Much love to Eastern Washington University

You just have to give much love, mad props, high fives and all sorts of other showings of respect to Eastern Washington University. Coach Ray Giacoletti’s Eagles are headed to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament for the first time in school history.

Eastern went 14-3 over their final 17 games after a non-conference schedule that, while very difficult, certainly prepared the Eagles for the rigors of their Big Sky schedule.

Senior guard Alvin Snow (Franklin) was the Big Sky MVP. Snow was a three-time All-Conference first team pick.

Senior guard Brendon Merritt (Bellarmine Prep) and junior forward Marc Axton (Foss) both made first team All-Big Sky. Freshman post Matt Nelson (Skyline) was the conference Freshman-of-the-Year. Merritt was also the Big Sky Tournament MVP with Snow and Axton earning first team All-Tournament honors. And another former Washington prep star was also first team at the Big Sky Tournament. Kelly Golob (Northern Arizona/Olympia) joined the EWU trio.

Eastern has finished second or higher in each of the last five years and has been to the conference championship games four consecutive times.

The future looks bright for Coach “Ray-Jack” and his guys as the two most dominating players at the Class 4A State Tournament are also headed to Cheney. Kentwood’s Rodney Stuckey and South Kitsap’s Jake Beitinger have both carried their teams into the championship game. Eastern assistant Carl Howell was in the Tacoma Dome to show some love and Giacoletti is reportedly due in for Saturday’s final.