DI State Championship: Issaquah versus Bainbridge, Issaquah Wins 11-8!

A soothing 86 degree afternoon creates the perfect atmosphere for the 2008 Division 1 high school boys’ championship. Perhaps, the two most exciting teams to watch in the entire state, Bainbridge leads this year’s series (between the two teams), 1-0, but Issaquah hopes to win the game that matters the most.

Following the hype, this year’s contest starts off fast as Travis Wright (one of this year’s All-America selections), wins the face off and isos from up top to give Issaquah a 1-0 lead in the first minute of play. Wright, an incredibly talented lacrosse player has been a workhorse this year for the purple and gold. However, following Wright’s goal, the Spartans Sam Snow copies the All Americans move, tying the game at one all as he dodges from behind, and scores his bouncer just as Wright did. Overall, the first quarter was filled with action as both teams came out strong.  Bainbridge's transition game was key as they startled the Issaquah defense by pushing from in front and behind the cage. By the end of the quarter the score was 4-2, Bainbridge.  Wright had scored the first pair for Issaquah.

Despite strong face-off play by Wright, Bainbridge’s Kevin Ngyuen was able to gain possession, iso from top left and, score with 11:03 left in the half, making the score 5-2. Although playing strong, Issaquah was unable to clear the ball as Bainbridge alternates between soft and full rides. Bainbridge had tremendous success shutting down the clear in their last meeting, but new netminder Yaap may be the difference today.  Bainbridge goes man-down after a substitution violation; however, the Spartans were unable to capitalize an Issaquah player was able to break through a double team and score. By the end of the half the score was 5-3 Bainbridge.

Dayton Gilbreath, who led the Spartans defense had a marquee day intercepting at least five of the Eagles passes across the crease.  However, adjustments made by Issaquah head coach Brandon Fortier fixed the Eagles clearing problem. Halfway into the third the fans were in a frenzy, cheers of “Go Issaquah,” echoed throughout the concrete stands. By the end of the quarter the Spartans led fell to only two.

The fourth quarter was Issaquah’s best and perhaps one of the most exciting in championship history. The Eagles came out like a true playoff team narrowing the lead to only one. Travis Wright again, off the face-off, takes the ball behind the cage, and dodges a couple, draws a slide and dumps the ball to Henderson, who wraps the cage laying out for a BIG goal.

Kevin Nguyen working against Michael Pratt

Right off the face-off, Senior defenseman Michael Pancottine was able to pick up the ball from the faceoff dodge inside and score without a slide from his fast break with 9:35 left! Following his teammates goal, Alex Bates was able to pump fake and fire a cannon from top left making the score 7-6 in favor of the Eagles.  This was the momentum shift the stifled Issaquah offense needed, and began a roll in the fourth quarter.  Almost as foreshadow, Gilbreath would get the same opportunity as Pancottine, but Yaap would shut him down.  Bainbridge was neither abble to slow down, or best the Eagle offense. Issaquah would make the score 9-6 in short order, less than 5 minutes left to play in the game.

Greenhall at work behind the net.

By the end of the fourth the score was 11-8.  Bainbridge would add another goal, and then Issaquah continued to find holes in the Bainbridge defense, keeping the game close until the final three minutes. Nguyen would find the last net for the Spartans to raise the total to 8.  Key in the fourth quarter, was the face-off play gy Goodman, who was able to get control for 5 of 7 face-offs, four of which, resulted in goals.  Pulling Stevenson to get the ball back with heavy pressure, only gave Issaquah two more goals as the final three minutes played out.  The final seconds would find Issaquah man-up, with only precious few ticks left as they lasted out their EMO to win the State Championship game.  All in all, Issaquah was able to upset Bainbridge and take home the Division 1 State title in a truly great game.  Players of the game for Issaquah, would be All-American Travis Wright with 3g 2a, and his cohorts who had big impacts included Joey Henderson with 2g1a and Todd Jones' pair. Also worth noting, was freshman Kevin Powers whose clearing and ground ball work at key points of the game were crucial. Zach Ingrasci, who had a huge game, scoring a season high, three goals in the effort.  Dayton Gilbreath had five interceptions, and solid defensive wing play.

Stay tuned for the podcast and the streaming video over the next couple days, including pictures and interviews.

Stevenson's Sick off-hip save.