Few things in this world go together better than Federal Way High School basketball and the state tournament.

After defeating Auburn Mountainview 49-41 on March 1 at Auburn Mountainview, the Eagles punched their ticket to the Tacoma Dome for the 10th straight season.

“It was a lot of fun. This season has been a journey for us. We have been through a lot. We have new faces and a new dynamic, but we found our way,” senior Angelo Williams said.

Head Coach Yattah Reed said that seeing this specific Eagles team continue the legacy at Federal Way was special to be a part of.

“I wanted this group to get to the Dome because we don’t have star players. But they are stars for what we need to get done. They deserve it,” Reed said.

This was the third meeting between these two sides with both teams beating the other on the road. But as of late, the Eagles have been rolling. Since Jan. 24, the Eagles have lost just one game, a one-point loss to Lincoln in the district semifinals going 9-1 over that span.

The key has been the Eagles’ defense — as seen in their first game of the state tournament against Shorewood. In the play-in game, Federal Way held the Stormrays to 33 total points. Against Auburn Mountainview, the 41 points is the fewest points scored since Dec. 5, 2023.

“It’s just been our identity for this team. In the past we were fortunate to have guys who could put the ball in the hole. We came together and said we are going to be a defensive team and let our defense win games,” Reed said.

It’s the culture at Federal Way that centers on defense and suffocating the opponent. Against Mountainview, it felt like the Lions’ offense was in a stranglehold all game. In the first half, Auburn Mountainview was held to single digit points in each quarter.

“Defense is the blueprint at Federal Way. Coach Reed preaches defense all the time, that is our philosophy,” Williams said.

Despite missing his first four free throws of the game, senior Marcel Jones scored eight first quarter points and put the Eagles in front 15-8. Jones is in his first year as an Eagle, transferring from Garfield High School this past offseason. His connection and partnership with Brayden McVey has given the Eagles a new sprinkle on the offensive side of the ball.

“He (Jones) is a huge complement. I’m proud of him because he accepted the challenge all week for this game. He rose to the occasion and received our respect from the coaching staff,” Reed said.

McVey totaled 11 first half points and put the Eagles on top 26-17 over Auburn Mountainview.

But the second half, especially the third quarter, would be one that the Eagles needed to forget quickly. In the third quarter, Federal Way had just five total points. McVey had a lay-up and Jones had three points as the only scoring out of the break.

However, the Eagles’ defense held Auburn Mountainview to just 10 points. So as the game progressed to the third quarter, Federal Way was in control, but hanging on, 31-27.

In the final quarter, Auburn Mountainview had their best scoring quarter (14), but the Eagles had an answer and never let the Lions get on a run. Angelo Williams had seven fourth quarter points after not scoring at all until then.

“I was just trying to help out any way, on the defense or offensive end. I didn’t care about offense, I was just focused about defense,” Williams said.

The senior supplements the duo of Jones and McVey, and gives Federal Way a threat from beyond the arc.

“He’s dealt with some adversity and an injury. But it’s his senior year and he stepped up. He knocked down shots he’s supposed to knock down. Most importantly, he’s one of our (key) defensive players,” Reed said.

Federal Way over the course of the 10-year Tacoma Dome run has never been a seed lower than 9 (2022). This year’s team is seeded as the 14th seed, which has put a chip on the shoulder of the Eagles. This team has connected on and off, and as the 14th seed, is playing with a whole heap of momentum.

“I’m proud of them because when I say they are clicking, I’m not saying that because they are playing well. But they are clicking because they are starting to enjoy one another,” Reed said.

Being an underdog and a bit overlooked on the basketball court is a new feeling for Federal Way. But winning in late February and early March is ingrained in the DNA of the Eagle program.

“We are clicking at the right time. We are going to make a run,” Williams said.

Federal Way is set for a district semifinal rematch against Lincoln on March 5 inside the Tacoma Dome, with tip-off at 3:45 p.m.

Marcel Jones drives to the basket against Auburn Mountainview. Ben Ray / The Mirror