Denault dominates, Tigers blow out 1A Cruisers

The Napavine boys basketball team wrecked its guests early with a different Tiger in the starring role Thursday, blowing out 1A Eatonville 71-38.

For the first time this season, it wasn’t James Grose leading the Tigers in points — through he did finish with 14. Thursday, it was Karsen Denault’s turn to shine, and the junior stepped into the spotlight with a career-high 33 points to go along with 14 rebounds and three steals.

Denault finished 16 for 20 from the field for 80% shooting percentage on the night, and nearly outscored Eatonville by himself.

Cael Stanley did a little bit of everything with seven points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals, while Cayle Kelly and Jarin Prather both brought in five boards.

As a team, the Tigers shot a measly 2 for 22 from beyond the arc, but outrebounded their guests 43-26 and outscored them 58-16 in the post.

Napavine started the game on a 20-6 run, and led by 22 by the time halftime came around.

The Tigers (8-0, 3-0 C2BL) will be back in action Friday in Portland, facing Tenino in a non-league battle at the Moda Center.