Roosevelt Pitches 2nd Half Shutout, Beats Ballard for the Anchor

Posted on September 14, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Sept. 13th	2014	3A Metro	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Roosevelt	7	7	20	7	41
Ballard	14	10	0	0	24

Game Recap below

Roosevelt Pitches 2nd Half Shutout, Beats Ballard for the Anchor
By Colin Caruso

In this great rivalry matchup for the coveted Anchor trophy, the Roosevelt Roughriders faced off against the Ballard Beavers, both a part of the new 3A Metro league. Ballard put together a great first half on the back of two touchdown passes from Jacob Ta’ase. They also added a touchdown run from senior running back Shea Carroll and a 30 yard field goal to end the half.

Roosevelt did what they could to stay within striking distance of the Ballard Beavers. A touchdown run from Max Rose and a touchdown catch by Ryan Gleeson kept them within 10 at the half, 24-10.

The game changed significantly at halftime. With the temperature rising, Roosevelt’s sideline in the shade and Ballard’s in the sun, the Rough Riders were ready to pounce. Three touchdowns from star junior running back Dane Rogerson turned the 10 point deficit to a 10 point lead to start the fourth.

Ballard could not find an answer for the surging Rough Riders. Penalties and turnovers kept them at bay in the second half, in conjunction with momentum and strong defense from Roosevelt. The Rough Riders would add another score in the fourth to put this one well out of reach, with a final of 41-24.

Top Performers:
Roosevelt
Dane Rogerson – 3 Rushing TD

Ballard
Jacob Ta’ase – 2 TD passes

Cleveland’s Speed Proves too much for Bainbridge

Posted on September 14, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Sept. 13th	2014	3A Metro	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bainbridge	7	0	7	6	20
Cleveland	7	15	0	6	28

Game Recap below

Cleveland’s Speed Proves too much for Bainbridge
By Colin Caruso

To celebrate the unification of the Metro schools, the National Guard and other sponsors put together the Memorial Football Classic. Friday’s games saw Kennedy vs. Seattle Prep and Mariner vs. O’Dea. Saturday’s games featured all Metro teams, including this matchup between the Cleveland Eagles and the Bainbridge Spartans.

Cleveland jumped on the Spartans early, led by a rushing and passing touchdown from senior leader Amonte Phillips in the first half. Bainbridge added a great score to keep it close in the first half, a 31 yard rush by quarterback Casey Brink.

Bainbridge kicked off the second half with a brilliant onside kick which they recovered. They put together a six play drive to punch in their second score of the game to cut the lead to 22-14. But Cleveland responded, and Phillips struck again. He rushed around the corner for a 24 yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 28-14 in the beginning of the fourth.

Bainbridge would add a QB sneak touchdown later in the fourth by Kyle Jackson, but the defenses held throughout and Cleveland took the first contest in the Memorial Classic, 28-20.

Top Performers:
Bainbridge
Kyle Jackson – Passing TD and Rushing TD

Cleveland
Amonte Phillips – Passing TD and 2 Rushing TD

O’Dea Routs Mariner in
Memorial Classic

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Randall Novak

Saturday	Sept. 12th	2014	3A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
O'Dea	14	21	0	0	35
Mariner	0	0	0	7	7

Game Recap below

O’Dea Routs Mariner in Memorial Classic

By Steven Dion

Quantity does not always ensure quality, but when it comes to O’Dea football both are plentiful. The Irish field a roster the size of many colleges and talent is mixed in across the board. Tonight they would square off against the Marauders of Mariner High School who yield a much smaller team. O’Dea would be the clear favorites, but Mariner played tough despite a lopsided score.

The Marauders had a successful opening drive that brought them into Irish territory, but stalled from the swarming army of red and yellow. After punting the ball away, O’Dea got to work and asserted their dominance. Myles Gaskin broke free for a 16 yard score and the floodgates opened. Mariner was not able to respond and the Irish proceeded to put seal up a victory early. Gaskin wound up with three touchdowns for the game and 125 yards. Dylan Ledbetter had a strong defensive game, spending most of the night in the Mariner backfield. The Marauders battled throughout and punched in a touchdown in the fourth quarter. O’Dea picks up a 35-7 win.

Top Performers:
O’Dea
Dylan Ledbetter- Made Several stops in the back field
Mikel Owes- 4 Catches 93 Yards 2 TD’s
Myles Gaskin- 4 rushes 125 Yards 3 TD’s

Lancers Pounce on Prep Panthers in Memorial Classic

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Randall Novak

Saturday	Sept. 12th	2014	3A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Kennedy Catholic	0	6	6	6	18
Seattle Prep	0	3	0	0	3

Game Recap below

Lancers Pounce on Prep Panthers in Memorial Classic

By Steven Dion

The 1st Annual Memorial Football Classic got underway Friday night and continues Saturday as many of the teams reuniting with the Metro League square off against each other and other local teams. The event commenced with Seattle Prep and Kennedy Catholic from the Seamount League. Seattle Prep likes to play ground and pound football with their featured tailback Sam Kopf who is coming off a huge season opener against Cedar Park Christian. The Lancers also present a strong run game, but are on a by-committee basis which was highly successful on this night.

