UW wins the battle for M-P star

MARYSVILLE – Marysville-Pilchuck star RaeQuan Battle plans to play basketball for the University of Washington.

Battle, who will be a senior at M-P this fall, announced his early verbal commitment Wednesday on Twitter with a photo of him in a Huskies uniform.

“It’s a dream come true — my dream college and the game I love to play,” he told The Herald

Battle, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, is listed as a four-star recruit, the No. 5 prospect in Washington and No. 138 nationwide. He chose the UW over an offer from the University of Houston.

“I’m kind of a homebody,” said Battle, a member of the Tulalip Tribes. “I wouldn’t mind leaving the state, but I’m too close to home. My support system is amazing. Every time I come out to one of our home basketball games, the stands are just filled (with people) rooting for me and my other teammates. I can’t (go far from) the Tulalip reservation.They’re my biggest support.”

Battle averaged 21.4 points and eight rebounds per game for M-P this season, leading the Tomahawks to the Class 3A state regionals and the program’s first district title in nearly three decades.

Battle said the Huskies have shown interest in him since the beginning of his sophomore year.

The Huskies went 21-13 this year under first-year coach Mike Hopkins.