Monthly Archives: January 2013

Franklin Holds off Prep’s Late Surge

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Franklin Holds off Prep’s Late Surge
By Colin Caruso 

Tuesday- January 29 2013 Metro 3A
Franklin High School 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Seattle Prep 16 10 20 16 62
Franklin 22 16 13 16 67


Franklin Senior Arell Hennings

The Prep Panthers trailed throughout the contest until they came back to tie up the score with 4:43 remaining in the fourth, but the Franklin Quakers closed out the game on a 14-9 run to win by five.

The game began with the hoop looking like the Pacific Ocean for both teams.  Prep took advantage of defensive breakdowns by the Quakers, with three wide open drives to the basket.  Franklin, behind eight first quarter points by Patrick Ball, hit from both inside and outside and held a 22-16 lead after the first.

The Quakers increased their lead in the second quarter, forcing seven Panther turnovers and converting on transition baskets.  Both offenses slowed their pace in the second quarter, but Franklin continued to pressure the ball, extending their lead to 38-26 at the half.  Senior Arell Hennings led the Quakers with nine points in the quarter.

Prep began their comeback in the third quarter, forcing five turnovers and converting on their first three pointer of the contest.  The Panthers, led by DJ Fenner with nine points in the quarter, cut the Quaker lead to 51-46 at the end of the third.

Both teams started out cold from the field in the fourth, combining for a total of six points three minutes into the quarter.  But the scoring heated up, started by Prep forcing five turnovers again in the fourth quarter and tying the game at 53-53.  The Quakers were not phased by the surging Panthers, as they made 5-6 free throws late in the fourth, and Patrick Ball and Freshman Keith Smith combined for 11 points in the quarter to win 67-62.

Leading Scorers:
Seattle Prep
Laurence Hicks (18)
DJ Fenner (17)
Sean Gummersall (17)

Franklin
Patrick Ball (22)
Arell Hennings (14)
Tim McMillon (14)

 

Can Eastern Washington Continue their Dominance of the 4A Classification?

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Eastern Washington has controlled much of the 4A State Title races over the last decade.  Can this trend continue, or will the balance of power swing back to Western Washington?  No matter the outcome, one thing is for sure….the Pacific Northwest is a hot bed for women’s basketball!

Two schools, Lewis and Clark and Central Valley, have put their stamp on the 4A Washington State girls basketball championship since 2000.  Under Jim Redmon, Lewis and Clark has played in the championship four times (2006-2008, 2011) and won every matchup, an amazing 4-0 in state finals appearances.  Central Valley has also been to the big dance 4 times, winning two of their state finals matchups, in 2001 and 2002.  Central Valley coach Dale Poffenroth led his Lady Bears to the finals in 2003 as well, where they lost to Al Aldridge’s Prairie Falcons in a rematch of the 2002 final.  Dale has since moved on to Idaho to coach Coeur D’Alene High School, but his replacement Freddie Rehkow took the Lady Bears to the final in 2012 and lost a nail-biter to Skyview, 46-43.

 

Both Lewis and Clark and Central Valley have won multiple titles since the turn of the century, but we will never overlook the Prairie Falcons in this discussion.  Prairie has made a trip to the 4A state finals four times since 2000, winning it in 2003.  If we were to extend our century gap just two years back to 1998, Prairie would be the focal point of our discussion as Coach Aldridge dominated the 1998 and 1999 state finals matchups, beating his opponents by 13 points and 10 points respectively.  Prairie has maintained their dominance in the move to 3A, where they made the finals in 2011 and 2012, winning the title game in 2012.  Watch out for Prairie again this year in 3A, as the Lady Falcons are currently ranked 2nd in the state and in control of the Greater St. Helens League.

This year’s 4A state tournament will be as compelling as any tournament in the past, with three top newcomers making some noise in the the state rankings; Mount Rainier, Gonzaga Prep, and Arlington.  Of these schools only Arlington has won the 4A title, and that was back in 1982.

Don’t miss the 4A Girls State Tournament action,
beginning February 28th in Tacoma!

Bellevue Wolverines Shock Mercer Island Islanders

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Bellevue Wolverines Shock Mercer Island Islanders
By Colin Caruso 

Friday- January 25 2013 KingCo 3A/2A
Bellevue High School 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Mercer Island 14 13 9 14 50
Bellevue 9 17 11 14 51

Bellevue handed Mercer Island their first loss to a Washington state team on Friday night with a 51-50 shocker at Bellevue High.  This rivalry game had a much slower pace than expected, with full half court sets, good passing, and great offensive execution overall.  Mercer Island took the lead in the first quarter by sinking three contested three-pointers, but this fine shooting did not seem to phase Bellevue.  The Wolverines continued to grind and maintained great defensive intensity.  They cut the five point lead at the end of the first to just one at the half on a great three point bank shot at the buzzer by Michael Carlson.

