Top Games To See: Eastlake vs. Kentridge

Throughout the course of pre-season, I will be previewing some of the top “must-watch” games this winter. The first preview was on Garfield versus Eastside Catholic in the 3a division, but I will now move onto one of the most highly anticipated 4a matchups. The Eastlake Wolves and the Kentridge Chargers will be a big time game this winter and it could really just be a preview of what's to come in March. <strong><u>Date</u><span style="text-decoration: underline">:</span></strong> 12/27/2019 <span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Location:</strong></span> Glacier Peak High School - 7401 144th Pl SE, Snohomish, WA 98296 <span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Time:</strong></span> TBA <span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>What's on the line:</strong></span> This game will have serious implications for the landscape of 4a basketball. Kentridge is one of the favorites to win it all, as they have been for the last few years and Eastlake is the defending state champions. Glacier Peak's "Top of the Peak" holiday tourney will be one of the top events in Washington and sets the stage for this outstanding game. &nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;font-size: 14pt"><strong>The Returning Champs:</strong></span> Eastlake not only brought home a state title this last season, but they also bring back major pieces from that group. Gone are some solid contributors, including 6'0 forward Mae Bryant who is now a freshman for Grand Canyon University. 4a Tournament MVP <strong>Keeli Burton-Oliver </strong>(ASU commit) returns ready to impose her will once again this season. At 6'3, she is difficult to handle inside, but Kentridge has seemed to get the best of Eastlake over the years. This is in large part thanks to the 1-2 punch of 6'4 JaQuaya Miller, now a freshman at Washington, and 2020 forward <strong>Jordyn Jenkins</strong> at 6'2. This year will be much more of a one on one matchup in the post. Eastlake also returns 6'2 shooting guard <strong>Haley Huard </strong>who has picked up a few D1 offers since last winter. Haley should make a big jump this season on both sides of the ball. It is officially her opportunity to shine on the perimeter and prove that she is one of the best players in the state. <span style="text-decoration: underline;font-size: 14pt"><strong>The Hungry Chargers:</strong></span> Kentridge won a 4a title a few years ago, but had two disappointing results since then. USC commit Jordyn Jenkins is locked and loaded to carry the Chargers from a scoring and rebounding front. 2020 5'7 point guard and Southern Utah commit<strong> Dayla Ballena </strong>can compete with any point guard in the state and her ability to score and distribute will be huge for Kentridge. The question for this year's team is who will step up as the third scorer and contribute to defensive stops consistently. 2022 6'0 forward <strong>Naomi Hall-Schiffner</strong> has the potential to do so, after a learning curve in her freshman year. <span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Twitter Poll:</strong></span> 66% voted that Kentridge will take the victory on December 27th, compared to Eastlake's 34% of the vote. This may come as a bit of a surprise to some with Eastlake returning two star D1 prospects, but that's why they play the game. Definitely a matchup to see this winter!