STANWOOD — The charity stripe hasn’t been forgiving to the Lady Tomahawks so far this year.
But Marysville-Pilchuck’s girls basketball knocked down the free ones when it mattered most to keep its season alive by defeating Stanwood 54-50 in district tournament action Feb. 16.

“We have not been the best at free throws,” said M-P coach Julie Martin. “We’ve only hit 70 percent once this season.”

Heading into the final minutes of the game against Stanwood, M-P led 48-41, despite making just six of 17 attempts.

The Spartans got wise to the weakness and starting fouling the Tomahawks with three minutes left in the game and M-P leading 49-47. The frustration after each miss was noticeable both before and after each attempt on every Tomahawk except Morgan Martinis, who calmly walked to the line and drained two. From that point, the Tommies hit five of their final six to secure the win.

The win ended Stanwood’s season and put M-P within two wins of a second consecutive Class 4A state tournament berth.

“These girls are fighters,” said Martin. “They have faced so much adversity, not only tonight but this season, and I hope they can keep it going.”

What helped contribute to M-P’s success on this particular night was perimeter defense. The Tommies held a typically dangerous outside shooting Spartans team to just a pair of 3-pointers made.

“The girls did a really good job of getting out on them, but also stayed in great position to stop them from driving so much,” Martin said.

The Tommies got a boost from Martinis and Emily Enberg, who combined to score 15 of M-P’s first 17 points and propel them to a 17-15 lead.

The Tommies took a 26-22 lead into halftime despite having some trouble getting through Stanwood’s full-court pressure near the end of the period.

The Spartans went on the offensive to start the second half with a 7-1 run, but Marysville didn’t falter.
Leading the way for Tommies was Martinis, who scored a game-high 18 points, and went 5-for-6 from the foul line.

“I told Morgan all she had to do was just look for ways to get open tonight,” said Martin.
Enberg added 11.

“Emily did such a great job out there all-around,” Martin said. “Whenever we needed a rebound, pass or lay-in, she was there.”

M-P needed a win against Edmonds-Woodway Feb. 19 to keep its season going. From there, the Tommies would face the Kingco No. 3 placer for a winner-to-state game.