Walser was a key to the win against Cedarcrest and has been both games of the tourney. B-E is more than Walser though. That is why they dominated the game after the first quarter. Let me qualify this by saying I'm not trying to say this year's team is better than the last 3 B-E teams, but one thing this year's team has is much more diversity. Having watched this team all season my opinion is that if anyone is absolutely key it is Will Stewart. However they would not be where they are without Boe as well. Only one player has been able to score at their normal average against him and that was the kid from South Whidbey. Even then he was 2-16 from the field in the 2nd half. Boe's hustle, defense, rebounding and quarterbacking from the high post are all vital. Walser gives them the inside presence they haven't necessarily had the last couple of years and has improved greatly over the season. I was worried he may get in foul trouble once Schifferal quit the team, but the coach does an excellent job of managing that aspect. At different times this year both Reed & Garcia have taken over games with their 3 point shooting although Reed has been slumping late in the season. Stewart though is the guy that makes this team go. He is the calming affect and has the ability to go one on one when needed for a big basket. His rebounding and defense are highly underated in my opinion. What this team doesn't have that previous teams had (outside of Coulter) is a bench. B-E will beat most one dimensional teams which Cedarcrest was. It was thought they lived and died by the three and that turned out to be very evident. Even down 19-21 at end of 1st quarter I looked at my buddy and said we got this one. Cedarcrest was on fire from the 3 point line and we were countering with easy layups and mid range shots. I think it had to be a bit demoralizing to only be up 2. Once the 3's stopped falling and there were no second chances due to board dominance the game was over.
Now Friday, I totally expect an intense close game without any prediction on a winner, because Squalicum is also a diversified team not relying on one dimension.