Field position was the main battle in the first half as both team struggled to get deep into enemy territory. JFK got onto the board via a Jr. Ngauamo score. The Lancers kept the Panthers off the scoreboard in the first half and the teams entered the locker rooms 6-0.

Seattle Prep sustained a drive early in the third which resulted in a field goal and cut the deficit in half. However, Kennedy’s commitment to running the football overpowered the blue and white as Nick Galando and Liam Cheskon rushed for touchdowns. Give credit to the Lancer defense who held Prep to three points in the contest. Kennedy takes the victory 18-3.

Top Performers:
Kennedy Catholic
Liam Cheskon – Rushing TD

A Strong Fourth Quarter Leads Marysville-Pilchuck over Lake Stevens

Posted on September 13, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Sept. 12th	2014	3A/4A	Boys	Football
Lake Stevens High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Marysville-Pilchuck	14	7	0	19	40
Lake Stevens	0	14	7	7	28

Game Recap below

A Strong Fourth Quarter Leads Marysville-Pilchuck over Lake Stevens
By Colin Caruso

The top of 4A Wesco faced the top of 3A Wesco in this battle between the Lake Stevens Vikings and the Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks. Both teams wanted to prove that they were the top of the conference, no matter the classification.

When these two teams face off, the offensive skill position players take center stage. For Marysville-Pilchuck, look no further than their running backs Killian Page, JJ Valencia, and WSU commit Austin Joyner. For the Vikings, Jacob Eason steals the show.

Eason, a Georgia commit as a junior, threw for 2941 yards last year and 23 touchdowns. The Vikings thrive on his legs and incredible arm, and at 6’5 215 he can sling the ball all over the field.

Joyner put a stamp on this contest early for the Tomahawks. He scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, giving the Tomahawks an early 14-0 lead. His 100 yards on the ground in the first half led all rushers.

But Eason responded in the second and third quarter for the Vikings. He led three touchdown drives to tie the game late in the third at 21.

But Joyner was not done. He ran for two more scores in the fourth, and Page added another for the Tomahawks, to win 40-28.

Top Performers:
Marysville-Pilchuck
Austin Joyner – 13 carries for 197 yards and 4TD
Killian Page – 22 carries for 120 yards and 2TD

Lake Stevens
Jacob Eason – 35/51 for 377 yards and 2TD

Mt. Spokane Shuts Out West Valley

Posted on September 9, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Sept. 6th	2014	3A/4A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
West Valley-Yakima	0	0	0	0	0
Mt. Spokane	10	0	7	7	24

Game Recap below

Mt. Spokane Shuts Out West Valley-Yakima
By Colin Caruso

In a battle of two teams on the east side of the mountains, the Mount Spokane Wildcats faced off against the West Valley-Yakima Rams. On paper this looked like a good matchup; big lines facing off, accomplished skill position players on both sides, but it was nothing of the sort.

Mt. Spokane got off to a quick start, scoring 10 unanswered in the first quarter, and playing stifling defense. Dalton Dixon and Jacob Sander for the Wildcats both recorded over 6 tackles, shutting down the West Valley running game early.

The domination continued into the second half, with Mt. Spokane controlling the line of scrimmage. Despite being a little undersized the Wildcats forced West Valley quarterback Luke Atterberry to rush a number of his throws, holding him to just 71 yards of total passing on the day.

With a strong third and fourth quarter, the Wildcats put together a convincing 24-0 victory. The crowd on both sides expected more from West Valley, but Mt. Spokane did a great job of speeding up the game and making great open field tackles.

Top Performers:
West Valley
Luke Atterberry – 10.5 tackles

Mt. Spokane
Dakota Hipes – 6 carries for 48 yards and a TD, 4 catches for 71 yards and a TD

Prosser Tramples Emerald Ridge

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Randall Novak

Saturday	Sept. 6th	2014	2A/4A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Prosser	7	28	13	14	62
Emerald Ridge	7	7	6	0	20

Game Recap below

Prosser Tramples Emerald Ridge
By Colin Caruso

When a 2A team matches up with a 4A team, we all assume the 4A team with over 800 more students would have a distinct advantage. Not when you play Prosser, who maintains one of the best football programs in the state. The third matchup in the annual Emerald City Kickoff Classic turned sour quickly for the Emerald Ridge Jaguars, who faced off against the Prosser Mustangs.

Both teams battled well in the first quarter, with a score of 7-7 going into the second. This is when Prosser moved into a second gear.

