The Mercer Island boys basketball team suffered their first loss of the season, losing to Redondo Union 64-57 in a non-conference game Saturday, Dec. 28 at the Seahawk Redondo Beach Classic in California. The loss brings the Islanders’ record to 8-1 this season.

The game did not start well for Mercer Island, with the Sea Hawks jumping out to a ten-point lead in the first quarter and then outscoring the Islanders 17-8 in the second quarter to take a 37-18 lead into the half. Mercer Island responded with a strong third quarter, outscoring the Sea Hawks 21-12. Despite outscoring Redondo again in the fourth quarter, the Islanders couldn’t catch the Sea Hawks. Senior captain Chris Lawler led the way for Mercer Island with 21 points. Co-captain Jake Stenberg added 18 and Andrew Pickles pitched in 11.

The Islanders survived a scare from Muir High School the night before, edging the Mustangs for a 53-52 victory. Senior Kaleb Warner led the Islanders in scoring with 23 points and Lawler added 12.