The learning curve for the Mercer Island boys basketball team this season has been sharp. Only three players had varsity experience entering this season and even their minutes were limited last year. But the rise of the underclassmen and the leadership provided by those with experience has led the Islanders to a 4-1 in-league record, and the team is still in the race for the KingCo title. That education for the young players continued on Friday when Mercer Island beat Liberty, 58-38, to take sole possession of second place in the division.

“We played well during the first quarter,” said Mercer Island coach Ed Pepple. “The second quarter was everyone for themselves, but then we did a great job during the third. I am really pleased. We have two freshmen playing.”

Mercer Island is developing a core group of players who are not only coming together this season but are the future of the program. The varsity experience that those players are earning is invaluable, according to Pepple.

“It means everything,” said Pepple. “They need to try and get as much as they can.”

Islander Brian Miller, a 6-foot-4 freshman, earned some big minutes for the team during the game. Miller did all of his damage during the second quarter, scoring two points and pulling down three rebounds.

“He is an excellent shooter but not a very good practice player,” said Pepple. “Making a contribution as a freshman means a lot.”

His performance helped to keep the Islanders from imploding during the quarter.

Mercer Island began the game with a five-point lead, but Liberty got back into the game during the first minutes of the second quarter. But the play of seniors Jon Poli and Robbie Taylor helped to get the team moving. The Mercer Island fans began chanting “two times your score” in response to Sloan Aikens’ two free throws, which gave the team a 28-14 lead just prior to halftime.

Islander Thomas Ehlers took control during the third quarter, scoring six points and grabbing three rebounds and one big blocked shot.

Ehlers scored a defining basket of the second half as he put back Taylor’s running jumper for a 37-18 lead.

“He is starting to make some good contributions,” said Pepple.

The score was part of an 18-5 run by the Islanders.

Mercer Island finished the game with stiff defense.

The Islanders have received some big play from underclassmen this year such as Quinn Sterling, Ben Emmanuels, Miller, Jeff Lindquist, Gabe Fruchter and Aikens. Injuries have opened up playing time for many of these players.

“We have been kind of disjointed with three players injured,” said Pepple. “Lindquist will be a major contributor before this year is over.”