Basketball Game Preview: Stanwood Spartans vs. Monroe Bearcats

The Stanwood Spartans will challenge the Monroe Bearcats at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Both teams are coming into the game red-hot, with Stanwood sitting on three straight victories and Monroe on four.

Stanwood is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They blew past Marysville-Pilchuck, posting an 83-51 win. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Spartans have posted since January 31, 2024.

Stanwood's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Cole Williams led the charge by as he made all 7 shots he took for 18 points along with five assists and five steals. Williams has been hot recently, having posted three or more steals the last three times he's played. Another player making a difference was Greyson Pierce, who went 6 of 9 on his way to 12 points in addition to eight rebounds and five steals.

Williams wasn't the only one working in the assists department: Stanwood was working as a unit and finished the game with 22 assists. That's the most assists they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Monroe challenged Snohomish on Tuesday. Monroe strolled past Snohomish with points to spare, taking the game 51-37. Given the Bearcats' advantage in MaxPreps' Washington basketball rankings (they are ranked 46th, while the Panthers are ranked 231st), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Stanwood picked up their first home win, bumping their record up to 4-10. As for Monroe, their victory bumped their record up to 12-2.

Stanwood suffered a grim 71-49 defeat to Monroe in their previous meeting back in December of 2024. Will Stanwood have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.