Eastside Catholic has talked all year about making a run at history, and taking the program back to the state’s round of 16 for the first time since 1999.

Tuesday, it became reality when the Crusaders beat Franklin 65-46 in the quarterfinals of the 3A Sea-King district boys basketball tournament at Bellevue College.

“It is the culmination of three years of really hard work by kids who have done everything we’ve asked them to do,” head coach Bill Liley said.

EC held a double-digit lead throughout the second half on the strength of a 22-4 run that spanned most of two quarters.

That stretch began on a three-pointer from Mattise Thybulle with just more than three minutes remaining in the second quarter and didn’t end until the lead had stretched to 42-24 with three and a half left in the third.

Junior Mandrell Worthy and seniors Nathan and Ian Christie led the Crusaders with 14 points each, and scored 18 of the team’s 22 points during the game’s decisive run.

But for much of the game, Liley was frustrated by defensive lapses, turnovers and missed opportunities on the break.

He said the emphasis to his team postgame was to focus on continuing to improve on the little things, which can turn games against the type of high caliber foes they will see moving forward in the postseason.

“I want my team to play hard, play smart and do the things we coach them to do, Liley said. “When they do those things, they are pretty special.”

The win not only sent the Crusaders to the district semi-finals Thursday, it gave Liley’s squad its much coveted 3A Regional round spot next week.

That accomplishment was not lost on players and coaches, but is also far from the conclusion for a team needing only one win in the round of 16 to reach the Tacoma Dome and 3A state tournament.

“We’re very critical, and sometimes being critical isn’t being nice,” Liley said. “But at the same time, we love our kids and our kids love what we’re trying to accomplish.”

EC will face Bellevue, a 71-47 semi-final winner over Seattle Prep, Thursday in the second game at Bellevue College for a district title game spot.

Ian Christie scores two of his 14 points. RICK EDELMAN, COURTESY PHOTO

Nathan Christie pulls down a rebound. RICK EDELMAN, COURTESY PHOTO