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Eastlake Wolves Reign Supreme at 4A Basketball Championship

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. reign-supreme-at-4a-basketball-championship.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, March 9th 2026 at 22:55 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Washington, UNITED STATES

Tacoma, WA - March 10th, 2026 - The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) high school boys basketball state championships concluded Saturday with a series of compelling contests that crowned champions across four classifications. The Tacoma Dome hosted the thrilling finales, witnessing both established powerhouses reaffirming their dominance and a few surprising contenders making their mark.

This year's tournaments underscored the growing depth of talent within Washington state high school basketball. While familiar programs like Eastlake and Central Valley continued their winning traditions, the emergence of teams like Crosspoint Academy demonstrates a broadening competitive landscape. Attendance across all championship games was significantly higher than in 2025, indicating a resurgence in fan engagement following pandemic-related restrictions.

4A Championship: Eastlake's Reign Continues

The Eastlake Wolves cemented their status as a 4A powerhouse, defeating North Creek 78-62 in a showcase of offensive efficiency and tenacious defense. Senior point guard, Kai Ito, led the charge with 28 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals, earning him the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. Ito, a highly sought-after recruit expected to commit to UCLA next fall, displayed exceptional court vision and leadership throughout the tournament. Eastlake's victory wasn't solely reliant on Ito's brilliance; forward Marcus Bell, a junior, contributed a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, proving to be a formidable presence in the paint. North Creek put up a valiant fight, led by sophomore sensation, Jamal Reynolds, but ultimately couldn't contain Eastlake's balanced attack. The game was characterized by a fast pace and numerous highlight-reel plays, much to the delight of the packed Tacoma Dome crowd.

3A Championship: Central Valley Claims the Crown

Central Valley showcased their offensive firepower in the 3A championship, overcoming Puyallup 85-74. The Spokane-based team was led by dynamic duo - senior shooting guard, Ethan Carter, and junior forward, Olivia Hayes. Carter, who finished with 32 points, consistently drained shots from beyond the arc, while Hayes dominated the interior with her rebounding and finishing ability. Puyallup, led by their own impressive guard, David Chen, kept the game competitive, but Central Valley's depth and relentless pressure proved to be the difference. Analysts noted Central Valley's superior transition game as a key factor in their success.

2A Championship: Lakeside Lutheran's Dominant Run

Lakeside Lutheran delivered a commanding performance in the 2A championship, defeating Wapato 82-68. The team's success was built upon a suffocating defensive strategy and a balanced scoring attack. While no single player dominated the scoring charts, Lakeside Lutheran benefited from contributions across the board, with four players scoring in double figures. Wapato, despite a strong effort from their star forward, Sofia Rodriguez, struggled to find consistent offense against Lakeside Lutheran's relentless pressure. This victory marks Lakeside Lutheran's first state championship in boys basketball.

1A Championship: Crosspoint Academy Upsets the Odds

In a stunning upset, Crosspoint Academy, a smaller school from Vancouver, Washington, claimed the 1A championship, defeating Brewster 70-55. Led by the outstanding play of junior guard, Noah Williams, Crosspoint Academy's quickness and athleticism overwhelmed Brewster. Williams, who averaged 25 points throughout the tournament, consistently penetrated the defense and created opportunities for his teammates. Crosspoint's coach, Sarah Miller, attributed the team's success to their unwavering commitment to teamwork and defensive intensity. Brewster, despite a strong showing from senior captain, Ben Thompson, couldn't overcome Crosspoint's energetic play and well-executed game plan. This victory is a testament to the power of dedication and strategic coaching.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 WIAA boys basketball state championships have concluded, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next season. The performances of players like Kai Ito and Ethan Carter will undoubtedly attract college scouts, while the emergence of teams like Crosspoint Academy signals a potential shift in the competitive landscape. The WIAA will be conducting post-season meetings to analyze the season's successes and identify areas for improvement, ensuring the continued growth and excitement of Washington state high school basketball. The full results and detailed recaps are available on the official WIAA website ([ https://www.wiaa.com/ ]).