The 10th-ranked Emerald Ridge Jaguars were down again in numbers, suiting up nine varsity players for its SPSL South showdown at No. 2 Federal Way.
This time, the Jaguars held stout, pulling off a shocking 68-57 victory on the Eagles’ home floor, handing the division leaders their first loss of the season.
Emerald Ridge was short-handed when the teams met on Dec. 4, and Federal Way beat the Jaguars, 69-39.
This time, Kendall McClain led Emerald Ridge with 20 points, but it was the Jaguars’ third-quarter explosion behind Jeremy Harris (six points) and Ryan Dougherty (five) that gave the visitors the lead for good.
“We did a good job of defending, and keeping guys in front of us,” Emerald Ridge coach Pat Mullen said. “And we handled their pressure a heck of a lot better in the second half.”
The Eagles cut the deficit to four points before Dougherty made a 3-pointer with four minutes to go. The Jaguars – winners of seven games in a row – made nine out of 10 free throws in the final two minutes.
“It is a good win for us … confidence-wise going up to Federal Way and winning,” Mullen said.
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