Lady Bulldogs Edge Rainier Beach in Pivotal League Win


Lady Bulldogs Edge Rainier Beach in Pivotal League Win
By Steve Dion

Friday- January 13th 2017 Girls 3A Metro
Garfield High School 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Rainier Beach 15 8 20 16 59
Garfield 9 22 11 20 62

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Garfield Sophomore Samaiyah Tolliver

A packed Garfield gym for a Friday night hoops quadruple-header featured a crucial varsity girls league matchup between the host Lady Bulldogs and visiting Rainier Beach Vikings. After a tough loss to West Seattle last Friday night, Garfield was hungry for the opportunity to pick up a big win against a top team jockeying for league position. The ever-improving Viks were ready for the challenge.

Beach took the early lead in the first frame with NiRae Petty leading the charge who led all scorers with 23 points. Talented freshman for the Vikings Dalayah Daniels was guarded tightly by the Bulldogs defense and earned all 10 points she recorded. After falling behind early, Garfield put together a high-octane second quarter which was sparked by Tamia Mobley. Also in the mix was guard Juanita Agosto whose athleticism was on display on the glass grabbing 10 rebounds. At the break, the Bulldogs leapfrogged Beach to a 31-23 lead.

Rainier Beach composed themselves at halftime and emerged in the second half poised to make a comeback. Xerina Walker was a critical component to a run in which the Vikings regained the lead heading into the final quarter.

Samaiyah Tolliver took the ballgame into her hands in the fourth quarter leading the charge for the home team knocking down tough buckets in the paint and showing her range. Coach Adams has emphasized the importance of making “game-winning plays” this season and how the ability to execute late in ballgames will hinge on his team’s success. Tolliver’s clutch plays allowed Garfield to pick up a pivotal victory to give them sole possession of fourth place in the league standings.

The Final Score
Garfield 62, Rainier Beach 59.

Top Performers:
Garfield
Samaiyah Tolliver- 18 points

Rainier Beach
NiRae Petty- 23 points