ARLINGTON — The Arlington boys basketball team lost the Wesco 4A District Championship game to Jackson, 63-43, on Jan. 21.

“It was a tough one,” Arlington head coach Nick Brown said.

The Eagles struggled with the No. 1 team of the 4A South in all four quarters. Jackson had a slight edge in size and strength compared to the Eagles.

“They’re more athletic and strong,” Brown said. “That forced us into things we didn’t want to do.”

In addition to the size difference, Arlington just didn’t execute on offense.

The big physical presence from Jackson, stymied Arlington’s scoring throughout the game.

“We only had one 3,” Brown said. “We didn’t shoot very well.”

The only three belonged to senior guard Bradey Brummel who scored 11 points in the game. Arlington’s highest scorer was senior post Noah Jones who scored 18 points.

But it was Jackson’s Dan Kingma that totaled 27 points in the game.

Arlington was rocked by Jackson earlier in the season. On Jan. 21, Arlington was beat by Jackson, 70-51.

The first quarter was competitive in the beginning, until Jackson broke away with a seven point lead.

Jackson sank a three right at the start. Arlington responded with a goal by Jones, but Jackson followed up again with another 3-pointer.

Jones put in another goal, but Jackson responded with a run.

With the score at 14-4, the Eagles answered with four more points but Jackson added three points. Jackson led Arlington, 17-10, at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was also a rough one for the Eagles as well.

Arlington was met again with the tough physical defense of Jackson. Arlington scored even less in the the second quarter.

Jackson got off another run which had them jump to a 14 point lead over Arlington.

It was 32-18 at halftime, with Jackson still in the lead.

It did get slightly better for Arlington in the second half.

In the third quarter, Arlington matched the scoring of Jackson in which both teams scored 14 points. “We did play good defense,” Brown said.

This brought the score to 46-32 at the end of the third quarter, with Arlington still left in the dust.

The third quarter effort by Arlington had little effect on the game, as Jackson was still more than 10 points ahead.

Arlington’s point deficit did not improve in the final quarter.

Jackson mirrored its first quarter in scoring, putting up 17 points over Arlington’s 11. In the end, Jackson beat Arlington 63-43.

Arlington will be playing another tough game on Feb. 28 against Kentridge at Kent-Meridian High School, in the first round of the regional playoffs.

Brown thinks he has the recipe for a victory over Kentridge. “We’re going to get ready,” Brown said. “I’ve watched them play several times. They’re good, but we’re good too.”