The Mustangs scored 28 straight points in the second quarter, capitalizing off of turnovers from Emerald Ridge. On the back of Kason Blair and Cardell Jones, the Mustangs continued to build their lead into the third and fourth quarters.

The big difference in this game was the rushing game. Prosser had 39 total carries for 269 yards, while Emerald Ridge had 16 carries for 15 yards. Griffin Meyers, quarterback of the Jaguars had a good day with three touchdown passes, but the Emerald Ridge defense could do nothing to stop the storming Mustangs. Prosser took this one 62-20.

Top Performers:
Prosser
Isaiah Sanders- 13 carries for 101 yards
Cardell Jones- 3 catches for 107 yards and 2 TDs

Emerald Ridge
Griffin Meyers- 12-28 for 186 yards and 3TDs

Darrington defeats Bridgeport

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Randall Novak

Saturday	Sept. 6th	2014	4A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bridgeport	0	7	0	0	7
Darrington	0	21	14	0	35

Game Recap below

Darrington Logs Bridgeport
By Colin Caruso

The Emerald City Kickoff Classic always comprises great matchups throughout the state in high school football. The ‘Jamboree’ week kicked off with the Bridgeport Mustangs and the Darrington Loggers, both schools of less than 200 students. Bridgeport had a down year last year, winning only one game, while Darrington put up a solid 7-4 record in 2013.

Both teams battled equally in the first quarter, with the ball hovering around midfield and the score remaining at 0-0. Darrington began to awaken in the second quarter.

Lane Monteith, a 5’9 215 pound senior for the Loggers took over the contest both offensively and defensively. He scored two touchdowns in the second quarter, and led all players in tackles with 6.5 total, 5 solo.

With such small enrollment, neither team had more than 20 players suited, and Darrington finished the game with just 13 players due to injuries throughout the course of the game. Look for the Loggers to continue to play great football on the back of Monteith and their quarterback Trent Green.

Darrington finished off Bridgeport 35-7. It looks like Bridgeport will continue to rebuild this year, but look for a better result overall than last season.

Top Performers:
Bridgeport
Jonathan Oregon, 12 carries for 93 yards

Darrington
Lane Monteith, 9 carries for 52 yards, 2TDs, 6.5 tackles

Skyline Makes Quick Work of Issaquah

Posted on September 7, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Sept. 5th	2014	4A	Boys	Football
Gary Moore Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Skyline	21	13	7	7	48
Issaquah	7	0	7	7	21

Video Highlights and Game Recap below.

Skyline Makes Quick Work of Issaquah
By Colin Caruso

Welcome back to High School Football! It truly is like Christmas every Thursday through Saturday when the Gridiron starts rolling. Our first game of the year, and a matchup of two teams who battled for a playoff berth last year, saw the Skyline Spartans face off against the Issaquah Eagles at a packed Gary Moore Stadium. Last year’s matchup was a battle to the end, with Skyline defeating the Eagles by a final of 30-17 on the back of a 27 point third quarter. This year’s matchup was far from close, as the Spartans dominated the line of scrimmage and the football game.

Rashaad Boddie (pronounced body) rumbled for four first half touchdowns for the Spartans, two on quick passes, and two on rushes up the middle. The Eagles could not match the size discrepancy on the lines, with their line averaging around 200 lbs. and Skyline’s line averaging around 250 lbs. Blake Gregory, Skyline’s junior quarterback added another score on a 2 yard scamper to finish off the first half with a Spartan 34-7 lead.

Skyline began to pull starters midway through the 3rd quarter, but still maintained their commanding lead. The game ended in a 48-21 blowout, with the Spartans starting off their promising season on the right foot. Coach Mat Taylor and company will like to make another run at state from the 4A King-Co conference, but will find great challenges in the upcoming weeks with Bothell and Eastlake.

Top Performers:
Skyline
Rashaad Boddie- 4TDs – 2 receiving of 81 and 58 yards, 2 rushing of 16 and 1 yards

Issaquah
Cam Humphrey- 2TD passes of 29 and 13 yards

Bauer Power Propels Union Past Federal Way

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Randall Novak

Saturday	Sept. 7th	2014	4A	Boys	Football
at Federal Way	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Union	7	0	19	8	34
Federal Way	7	14	6	0	27

See game recap below

Bauer Power Propels Union Past Federal Way
By Steven Dion

Bauer Power Propels Union Past Federal Way

Memorial Stadium in Federal Way served as the site for a 4A non-league season-opener between the Eagles of Federal Way and Union Titans. The host team was set to kick off 2014 after one of the school’s best season a year ago. The Titans from Vancouver were also coming off a strong season in which they went 8-3 and a second round playoff finish.

