Eagles win at Interlake

It wasn’t a perfect game, but the Federal Way boys basketball team took care of business for its first win of the season.

The Eagles built an early lead then held on to win 62-57 Saturday at Interlake High School in Bellevue.

Junior post Nate Sanchez led Federal Way with 11 points and guard Brandon Chavers chipped in 11. Andre Piper-Jordan, a transfer from Interlake, lit up his old gym for 10 points.

“We did OK as a first game,” said senior Brad Mahlstedt. “At the beginning of the game we came out rusty. But we played hard. We’re still getting used to playing together, but it’s coming around. We’ll be strong in the SPSL.”

The Eagles held a 27-19 lead at the end of the first half. They extended the lead to a 17-point margin in the third quarter. But the margin dwindled when the reserves entered the game.

“I subbed liberally and we lost a big lead, but I let us suffer through it,” said Federal Way coach Jerome Collins. “It’s growing pains in the first game, but we’ll be OK. I liked our pressure but we fouled too much and kept bailing them out.”

Eagles players said defense was a point in need of improvement for their next game.

“Our fouling got us in trouble and we couldn’t make our shots,” Sanchez said. “The final score wasn’t even close to how the game was. We’ll be more prepared next time.”

Federal Way’s starting five players showed moments of the kind of play that earned them a trip to the West Central District playoffs last season. Other times they looked hurried.

“Our leaders on our team are looking forward to stepping up and helping the new guys,” Mahlstedt said.

Mahlstedt and Jason Carlson scored six points each. Senior guard Teddy Williams scored seven.

The Eagles face defending league champions Bethel at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bethel.

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