The 2024 WA State Champion Eastside Catholic Crusaders will open their season at home against the Lindbergh Eagles (1-2) this Thursday at 7PM. On paper, the Crusaders should pull out the victory, but as it’s their first action of the season, there could be some rust to shake off for the home team while Lindbergh has already had three games to do so.
The Crusaders are currently the No. 3 ranked team in state behind Garfield and Mt Si. after securing the first basketball state title in EC’s history.
The Eagles had a solid 2023-2024 season as well they went 12-11 and did decent in the state playoffs before losing to White River and packing their bags.
Despite last season’s success, the Crusaders graduated two of their top players. EC will be without 4-star recruit Jacob Cofie who graduated and headed off to play at Virginia, already a solid contributor for the Cavaliers, averaging 8.4 PPG so far. The Crusaders also graduated Nate Krohn, who is now playing at Whitworth University.
The Crusaders still have some very good players like junior 3-star Yabi Aklog, who helped carry the Crusaders to victory in the state game with a 28 points. Thanks to his display, he’s ranked as the No. 2 player in the state. Aklog will play a important role for the Crusaders this year.
Will the Crusaders be as good as they were last year? Or will them losing there top players lead to their demise?
