Federal Way denies Tahoma's bid to clinch 4A NPSL boys basketball title, 3 takeaways

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - Mason Thomas scored 12 of his team-high 20 points in a breakaway third quarter, and 10th-ranked and defending 4A NPSL champion Federal Way halted No. 3 Tahoma's bid to clinch the league title with a 70-56 home victory Thursday night.

The Eagles built as large as a 16-point lead in the third quarter in snapping the Bears' six-game winning streak.

With a one-game lead over Federal Way, Tahoma still has a chance to clinch its first league title since 2013 if it can sweep upcoming home games against Decatur, Kentridge and Mount Rainier - assuming the Eagles win their final two games as well.

Here are three takeaways from the Federal Way-Tahoma game:

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PUTTING TOGETHER ANOTHER PLAYOFF SQUAD

A year ago, senior-dominant Federal Way advanced to the WIAA Class 4A semifinals, and eventually took home a third-place trophy.

After graduation and roster defections, the lone returner for the Eagles was senior guard Kofi Peyton.

What Federal Way has done to even be within earshot of another league title with Peyton, three transfers, including Thomas, and the promotion of a lot of last season's junior-varsity roster has been nothing short of remarkable.

Against Tahoma, Thomas (20 points) and Peyton (13 points) led the parade, but four other players scored at least six points - and the defense forced the Bears into an estimated 20 turnovers.

"We show some lack of maturity, lack of experience, but they all buy in in the sense they want it," Federal Way boys coach Yattah Reed said.

"I have to remember, 'This ain’t last year’s team,' and I cannot expect them to do what last year’s team did. Instead of trying to change them, I’ve had to change my coaching style."

Reed has had to be more patient in seeing this group mesh.

"You need pieces (for a playoff run)," Reed said. "You need good guard play. We have length and we can defend - when they want to.

"I feel like we can make some noise. The way we played tonight, I hope it will carry on into districts."

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MASON THOMAS IS LEARNING A NEW ROLE

Before arriving at Federal Way, Thomas was the top scorer in the 2A SPSL with Franklin Pierce High School.

But after coming to the Eagles, Reed inserted him into the point-guard role - something he hasn't done before.

"In the beginning, it was kind of tough for him because he did not run the point (at Franklin Pierce)," Reed said. "Now he has the ball 90 percent of the time … and I am trying to get him to know, ‘You’ve got to trust your teammates.’:

Because of his overall strength, Thomas can seemingly get to the basket whenever he chooses to attack. But he has developed into a facilitator - and floor leader.

"I accomplished a lot individually (at Franklin Pierce), but coming here solely, I wanted to bond with my teammates and get what it feels like to make it far in state and - get to the (Tacoma Dome)," Thomas said.

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TAHOMA MISSED A CHANCE TO SOAK IN THE MOMENT

The Bears had everything to gain Thursday night - and never seemed on track to take down 4A NPSL nemesis Federal Way in its own gymnasium.

They took a 2-0 lead on technical-foul shots before the tipoff, lost the lead in the first minute of the game - and trailed the rest of the way.

Tahoma went stretches with sloppy passing and turning it over - and not matching the Eagles' energy.

Jayden Stephens was a lone bright spot with a game-high 22 points - 13 coming in the third quarter.

"It just wasn't us tonight," Tahoma boys coach Rick Tripp said. "I felt we were timid from the get-go."

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