The third quarter maintained a slower, meticulous basketball pace.  Bellevue continued to execute offensively, while Mercer Island settled for mid-range to deep jump shots, not attacking the hoop like they did in the first half.

Bellevue turned up their defensive intensity in the second half, doing a great job of stepping into passing lanes and converting in transition.  The Wolverines took a one point lead at the end of the third quarter, and maintained that lead deep into the fourth quarter, exchanging baskets with the Islanders.  With 24 seconds left, Bellevue held a one point lead and the Islanders had the ball, shot clock turned off.  The drawn up play seemed to break down via Bellevue’s defensive intensity and the Wolverines forced Mercer Island into a deep three that was right on target, but inches long.

Bellevue sealed the victory, 51-50.

Leading Scorers:
Mercer Island
Kaleb Warner (15)
Nick Nordale (14)

Bellevue
Michael Carlson (12)
Timmy Haehl (11)

2013 King Holiday Hoopfest Scoreboard

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2013 Hoopfest Scoreboard

Event At A Glance – League Record
Hoopfest W L
KingCo 3A/2A 0 1
KingCo 4A 1 1
Metro 3A 3 2
Narrows 3A 0 1
Narrows 4A 0 1
SPSL 4A 1 1
WesCo 4A 1 0
Out of State 1 0

 

Olympia vs. Todd Beamer Game 1
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 9:00am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Olympia 9 15 16 14 54
Todd Beamer 12 18 16 14 60

 

 

Wilson vs. Cleveland – Girls Game 2
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 10:30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Wilson 17 9 9 18 53
Cleveland 9 20 16 15 60

 

 

O'Dea vs. Lakeside Game 3
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 12:00pm 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
O'Dea 9 20 15 10 54
Lakeside 13 20 21 15 69

 

 

Bellevue vs. Jackson Game 4
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 2:30pm 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Bellevue 11 12 21 11 55
Jackson 16 9 16 17 58

 

 

Bothell vs. Rainier Beach Game 5
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 4:00pm 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Bothell 8 20 10 25 63
Rainier Beach 13 23 13 17 66

Broadcast Live on Sports Radio KJR 950AM & 1029FM

 

 

Jefferson (OR) vs. Mt. Rainier Game 6
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 6:30pm 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Jefferson (OR) 16 26 12 12 66
Mt. Rainier 22 11 18 14 65

 

 

Garfield vs. Franklin Game 7
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 8:00pm 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Garfield 21 14 25 14 74
Franklin 16 22 18 16 72


Broadcast Live on Sports Radio KJR 950AM & 1029FM

 

2013 Hoopfest Game #1 Recap –
Olympia vs. Todd Beamer

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Todd Beamer outlasts Olympia
By Colin Caruso 

Monday- January 21 Game 1
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 9:00am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Olympia 9 15 16 14 54
Todd Beamer 12 18 16 14 60

In the first game of the King Holiday Hoopfest, the Todd Beamer Titans hold off the late surging Olympia Bears with the final score of 60-54.  Beamer got off to a quick start, with two three-pointers in the first quarter from guard Juwan Flowers.  From there the Titans began their full-court press which they maintained throughout the rest of the contest.

Olympia began their first run early in the second quarter, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on their size with easy buckets on the interior.  But Todd Beamer continued to score, with guard Trey Burch-Manning putting in eight points in the second quarter, to extend the Titan lead to 30-24 at the half.

Todd Beamer maintained their lead in the third quarter, trading buckets with Olympia and beating them off the dribble, forcing help defense from the Bears.  The Titans did a great job of making the extra pass, opening up uncontested mid and close range opportunities.  Both teams scored 16 points in the third quarter and 14 points in the fourth quarter, with the Todd Beamer Titans winning 60-54.

Leading Scorers:

Todd Beamer – Juwan Flowers (17), Trey Burch-Manning (17)

Olympia – Brendan Leonard (16), Michael Champlin (14)

4A Boys
4A Boys Regional Bracket
http://www.meridix.com/live.php?liveid=soundsportsnet1

2013 Hoopfest Game #2 Recap –
Girls – Wilson vs. Cleveland

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Top Girl Squads Battle on Monday at SPU
By Colin Caruso 

Monday- January 21 – Girls Game 2
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 10:30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Wilson 17 9 9 18 53
Cleveland 9 20 16 15 60

Wilson jumped out to an early 11-4 lead, capitalizing on missed free throws from Cleveland and forcing turnovers with their relentless defense.  Cleveland didn’t help their cause, missing some tough shots and giving Wilson a 17-9 lead at the end of the first.

Cleveland began their come back against man to man in the second, forcing Wilson to switch into zone. Both teams did a great job creating opportunities off the dribble and getting to the rim.  Cleveland began full court pressing late in the second quarter, disrupting the Wilson offense and creating fast break opportunities.  Cleveland guard Makayla Roper was held scoreless in the first quarter, but broke out with eight points for the Eagles in the second.

