The Ferndale boys' basketball team welcomed Aiden Sands back to the lineup and got a strong game from Lukas Melton as it beat Marysville-Pilchuck 53-45 in its first game of the Mountlake Terrace Holiday Classic on Friday, Dec. 28.

Melton led the Golden Eagles (5-5) with 11 points and played a strong game defensively to shut down one of Marysville's top scoring threats, Ferndale coach Monte Walton said.

Cameron Massey scored nine points and pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds, while Sands, Brady Shearer and Robert Hardin all scored seven points for the Golden Eagles.

Sands, who was supposed to be Ferndale's only returning starter from last year, played in his first game since breaking his nose and suffering a concussion before the start of the season.

"It's a big plus for us to have him back," Walton said. "It's going to take a few games for everyone to get in sync with Aiden, but he's going to give us a little more with his leadership."

Ferndale will need all the leadership it can get, as it will face unbeaten Class 4A power Arlington at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29, in the championship game for its group.

FERNDALE 53, MARYSVILLEE-PILCHUCK 45

Ferndale 12 22 9 10 - 53

Marysville-Pilchuck 15 7 14 9 - 45

Ferndale: Austin Honeycutt 4, Luis Alvarez 0, Lukas Melton 11, Aiden Sands 7, Zachary Cutsforth 5, Brady Shearer 7, Robert Hardin 7, Kendall Kelly 3, Travis Hoffman 0, Zach Berkompas 5, Cameron Massey 9, John Weg 2. Team totals: 19-57 10-24 53.

Marysville-Pilchuck: Lobaugh 0, Martinez 9, Gordon 3, Henry 6, Painter 8, Fields 10, Rice 6, Richardson 3. Team totals: 14-58 11-16 45.

3-ptg: Ferndale 5 (Shearer 2), Marysville-Pilchuck 6 (Martinez 3). Rebounds: Ferndale 40 (Massey 11), Marysville-Pilchuck 30 (Rice 7). Assists: Ferndale 11 (Sands 4), Marysville-Pilchuck 10 (Gordon 4). Fouls: Ferndale 11, Marysville-Pilchuck 15. Turnovers: Ferndale 13, Marysville-Pilchuck 15.