The staunch front seven of Federal Way was present early on as Union had a difficult time moving the ball regularly. David Tiumalu and Robert Savusa stuffed the run. The Eagles drew first blood on a delayed pass to the corner by D’Jimon Jones whose ability to extend the play and evade defenders bought time to find the open receiver. Union responded by scoring seven of their own. Before the end of the first half, dynamic senior running back/defensive back combo Chico McClatcher broke through for a 61 yard touchdown run and post route score from Jones to take a 21-7 led to the locker room.

Enter Jack Bauer. The game announcer would begin to sound like a broken record as the senior tailback was given the rock over and over. He was integral in all three touchdowns scored in the third quarter for Union which proved to be the deciding frame. McClatcher dazzled the crowd again by picking up a live ball from a muffed field goal 100 yards for the score. However, the balanced gameplan of Union including an opportunistic defense and relentless ball carrying allowed Union to grab the lead in the fourth and hold on to the final buzzer. A Caleb Browning run which broke a handful of tackles to set up a Titans score in the second half was the turning point in the game. The trip back to Vancouver will be a pleasant one for Gary McGarvie’s team.

Top Performers:
Union
Jack Bauer- 71 rushing yards, 2 TDs (3yds, 1 yd), Interception

Federal Way
Chico McClatcher- 90 rushing yards 25 receiving yards, 3 TDs (54 run, 25 pass, 99 kick return), Interception

2014 KUKN 105.5 FM Radio Football
Broadcast Schedule

Posted on September 4, 2014 by Randall Novak

2014 KUKN Football Broadcast Schedule

Week 1
Friday, September 5- Mark Morris vs Kelso, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 2
Friday, September 12- Columbia River vs Mark Morris, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 3
Friday, September 19- R.A. Long vs Mark Morris, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 4
Friday, September 26- Mark Morris vs Hockinson, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 5
Friday, October 3- Prairie vs Mark Morris, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 6
Friday, October 10- Mark Morris vs Woodland, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 7
Friday, October 17- Hudson’s Bay vs Mark Morris, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 8
Friday, October 24- Ridgefield vs Mark Morris, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 9
Friday, October 31- Mark Morris vs Washougal, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

2014 KONA Radio Football
Broadcast Schedule

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Randall Novak

2014 KONA Football Broadcast Schedule

Week 1
Friday, September 5- Chiawana vs. Camas, 7:30pm
Pre-game airs at 7:15pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 2
Friday, September 12- Mead vs. Southridge, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 3
Friday, September 19- Richland vs. Chiawana, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 4
Thursday, September 25- Chiawana vs. Southridge, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Friday, September 26- Hanford vs. Richland, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 5
Friday, October 3- Pasco vs. Kennewick, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 6
Thursday, October 9- Pasco vs. Kamiakin, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 7
Friday, October 17- Kamiakin vs. Southridge, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 8
Thursday, October 23- Pasco vs. Southridge, 7pm
Click to Listen Live
Friday, October 24- Richland vs. Kamiakin, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 9
Friday, October 31- Hanford vs. Kennewick, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 10
Friday, November 7- MCC/GSL Cross-Over, TBD
Click to Listen Live

Coverage begins on 610AM KONA 15 minutes prior to kickoff.

2014 KBRC Radio Football
Broadcast Schedule

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Randall Novak

2014 KBRC Football Broadcast Schedule

Week 1
Friday, September 5- Nooksack Valley vs. Anacortes, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 2
Friday, September 12- Cedarcrest vs. Burlington-Edison, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 3
Friday, September 19- Lake Stevens vs. Mount Vernon, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 4
Friday, September 26- Squalicum vs. Sedro-Woolley, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 5
Friday, October 3- Ferndale vs. Anacortes, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 6
Friday, October 10- La Conner vs. Concrete, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 7
Friday, October 17- Jackson vs. Mount Vernon, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 8
Friday, October 24- Anacortes vs. Burlington-Edison, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 9
Friday, October 31- Sedro-Woolley vs. Ferndale, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Coverage begins on KBRC Radio 15 minutes prior to kickoff.

2014 KAPS Radio Football
Broadcast Schedule

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Randall Novak

2014 KAPS Football Broadcast Schedule

Week 1
Friday, September 5- Burlington-Edison vs. Mount Vernon, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 2
Friday, September 12- Mount Vernon vs. Sedro-Woolley, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 3
Friday, September 19- Sedro-Woolley vs. Burlington-Edison, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 4
Friday, September 26- Burlington-Edison vs. Ferndale, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 5
Friday, October 3- Mount Vernon vs. Snohomish, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 6
Friday, October 10- Lynden vs. Burlington-Edison, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 7
Friday, October 17- Anacortes vs. Sedro-Woolley, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 8
Friday, October 24- Lynden vs. Sedro-Woolley, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Week 9
Friday, October 31- Monroe vs. Mount Vernon, 7pm
Click to Listen Live

Coverage begins on KAPS Radio 15 minutes prior to kickoff.

