Demons down Grayhounds

WASHINGTON — The Washington and Burlington boys basketball teams have been the Top-2 in the Southeast Conference for the last three years, and while the year is young, Friday night’s game at Washington High School felt like a big one.

That made it all the more impressive that the Demons were the dominant team in the second half of a 59-44 win that made Washington 2-0 to start conference play.

“At the beginning of the year, we always talk about how you want to take a few on the road, but you've got to win all of them at home,” said Washington head coach Collin Stark. “This was a great start with a home win against a great team.”

The first half was a slug fest, but it was one that Washington won. The Demons led 15-13 after one quarter and 25-23 at halftime, thanks in part to eight points from Ethan Patterson, and seven from Ajay Six.

Patterson’s eight first half points put him one bucket away from a milestone, and it was one he hit on the first basket of the second half. Patterson sprung open and nailed a 3-pointer that put him over 1,000 career points.

“It means a lot,” said Patterson about the milestone. “Ever since I was a kid, it's kind of been a dream to me.”

Patterson became just the fifth Washington boys basketball player to ever hit 1,000, and he’s got plenty of season left to add to his total.

“It shows the type of hard work that Ethan has put in,” said Stark. “Every kid dreams of being a 1,000-point scorer, but you have to actually put in the work.”

Patterson’s big shot also sparked Washington to a big run. The Demons put up 21 points in the third to stretch the lead to 46-37 at halftime, and Burlington never threatened for the lead again.

Patterson finished the night with 20 points to lead the team. Ajay Six scored 13. Evan Van Der Molen had 10. Logan McDole finished with eight. Avery Six scored five, and Aden Six had three.

Washington is now 2-2 overall this season, and 2-0 in conference play. The Demons host Oskaloosa (0-3) on Tuesday night, and will travel to Mt. Pleasant (2-2, 2-0) next Friday with first place in the SEC on the line.

“It's good to start off 2-0 in conference, but that's not our end goal,” said Patterson. “Our end goal is to win it.”