Defending Class 4A boys state basketball champion Federal Way demonstrated why opponents will have tremendous difficulty removing the crown from its current king with an awesome display of team cohesiveness in a nonleague 110-85 devastation of preseason poll No. 8 Lincoln at home on Monday in season-opening action for both teams.

As the top-ranked squad going into this season, the screaming Eagles flexed their sharp talons and exhibited the great gulf between themselves and a strong state contender at this moment in time.

"We came out and established ourselves on defense," Federal Way head coach Jerome Collins stressed. "That's where it starts. The defense triggers the offense. We played good defense, got in the passing lanes and disrupted them. We did a good job of just playing good defense, and the offense kept us in a rhythm throughout the game."

Federal Way of the South Puget Sound League kept the Narrows League Abes honest from the opening tip with shell-shocking defense that forced 10 first quarter turnovers and opened up an excellent transition game. During one stretch in the opening stanza, the Eagles poured in 14 consecutive points on their route to 13-for-16 shooting from the field and a 37-9 advantage after the first quarter.

Two minutes into the second quarter, Roosevelt Jones drained a three-pointer for a 50-15 domination before coach Collins tried different player combinations.

Not even Lincoln's vaunted pressure defense could clip the Eagles' wings enough to make a true challenge against an unselfish and precision passing powerhouse.

Senior forward Cole Dickerson used his 6-foot-7, 220 pound frame to hammer in the post while also taking defenders off the dribble with his quickness and spin moves in order to throw it down.

"We just got hot," said Dickerson, who scored 19 of his game-high 29 points before halftime while also finishing with 12 rebounds.

"Whoever had the hot hand, we got them the ball. We met our responsibilities when they were presented."

Guard Isiah Umipig collected 17 of his 19 points before halftime while dishing out seven assists for the game. Robert Christopher contributed 18 points and 11 boards as George Williams added 13 points and five caroms. Guard Tyrell Lewis had nine points. Jerry Duckworth scored eight points and grabbed three steals.

Despite graduating three starters from the 2008-2009 state titlists, multi-talented Dickerson (University of San Francisco bound) and superb guard Umipig (committed to Cal State Fullerton) return.

According to Collins on Monday night, Christopher was "great on the glass" while Williams ripped shots in from the perimeter. Lewis showed continued improvement as he learns the system. Duckworth drew praise for good minutes off the bench.

We lost some great players from last year, but the core of this team understands chemistry and unity," added Collins. "This is a different team from last year and establishing chemistry will pay big dividends in the long run."

After the Eagles established the 50-15 lead, the Abes closed to trail 61-35 at halftime, but never got closer than 20 points the rest of the game.

Federal Way torched the nets for 34 of 44 field goal shooting and dropped in 30 of 37 charity tosses.

Guard Jordan Russell led Lincoln with 16 points. Terrell Lewis and Ruben Killian-Horace each scored 15 and C.J. Wright earned 14.

Federal Way will begin SPSL North action on Friday at Auburn Riverside before going on the road to No. 4 Kentwood on Tuesday.