Dellinger embraces his role with the Eagles

Issaquah Eagles boys basketball player Jack Dellinger is the definition of a team player

By Shaun Scott • March 1, 2016 5:53 pm

The Issaquah Eagles boys basketball team relies on its superb team-first concept and stingy defense on the hardwood.

The Eagles, who clinched a berth at the Class 4A state tournament with a 64-39 win against Timberline in a winner-to-state, loser-out playoff game on Feb. 27, have players who know their specific role on the floor.

Issaquah senior Jack Dellinger is one of those players who embraces his role wholeheartedly.

With 1:27 left in regulation of the Class 4A KingCo title game between the Issaquah Eagles and Woodinville Falcons boys basketball teams on Feb. 18, Dellinger fouled out the game.

Dellinger, who finished the game with a paltry two points but corralled 12 rebounds, received a standing ovation from the Issaquah fans as he made his way to the bench. The Eagles led the Falcons 71-55 when Dellinger exited the contest and eventually cruised to a 75-62 win in the Class 4A KingCo title game on Feb. 18 at Lake Washington High School in Kirkland. While Dellinger didn’t make an impact with regard to scoring points, he did all of the little things that made all the difference in the game. He blocked shots, corralled rebounds and dove on the floor for loose balls throughout the duration of the contest.

“That is my game. I’m not going to score. Every time I catch the ball on the three-point line coach calls a timeout,” Dellinger said with a smile. “I know I have to get boards, steals and all of that.”

Dellinger’s hard-nosed style of play is something his teammates appreciate immensely. He embraces his role on the squad and his teammates love him for it.

“That is what he does for us every game. You might not see all of it in the stat sheet, but every game he has a huge impact on the game. He just flies around, makes steals and makes things happen for us,” Issaquah senior guard Trevon Ary-Turner said.

Issaquah post player Tanner Davis said Dellinger’s all-out hustle inspires the players around him.

“We needed to come out with fire and we needed to come out with hustle. That is exactly what my boy Jack Dellinger did. He is the MVP of this team right now,” Davis said.