Wilson continued to do a good job of getting to the rim in the third quarter, as they converted on several inside scoring chances.  Cleveland extended their lead to 45-35 at the end of the third, primarily hitting mid-range jump shots.

The Cleveland Eagles began pouring in the points early in the fourth, beating Wilson down the floor and capitalizing on defensive breakdowns.  Cleveland extended their lead to 16 mid-way through the fourth but Wilson came back on a 11-0 run to cut the lead to five.  Clutch free-throws by Roper in the final seconds secured a 60-53 victory for the Cleveland Eagles.

Leading Scorers:
Cleveland
Makayla Roper (23)
Myzhanique Ladd (11)

Wilson
Bethany Montgomery (18)
Tia Briggs (9)

2013 Hoopfest Game #3 Recap –
O’Dea vs. Lakeside

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Lakeside’s Trap Pinches O’Dea, Lions win 69-54
By Colin Caruso 

Monday- January 21 Game 3
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 12:00pm 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
O'Dea 9 20 15 10 54
Lakeside 13 20 21 15 69

Lakeside’s relentless backcourt trap gave the Lions easy transition baskets early, jumping out to a 13-9 first quarter lead.  Lions guard Tremaine Isabell led the rally with eight points of his own.  O’Dea continued to have difficulties with the trap early in the second quarter, not finding the open man when Lakeside brought the additional defender.  When O’Dea was able to break the trap they were left with easy chances and baskets at the rim.  O’Dea, led by Aaron Falaniko and his 14 in the second quarter, kept the deficit to just four going into the second half.

Lakeside backed off the pressure to start the second half, but continued to build their lead by spreading the floor and capitalizing on open looks.  Seven Lions scored in the third period, to close the quarter with a 54-44 lead.  O’Dea could not match Lakeside’s intensity in the fourth quarter, allowing Lakeside to extend the lead to 19 late in the period, 67-48.  Lakeside discontinued the trap in the fourth, matching up at half court, but still forcing the Irish into tough jump shots.

The Lions quickness off the dribble changed the course of this game, forcing help defense from the Irish and creating open looks for Lakeside.  Lakeside held on to their big lead winning 69-54.

Leading Scorers:
Lakeside
Tramaine Isabell (25)
D’Marques Tyson (18)

O’Dea
Aaron Falaniko (20)
Jamie Orme (10)

2013 Hoopfest Game #4 Recap –
Bellevue vs. Jackson

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Jackson Survives Scare vs. Bellevue
By Colin Caruso 

Monday- January 21 Game 4
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 2:30pm 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Bellevue 11 12 21 11 55
Jackson 16 9 16 17 58

The game began with a frantic pace, both teams running up and down the floor in transition.  With a lot of dribble penetration, Jackson was able to create open jump shot opportunities.  Eight straight points by Jackson in the first quarter answered Bellevue’s 7-0 run, giving the Timberwolves a 16-11 lead at the end of one.  Bellevue countered early in the second, starting the quarter on an 11-4 run and taking the lead by three.  Jackson answered with a few buckets of their own, closing the quarter with the lead 25-23.  Only two Jackson players scored in the first half, Jason Todd with 13 and Brian Zehr with 12.

Bellevue dropped back into a 2-3 zone to start the second half, forcing outside shots from the Timberwolves.  The Timberwolves made four threes in the quarter, led by Dan Kingma’s 3 three pointers.  Bellevue’s Michael Carlson avenged his 0 for 8 start in the first half, scoring eight points in the quarter to give the Wolverines a 44-41 lead.  The frantic pace of the game kept up in the fourth quarter, with the Timberwolves irking out a one point lead with 49 seconds left in the contest.  Jackson forward Jason Todd made six clutch free throws down the stretch to give the Timberwolves a three point win, 58-55.

Leading Scorers:
Jackson
Jason Todd (21)
Brian Zehr (17)

Bellevue
Michael Carlson (13)
Jack Walton and Jackson Rezab (11)

2013 Hoopfest Game #5 Recap –
Bothell vs. Rainier Beach

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Rainier Beach Holds off Bothell’s Late Surge

Monday- January 21 Game 5
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 4:00pm 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Bothell 8 20 10 25 63
Rainier Beach 13 23 13 17 66

The battle of #1 teams in the 4A and 3A Boys classifications lived up to it’s billing.  Before tip-off, you could feel the electricity in the air as it was standing room only in Royal Brougham Pavilion on Seattle Pacific University’s campus.