2013- Coach Interview with Tumwater’s Sid Otton

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Julie Fairchild

2013 Varsity Football Live Interview
Tumwater Thunderbirds – Head Football Coach
Sid Otton

Winningest Coach in State History

Join us as Dick Fain talks with legendary Coach Sid Otton about his winning streak – possibly leading to number 350 this week. The Tumwater T-Birds have 5 State Championships under Coach Otton’s reign, and are currently ranked #2 after starting the season 3-0.

In his 40th season, Coach Otton believes a positive approach, commitment and dedication are keys to a successful season.

“We’re off to a strong start … they’re gaining confidence … but our approach is to never look at the rankings … we’re just looking at the next game.”

As for the keys to preparing for another State Championship run, Coach Otton hopes the team will “stay healthy, stay focused on the next snap, respect their opponent, and try to get better and better and better.”

To catch the complete radio interview with Coach Otton,
simply click on the play button below.

2013- Coach Interview with
Bothell Cougar’s Tom Bainter

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Julie Fairchild

2013 Varsity Football Live Interview
Bothell Cougars – Head Football Coach
Tom Bainter

14 Years of Consistent Success

We had the opportunity to catch up with Bothell Coach Tom Bainter as his 9-2 team faces Bellarmine Prep in the State Tourney tomorrow – for the 3rd time since 2010.

During Coach Bainter’s 14 years at Bothell, his Cougars have always had a lot of success playing in KingCo and State tournaments. When asked what makes them so consistently good, Coach Bainter said:

“It starts with the kids and we have great kids here in the Bothell area, who work hard and put in the time year-round … and I have had a wonderful staff, so that continuity surely helps.”

The Cougars faced some tough, high calibre teams at the start of the season, and have gone on to putting up unbelievable totals, scoring 42 or more points in 7 games. Coach Bainter credited kick-off returns, special teams, and many players for those incredible numbers. “The great thing about this team is we play one day at a time, we’ll go out on the field and our captains will say ‘we’ve got to get better today’ … it’s a whole team effort and I love the way our kids play together.”

To catch the complete radio interview with Coach Bainter,
simply click on the play button below.

2013- Coach Interview with
Bishop Blanchet’s Aaron Maul

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Randall Novak

2014 Varsity Football Live Interview
Bishop Blanchet Braves – Head Football Coach
Aaron Maul

Winning Tradition is back at Bishop Blanchet

It’s been a long time since Bishop Blanchet won the Metro League Championship in 1985 – and even longer since they won the State Championship in 1974, but Aaron Maul and his coaching staff are making amazing strides toward winning those honors once again.

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Coach Maul for some insight on his Bishop Blanchet Braves, who are currently ranked 9th in the State. Dick Fain chats with him about the remarkable progress the team has made over the past four seasons.

Coach Maul attributes much of their success to great preparation, and the trust and familiarity developed by strong leadership from seniors on the team. He feels they have become more confident and have learned to believe in what they are trying to accomplish on a Friday night.

“I’m very passionate about defense … and playing physical is something we pride ourselves on.”

Coach Maul challenges his players to compete to their greatest ability and give their greatest effort to each other, “It’s not about the guy that’s across from you, it’s about the guy that’s next to you.”

To catch the complete radio interview with Coach Maul,
simply click on the play button below.

Coach Interview with Gonzaga Prep’s Dave McKenna

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Randall Novak

2013 Varsity Football Live Interview
Gonzaga Prep Bullpups – Head Football Coach
Dave McKenna

A Young Team in 2013
We had the opportunity to catch up with Coach McKenna as he led his young Bullpups squad into the 2013 season. Gonzaga Prep is off to a good 2-0 start as Dick Fain chats with Dave McKenna heading into this week’s contest with Ferris.

Gonzaga made the Quarterfinals in the 2012, but they lost 9 starters off of the offensive side of the ball and 6 starters off on the defensive side. They are very young and hope to gain experience and momentum throughout the season. Coach is looking for the team to become more consistent on the field, but he is showing them what it means to come together off of field as well.

“We have a very good friend by the name of Steve Gleason. He played football here and graduated in 1995. He went on to play at Washington State and had seven years with the New Orleans Saints,” stated McKenna. “….Steve has always inspired us and he asked us to inspire him.”

Making A Difference off the Field
Dave went on to talk about a special event all his players took part in, as they honor former Gonzaga Prep Alum, Steve Gleason. Gleason was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in January 2011.

Gleason asked the Bullpups to inspire him, so they did. The entire football program took to the streets of Spokane and walked 3 miles in honor of Gleason and ALS. “We need to be grateful for the things that we have,” Coach McKenna said. “Throughout the walk we reflect and hopefully say a couple of prayers of what they are grateful for in honor of Steve.”

