Scott Kellum, Issaquah clinch state trophy with 54-46 win over Central Valley

The state trophy the Issaquah High School boys basketball team will get Saturday isn’t the one it came here for.

But the one it will earn Saturday will still be pretty special.

Scott Kellum scored 18 points to help Issaquah bounce back for a 54-46 victory over Central Valley on Friday in a 4A state consolation game at the Tacoma Dome after its title hopes ended with a loss to Kentwood in the quarterfinals Thursday.

Issaquah will play Union for fourth or sixth place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

“We felt like we really had a chance to win the state title this year,” Griffith said. “But to see them bounce back (Friday), I couldn’t be prouder.”

The Eagles were somewhat of a dark horse pick to run through the 4A tournament to the title game this weekend. That was before its top two scorers combined to make 2 of 12 shots and score 14 points in a 57-51 loss to Kentwood.

Trevon Ary-Turner entered the tournament averaging 18.9 points per game and Kellum averaging 15.7. Ary-Turner had another tough shooting day, finishing 2 of 12 for five points, but Kellum and Jason Crandall filled in. Crandall scored 15.

“We have kind of done that all year,” Griffith said. “We have had quite a few kids who can step up when other guys aren’t having their best night statistically. Last night was an example of our top two scorers not having their night and we were still right there. If one of those guys has a C or B game we are playing (in the semifinals).”

Central Valley tried to claw its way back in the fourth quarter, but Issaquah made its free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Ryan Rehkow led CV with 14 points and nine rebounds. Josh Thomas had 10 points and eight rebounds.

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 4:07 PM with the headline "Scott Kellum, Issaquah clinch state trophy with 54-46 win over Central Valley."