ACH boys riding on a 21-game winning streak into 1B state quarterfinals
COULEE CITY — Almira/Hartline-Coulee coach Graham Grindy just laughed. The last time he said, “Anything can happen,” his No. 8-seeded Warriors upended top-seeded Neah Bay in double overtime.
He’s hoping that phrase will be the battle cry as the Warriors (22-2) look to extend their 21-game winning streak Thursday night in the 1B Hardwood Classic quarterfinals at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. ACH awaits the winner of the No. 15 Odessa-Harrington and No. 7 Chief Kitsap Academy.
“We’ll play whoever we get. But to tell you the truth, I’m hoping Chief Kitsap Academy and a team that doesn’t know everything we do,” he said. “If not, it will be Odessa for the fourth time this season. They know us, we know them. We’ve beaten them every time we’ve played, but one of those was really close at their place.”
The Warriors go into the 1B tournament as one of the most dangerous teams in the bracket. They have won 21 straight. They went through the No. 1 seed to get to the quarterfinals. In doing so, ACH set up a nice run to the title game. But it all starts with taking care of business on Thursday night.
“In big games, things don’t always go as planned. So I’d like to see our separation and focus continue,” Grindy said. “You have to have the ability to be mentally tough and weather the storm no matter what happens.”
No matter who they face, the Warriors will never see a big man like they go against everyday in practice. Warrior assistant coach Qasim Mitchell played six years in the NFL. At 6-foot-5, 346 pounds, he’s more than just a little intimidating standing in the paint blocking shots and going after rebounds. He’s also good practice partner for guys ready to take it to the next level.
“We practice going against him every day. He’s a hard guy to shoot over or drive against,” Grindy said with a laugh. “It helps the guys to go against a barrier like that and try to rebound against somebody like him. Q’s also a calming source for me. If I get wound up, he’s always there bring me down to earth.”
Maguire Isaak poured in 33 points and finished with 12 assists in the double overtime win over Neah Bay. Payton Nielsen had a double-double with 20 points and 18 rebounds. Charles Hunt, who’s averaging 11.1 a game, made a buzzer-beater at the end of the first overtime and made another 3-pointer late in the second overtime. Gage Burchill is a defensive specialist averaging 8.5 points a game on the offensive end.
But the key to making a run deep in the tournament, Grindy said, will be the help they get coming off the bench. They know their roles and it’s time for the second line of defense to contribute to the cause.
“Everybody is pretty solidified in their roles. Crazy things can happen if we play together,” Grindy said. “I have some kids coming off the bench that can come in and surprise ya with what they can do. Timmy Hahn (6-1, junior) started at center on the football team this year. So there’s 200 pounds and some more size inside.
“Hayden Loomis is a 5-10, sophomore and a good 3-point shooter. Both of those kids are good athletes that can make a difference.”
There’s a lot of basketball to be played at the highest level and the Warriors are going to walk this walk together.