To catch the complete radio interview with Coach McKenna,
simply click on the play button below.

Back to Back State Titles for Cleveland

Posted on March 20, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

: Bishop Blanchet takes on the top team in the state in the 2014 3A State Championship Game.
(theFinalScore.TV / ZUMA Media)

: Blanchet made it an all Metro League Final.
(theFinalScore.TV / ZUMA Media)

: Myzhanique Ladd poured in 16 points in the final game of the season.
(theFinalScore.TV / ZUMA Media)

Saturday	March 8th	2014	3A	Girls	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Cleveland	18	15	6	15	54
Bishop Blanchet	12	13	10	10	45

Back to Back State Titles for Cleveland
By Colin Caruso

Both the girls 3A and boys 3A state championship games featured teams from the Metro leagues in Seattle. This girls state championship game saw the Cleveland Eagles, undefeated in the state of Washington and 23-2 overall against the 20-4 Bishop Blanchet Braves. They faced off earlier this season just one time, resulting in a 65-50 Cleveland victory.

Cleveland won the state title last season over the Seattle Prep Panthers and the Eagles returned four of their five starters from that team. They were clearly the title favorites going into the year, and their perfect in state record kept them favorites in this matchup.

Led by 11 points from star guard Makayla Roper in the first quarter, the Eagles jumped out to an early lead. With balanced scoring the Braves closed the Eagle lead to six going into the second. With Roper not scoring a point in the second frame, the Eagles were still able to extend their lead. Myzhanique Ladd picked up what Roper left behind, adding seven points in the second to take a 33-25 lead into halftime.

The scoring dramatically slowed on both sides in the third quarter. Just six points from the Eagles allowed the Braves to get back into this ballgame. Great defense on both sides sparked the lack of offensive production. Blanchet cut the lead to four entering the fourth.

Blanchet continued to battle with the mighty Eagles in the final quarter. The lead was five for Cleveland with three minutes to play. Ladd was fouled on a coast to coast layup attempt and hit one of two to put the Eagles up six. After a Blanchet miss, Jayde Christopher converted on a layup to extend the lead to eight with under two minutes to play. After a Braves turnover Ladd added a floater to go up ten, effectively ending the game. This makes back to back titles for the Eagles, and three in the last five years for Coach Stephenie Wheeler-Smith.

Top Performers:
Cleveland
Myzhanique Ladd – 16 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals
Makayla Roper – 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals

Bishop Blanchet
Jadyn Bush – 10 points, 12 rebounds

Rainier Beach Wins State, Clinches Berth to NY for National Title

Posted on March 11, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	March 8th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	11	15	7	12	45
Rainier Beach	11	10	14	12	47

Rainier Beach Wins State, Clinches Berth to NY for National Title
By Colin Caruso

-In this their fourth meeting on the season, the undefeated Rainier Beach Vikings squared off with the Eastside Catholic Crusaders for the 3A boys state title. Only one of the three previous games was close, the Metro final which resulted in a 68-65 Beach win.

Eastside started the game on a 7-0 run, with four points coming from junior Matisse Thybulle. His length gave the Vikings issues all evening. Beach needed an answer and it came in the form of David Crisp, who scored the Vikings first eight points. Unfortunately for the Vikings, Crisp picked up his third foul in the first quarter and was forced to sit the remainder of the half. The teams were tied at 11 going into the second.

With Crisp on the bench for the Vikings, the Crusaders gathered the momentum in the second quarter. Mandrell Worthy led all scorers in the first half with 14 points, and the Crusaders took a 26-21 lead into halftime.

Rainier Beach was out of the locker room five minutes before the Crusaders, sitting on the bench and patiently waiting to start their halftime shooting. Whatever coach Bethea mentioned to them in their brief halftime session worked; they started the half on a 10-3 run. Eastside struggled offensively in the third, resorting to one on one offense, not running sets, and not battling for offensive rebounds. The Vikings took a two point lead into
the fourth.

The two point lead turned into a four point deficit for the Vikings in less than two minutes in the beginning of the final quarter. A quick 6-0 run put the Crusaders on top and brought their crowd back in the game. But Shaqquan Aaron wouldn’t let the Vikings go quietly. He scored six straight to put the Vikings back up by two. A Mandrell Worthy jumper for the Crusaders tied the game at 43 with less than two minutes remaining. Djuan Piper for the Vikings converted a minute later on a dribble drive, answered by Thybulle with his own dribble drive with 40 seconds remaining. Piper answered the call again for the Vikings, hitting a mid-range jumper with 5.1 seconds on the clock.

After the made basket, the Crusaders inbounded from their own baseline. Worthy was stripped of the ball and the Vikings picked it up as the clock struck 0:00, winning their third state title in a row. Rainier Beach will take a couple of weeks off then travel to New York to play for the national title. Good luck to the Vikings!

