A force in the paint

Bellevue Bulldogs sophomore back on floor after suffering an early season injury

By Shaun Scott • January 26, 2015 7:56 pm

Bellevue Bulldogs sophomore forward Anthony McLaughlin couldn’t wait to get back on the floor after a one-month hiatus.

McLaughlin, who suffered a strained groin against the Highline Thunderbirds on Dec. 14, returned to the Bulldogs’ lineup against Shoreline on Jan. 10. A week later, McLaughlin scored 18 points and secured 12 rebounds in the Bulldogs’ 85-79 win against the Skagit Valley Cardinals on Jan. 17.

“It is awesome to be back out on the court with my teammates. It was so hard watching these guys play and not being able to contribute,” McLaughlin said. “We have such a great group of guys. Being able to get back out there on the court is a lot of fun.”

The Bulldogs have put together a formidable 18-2 overall record thus far. McLaughlin said camaraderie and team unity drive the Bulldogs.

“From the very beginning, we all bought into coach (Jeremy) Eggers system. We play team basketball and that is the biggest key to this team’s success,” McLaughlin said. “We don’t have a star. On any given night any one of us can step up for our team. I feel like that is what makes us so special.”

McLaughlin throughly enjoys playing collegiate basketball just 19 miles from the town he grew up in. He is a 2012 graduate of Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie.

“My family makes it to almost every single game. They’re awesome supporters,” he said. “Being that close to home is great.”

Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask McLaughlin a few questions about his life away from the basketball court.

Bellevue Reporter: What are your favorite eateries in Bellevue?

Anthony McLaughlin: I would have to go with The Cheesecake Factory, Tokyo Steakhouse and Joey’s.

BR: What is your favorite movie of all time?

AM: “Remember the Titans.” I have probably seen that movie more than any other in my entire life.

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

AM: When someone isn’t working hard.

BR: What is your favorite dinner dish?

AM: Some kind of steak.

BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

AM: I still watch Spongebob SquarePants (cartoon). It is one of my favorite TV shows.