal 9-1 run, grabbing a five-point lead that proved to be the difference. Despite Fife’s best efforts to claw back, Eatonville matched them shot for shot. With 30 seconds remaining and the Cruisers up by four, Fife’s A.J. Jones-Laguna was fouled on a drive to the bas-ket, converting
Eatonville Lady Cruisers punch ticket to state tournament
one of two free throws to trim the lead to three. Eatonville successfully inbounded the ball, and senior Bailey Andersen dribbled across midcourt, ensuring the Cruisers maintained possession as time expired. As the buzzer sounded, Andersen let out a triumphant yell, celebrating Eatonville’s second consecutive trip to the state tournament. “Our girls showed incredible heart
tonight,” said head coach Deanna Andersen. “When we were down at halftime, we knew we had to dig deep and execute. They believed in each other, and that’s what made the difference.” Andersen, who reached another milestone by scoring her 1,500th career point earlier in the game, led the Cruis-ers with
STATE, A1
Eatonville’s Brody Thirtyacre commits to play baseball at Clackamas Community College By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
COURTESY SARAH RATH
Eatonville senior Brody Thirtyacre batting during a game this past season. Thirtyacre will suit up for the Clackamas College Cougars next season.
Eatonville High School senior Brody Thirtyacre is set to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level, com-mitting to play at Clackamas Community College in Oregon this fall. “It's a dream come true that I've had since a young age,” Thirtyacre said of his commitment. Thirtyacre, who has been playing baseball since he was 4 years old, has built an impressive resume throughout his youth and high school career. He played for Saints Elite Baseball during the
summer and spent the last three years as a varsity player for Eatonville High School, after starting as a freshman on the junior varsity squad. His experi-ence also includes playing for Black Hills Youth Baseball in the Babe Ruth League and the Eatonville Youth Sports Association. Before moving to Eatonville, he played Little League baseball in Las Vegas. Eatonville High School head coach Doug Fillbach praised Thirtyacre for his dedication to the game and his leader-ship on and off the field. “Brody is an awesome kid. He brings a positive
attitude to the baseball team and works hard,” Fillbach said. “Brody has excelled on and off the field, and I have been lucky to have coached such a smart and ambitious young man. I am happy that Clackamas Community College is giving him an opportunity to play at the next level. He has earned it.” Clackamas Community College head coach Jim Hoppel said Thirtyacre made a strong impression during workouts, demonstrating athleticism and potential. “When Brody came and
COMMITS, A4