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Mandrell Worthy – 21 points, 5 rebounds
Ian Christie – 1 point, 17 rebounds

Rainier Beach
Shaqquan Aaron – 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals
Elijah Foster – 6 points, 12 rebounds

Gonzaga Prep Comes Back from 12 down to Win State Title

Posted on March 10, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	March 8th	2014	4A	Girls	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Gonzaga Prep	17	10	15	11	53
Mount Rainier	16	18	13	4	51

Gonzaga Prep Comes Back from 12 down to Win State Title
By Colin Caruso

The Tacoma Dome was rocking for the 4A girls state final between the one loss Gonzaga Prep Bullpups and the Mount Rainier Rams. Mount Rainier is led by Brittany McPhee, a former Gatorade state player of the year and one of the states finest players.

The first half showed a lot of McPhee, who worked hard to get her shots and scored a half high 17 points. Hannah Caudill for the Bullpups led her team with 11 points in the first, and kept them within striking distance for the second half. Mount Rainier took a seven point lead, 34-27 into the locker room.

McPhee kept up her scoring in the third quarter. She added nine more in the frame and Mount Rainier began to pull away from the Bullpups, ahead by ten points with three minutes remaining. But Gonzaga Prep put together a much needed 6-0 run to cut the lead back down to four. The Rams led by five, 47-42 going into the fourth.

Early in the fourth belonged to the Bullpups. Otiona Gildon converted on back to back pick and roll layups, trimming the lead to just one with four minutes remaining. With two minutes of no scoring, Gildon converted on two more layups, going on a personal 8-0 run and putting the Bullpups up by three with under a minute to play.

Kaiti Freeberg finally ended the Rams drought, converting on a layup with 17.5 seconds on the clock. Still trailing by one, the Rams were forced to foul to put the Bullpups on the line. Unfortunately they only committed three team fouls and there was less than one minute remaining. So when they finally got to a bonus situation, there were just three seconds on the clock. Caudill converted on one of two from the line for the Pups and Mount Rainier was unable to get a good shot off before the buzzer. Congratulations to the Bullpups in a 53-51 win!

Top Performers:
Gonzaga Prep
Otiona Gildon – 18 points, 15 rebounds
Laura Stockton – 11 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks

Mount Rainier
Brittany McPhee – 28 points, 19 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 steals

Garfield Defuses Bombers, Wins 4A Boys State Title

Posted on March 10, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	March 8th	2014	4A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Garfield	17	14	21	16	68
Richland	16	12	19	12	59

Garfield Defuses Bombers, Wins 4A Boys State Title
By Colin Caruso

To kick off finals action in the Tacoma Dome, the undefeated Bombers from Richland took on the one loss Bulldogs from Garfield. Both teams were well deserved to be battling for the coveted state championship trophy, and the Tacoma Dome was packed and ready for action.

Richland started the game on fire, jumping out to a quick 14-4 lead. Garfield seemed shell shocked to start, as Richland seemingly couldn’t miss. But Garfield guard Tramaine Isabell wasn’t going to let this one slip away like last season. Isabell led his then Lakeside Lion team to the state final last year, coming up just short of beating the Rainier Beach Vikings for the 3A title. He was, as usual, unstoppable in this one. 22 of his game high 34 came in the first half and Garfield took a five point lead into the second half.

The third quarter remained close, neither team pulled further than five points ahead. Isabell continued his scoring barrage, putting up another eight points in the third to put his total at 30 going into the fourth. Four Bombers reached double figures in the quarter, a brilliant balanced attack from the boys from Richland. Starting big man Brayon Blake for the Bulldogs picked up his fourth personal, putting him in foul trouble in back to back games.

Garfield pulled ahead by as much as seven in the early stages of the fourth. Steven Beo answered by knocking down another three for the Bombers and Payton Radliffe hit a goal tended layup to cut the lead Bulldog lead to just two.

Jashaun Agosto answered with a deep two for the Bulldogs with three minutes left to take the lead by four. But the Bombers were not done. Beo and Jacob DeVries hit back to back buckets in the lane to tie the game at 58 with two minutes to play. On the ensuing possession, Baker was fouled on a layup for the Bulldogs and knocked down both at the line to go up by two. After a Bomber turnover, Isabell was fouled and made both free-throws, the lead now four. Another Bomber turnover led to a leakout basket by Deshaun Tucker, a six point lead now for the Dogs.

A Bulldog foul led to one free-throw for Streufert, and the Bombers were forced to foul Isabell with 22 seconds left; he hit one of two to take a six point lead. Beo was fouled on the other end and missed the front end, where Blake pulled down the rebound and was fouled and made two more for the Dogs, who took the lead 67-59 with under 12 seconds to play. The Bulldogs added one more late free-throw, and won the state title by a final of 68-59. An amazing game with an amazing atmosphere!