Beach started the game with three straight steals and two easy layups to go up 4-0.  From there, these two elite teams in Washington exchanged baskets to end the first, with Beach leading 13-8.  Beach’s defensive pressure continued in the second quarter, pressing Bothell point guard’s full court and creating turnovers.  Both teams were able to get out in transition and finish with some extravagant dunks in the first half.  Bothell’s Zach Lavine led all scorers in the first half with 12, but Beach took an eight point 36-28 lead into halftime.

Beach’s defensive pressure slowed early in the third quarter, allowing both offenses to run more half court sets.  The game became increasingly more physical later in the third as both teams battled for every loose ball.  Beach picked up their defensive pressure late in the third period, and closed out the quarter with an 11 point lead, 49-38.

Bothell’s Lavine tried to bring his team back with 15 of his 34 points in the fourth period.  But Jordan King held his Vikings in the lead with eight of his own in the final quarter.  Bothell battled back as they pushed the Vikings in the final minutes of play.  A few missed free throws down the stretch allowed the Cougars an opportunity for one last attempt.  Lavine took a three to tie the game at the buzzer, but the shot hit front iron and bounced off, giving the Vikings the 66-63 win.

Leading Scorers:
Bothell
Zach Lavine (34)
Josh Martin (12)
Perrion Callendret (12)

Rainier Beach
Jordan King (14)
Will Dorsey (13)

1st Half Video Highlights

2nd Half Video Highlights

2013 Hoopfest Game #6 Recap –
Jefferson (OR) vs. Mt. Rainier

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Jefferson Beats Mount Rainier on Buzzer Beater

Monday- January 21 Game 6
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 6:30pm 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Jefferson (OR) 16 26 12 12 66
Mt. Rainier 22 11 18 14 65

The King Holiday Hoopfest welcomed the only team from outside of the state of Washington, the Jefferson Democrats (OR) late in the day.  Both teams came out shooting, seemingly taking every open three available.  The Mount Rainier Rams got out on top quickly and ended the first quarter on top 22-16.  After an inspired talk by Coach Pat Strickland, the second quarter was a different story for the Democrats.  Jefferson caught fire in the second period, scoring 26 points.  Victor Sanders led the way for the Democrats, scoring 10 of his own in the second quarter.  Jefferson took a convincing 42-33 lead into the locker room.

The third quarter was almost as one sided as the second quarter, this time it was in favor of the Rams.  The Rams outscored the Democrats 18-12, cutting the once nine point lead to just three going into the fourth.

The Rams made another run in the fourth quarter, taking the lead with less than a minute to go on strong moves to the basket and mid-range jump shots.  Jefferson was down one with 10 seconds to go and the ball.  The Democrats would need to travel the full length of the court to get a shot off.  The inbounds pass went to Silas Melson, who weaved in between defenders and put up a flooooooater in the lane at the buzzer.  The shot went in as time expired! Portland’s Jefferson Democrats traveled down I5 Monday Night with a big win and a story they will tell for years to come.

Leading Scorers:
Jefferson
Victor Sanders (24)
Silas Melson (19)

Mount Rainier
Caden Rowland (21)
Jamil Wilson-Jones (18)

2013 Hoopfest Game #7 Recap –
Garfield vs. Franklin

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A Rivalry Renewed
By Colin Caruso 

Monday- January 21 Game 7
Royal Brougham Pavilion – 8:00pm 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Garfield 21 14 25 14 74
Franklin 16 22 18 16 72

A rivalry was renewed in the final game of the King Holiday Hoopfest.  It had been 4 years since cross town rivals Garfield and Franklin had a chance to go head to head during a regular season contest.

It only took 90 seconds to set the tone for this match-up as the teams scored a quick 15 points, ten of those by Garfield.  It was Trevaunte’ Williams leading the way for the Bulldogs with six points in the first quarter, with Garfield taking the lead at the end of one 21-16.

Franklin started the second with an 8-0 run, holding Garfield scoreless for the first 2:30 of the period.  Garfield came back and took the lead midway through the second led by Tucker Haymond’s 10 points.  But Haymond and Williams were the only two bulldogs to score in the quarter, compared to six Quakers who put the ball in the hoop.  Franklin took the lead at half 38-35.

Garfield recaptured the lead in the third quarter, pouring in 25 points, by far our highest scoring quarter of Monday’s all day event.  The Bulldogs were led by Williams’ 10 points in the quarter.  Foul trouble plagued the Quakers in the fourth quarter, with Garfield reaching the bonus early in the fourth and shooting 7-8 from the line.  Garfield had the ball with 15 seconds left in the fourth, up two, when they turned it over on an inbounds play.

Could the Quakers find a way to grab a last second victory?  Franklin took a three with five seconds remaining and it looked good.  The ball rimmed off with Garfield securing the rebound to win this great match-up, 74-72.

What a great day of hoops…..

Leading Scorers:
Garfield
Trevaunte Williams (27)
Tucker Haymond (16)

Franklin
Patrick Ball (17)
Kevin Grigsby (12)