Freshman starts, makes impression on coaches

"Freshman forward/center Matt Nelson from Issaquah has been a pleasant surprise to the Eagles this season. After losing center TJ Williams and forward Chris Hester to graduation, the Eagles were in need of some help on the glass. "Outrebounding our opponents is important and when we've done that we've been successful this season," says Coach Giacoletti.

Nelson is shooting 53 percent from the field, has started six games and averages almost seven points and five rebounds per game. "Anytime you have a freshman starting and putting up numbers like he has, especially against the type of people we've played, it's impressive. He's been the biggest surprise to us this year," says Giacoletti.

As long as Nelson stays out of foul trouble, look for him to get the big minutes in tight games as the season progresses.