Jacksons’ 30-point third quarter spells doom for Arlington

The Eagles continue to have problems against the cream of the crop in the Western Conference. In a much anticipated matchup with last year's Class 4A state runner-up Jackson, the Eagles started and ended slow en route to a 77-66 loss Jan. 12.

By Travis Sherer • January 13, 2011 10:53 am
Arlington senior Griffin Ginnis goes for two of his team-high 21 points.
Arlington senior Griffin Ginnis goes for two of his team-high 21 points.

ARLINGTON — The Eagles continue to have problems against the cream of the crop in the Western Conference.

In a much anticipated matchup with last year’s Class 4A state runner-up Jackson, the Eagles started and ended slow en route to a 77-66 loss Jan. 12.

“We just came out flat (in the second half) and they didn’t,” said Arlington coach Nick Brown. “They came right at us and shot the ball well.”

Arlington trailed 28-13 at one point in the second quarter before ending the first half on a 19-7 run to get with in two points at halftime.

Then, with the score 32-37, senior guard Brett Kingma scored 10 of his game-high 33 points to help the Timberwolves achieve a 30-point third quarter and effectively pull away.

“He’s tougher than nails,” said Brown about Kingma, who has verbally committed to play at the University of Oregon in the fall. “He’s just a great player that made a lot of shots, and I thought we did a good job of getting a hand in his face most of the night — he just pours it in.”

Kingma made five 3-pointers to go along with his eight assists.

The game started out with a manic pace that often resulted in unorthodox shots for both sides, but seemed to be more Jackson’s speed.

“It was just a crazy pace and I think that was more their game than ours,” said Brown. “We were able to slow it down a little in the second quarter, but it might have just wore us out after halftime.”

Helping Arlington stay in the game in the first quarter was junior forward Bo Brummel, who brought down a handful of offensive rebounds to keep Arlington possessions alive.

Sparking the Eagles’ second-quarter run was senior Griffin Ginnis, who had eight of his team-high 21 points in that time.

“Our boys didn’t give up, and that is something I’m proud of,” said Brown.

The Eagles trailed by as many as 77-55 in the final minutes, but ended the game on a 13-3 run.

The loss knocks Arlington down to 8-4 overall and 6-2 in the Wesco, while Jackson remains undefeated (7-0) in conference play and 11-1 overall.

Arlington travels to Stanwood at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 21.