Lake Washington Kangaroos Secure 4A State Third Place Finish, Cap Remarkable Season

KIRKLAND, WA - The Lake Washington High School boys' basketball team put on a spectacular display of grit and talent, battling their way to a coveted third-place finish in the arduous WIAA 2026 Boys Basketball State Tournament for the 4A classification. Capping off an outstanding season with a decisive victory, the Kangaroos proved they belong among the state's elite, leaving an indelible mark on Washington prep sports.

In a thrilling finale to their state tournament run, the Kangaroos defeated Emerald Ridge High School by a score of 74-67 on Saturday, March 7, 2026. This hard-fought win showcased the team's resilience and determination, a characteristic they demonstrated throughout their journey in the highly competitive 4A bracket. The atmosphere at the Tacoma Dome was electric, with Lake Washington fans cheering every bucket and defensive stop, celebrating a truly special season for their beloved Kangaroos.

A Journey Through the State Bracket

The road to the podium was anything but easy for Lake Washington. Their state tournament campaign began with a formidable challenge, facing Puyallup High School in the WIAA 4A opening round. In a masterful performance played at Bellevue College on February 28, 2026, the Kangaroos asserted their dominance with a commanding 72-56 victory, signaling their serious intentions for a deep tournament run.

Advancing to the quarterfinals, Lake Washington continued their winning ways in a nail-biting encounter against Glacier Peak High School on March 5, 2026. In a testament to their clutch play and defensive fortitude, the Kangaroos edged out Glacier Peak 49-46, securing their spot in the state semifinals. While their championship dreams were ultimately halted by a tough Richland High School squad, who delivered an 83-70 defeat on March 6, 2026, the Kangaroos refused to be deterred. They regrouped with incredible resolve, channeling their competitive fire into the third-place game against Emerald Ridge, ultimately securing a well-deserved medal.

Consistency and Excellence Defined the Season

The Lake Washington Kangaroos' success at the state tournament was a fitting culmination of an incredible 2025-26 season. Boasting an impressive 25-5 overall record, including a strong 10-3 district performance, the Kirkland, WA powerhouse consistently demonstrated top-tier basketball. Their consistent high-level play earned them a formidable WA Rank of 6 heading into the postseason, a clear indicator of their standing within the state's most challenging classification.

The Kangaroos played with passion, precision, and an unyielding commitment to teamwork. Every player, every coach, and every moment contributed to a season that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the program's most successful. This strong showing at the WIAA 4A State Tournament reflects the dedication and hard work put in by these student-athletes, making their community incredibly proud.

As the curtains close on the 2025-26 season, the Lake Washington Kangaroos have firmly established themselves as a dominant force in Washington high school basketball, and the future certainly looks bright for this program.

This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.