Top Performers:
Garfield
Tramaine Isabell – 34 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals
Brayon Blake – 12 points, 7 rebounds

Richland
Steven Beo – 22 points, 11 rebounds
Payton Radliff – 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks

Undefeated Richland Advances to 4A State Final

Posted on March 8, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	March 8th	2014	4A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Todd Beamer	12	8	21	20	61
Richland	14	19	22	20	75

Undefeated Richland Advances to 4A State Final
By Colin Caruso

In the nightcap 4A boys game, the undefeated Richland Bombers faced off against the 22-4 Todd Beamer Titans. Outside of Nathan Streufert for the Bombers at 6’7”, Beamer had a complete size advantage in this matchup. This did not bother the Bombers, as they put together a nice 10-2 run in the first and took a 14-12 lead into the second.

Beamer struggled offensively throughout the second; their one on one mentality resulted in a lot of misses and no second chance opportunities. On the other side of the floor, Richland found no problems putting the ball through the hoop. Bomber Steven Beo had a great first half with 11 points, and Richland went into the locker room feeling good with a 13 point lead.

Beo took over to start the third quarter. He hit three straight three pointers for the Bombers, pushing their lead to 19. But Beamer would not let the game get out of hand. They continued to battle and clawed their way back to a ten point deficit on threes from Quadir Williams and Bogdon Bliznyuk. Fouls began to plague both teams late in the quarter, as Raybonne Freeman for the Titans and Nathan Streufert for the Bombers both gathered their fourth. Richland extended their lead to 14 going into the fourth.

The 14 point lead ballooned to as many as 20 for the Bombers, who were not bothered at all by the Beamer press. Beamer could not get back into this one; too many miscues on offense and phenomenal shooting from the Bombers. Richland took this one with ease, 75-61, and will face the Garfield Bulldogs for the 4A state final.

Top Performers:
Todd Beamer
Charles Frazier – 13 points, 8 rebounds

Richland
Steven Beo – 29 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Jacob DeVries – 18 points, 8 rebounds
Nathan Streufert – 8 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists

Garfield Sneaks Past Issaquah to Face Bombers in State Final

Posted on March 8, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	March 8th	2014	4A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Garfield	17	17	13	14	61
Issaquah	13	21	16	9	59

Garfield Sneaks Past Issaquah to Face Bombers in State Final
By Colin Caruso

In their fourth matchup on the year, the one loss Garfield Bulldogs faced off against the 19-6 Issaquah Eagles for a trip to the 4A state final. Garfield’s only loss came to these Eagles in the latter half of the regular season by just two points, a loss Garfield avenged in the KingCo championship game with an 18 point win.

The pace of this game was frantic at the beginning, resulting in one key player on each team getting two early fouls. Senior Jake Henke for the Eagles and senior Brayon Blake for the Bulldogs both sat the remainder of the first quarter and well into the second with their foul trouble. Garfield’s leading scorer Tramaine Isabell led all first quarter scorers with eight, and the Bulldogs took a four point lead into the second.
Issaquah took the momentum back in the second quarter behind 11 points from senior Brian Watson. He led the 21 point rally for the Eagles, who tied the game going into half at 34.

Foul trouble again became a factor in the third quarter, with both Blake and Torrence Baker for Garfield picking up their fourth fouls. Issaquah capitalized on the line and took a three point lead into the fourth.

The fourth quarter remained nail-biting close. Garfield shot well from the free-throw line all night, 23-27 overall, and they were able to tie the contest with just over two minutes to play. Zachariah Shepherd hit a three for the Dogs to put them up three, but fouled on the next defensive possession, fouling him out of the game. Ty Gibson hit two free-throws for the Eagles on the other end, but Isabell converted on a great dribble drive to regain the lead by three. Addison McIrvin was fouled on the next Issaquah possession and hit one of two at the line. He was fouled again on a Garfield miss and made both to tie the game at 59 with one minute to go. A kick ball gave the Bulldogs more time on the shot clock, and Henke fouled Jashaun Agosto for the Bulldogs on a three pointer with 20 seconds remaining, Henke’s fifth foul. Agosto hit two of three to go up 61-59. After a timeout, Eagle Brian Watson attempted a fade away from the baseline that missed, and the Bulldogs hung on to advance to the 4A state final. What a game!

Top Performers:
Garfield
Tramaine Isabell – 19 points, 5 rebounds
Brayon Blake – 11 points, 6 rebounds

Issaquah
Ty Gibson – 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Brian Watson – 17 points, 4 rebounds

Huge Third Quarter Propels Rainier Beach over Bellevue

Posted on March 8, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	March 8th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bellevue	11	16	11	23	61
Rainier Beach	9	17	28	19	73

Huge Third Quarter Propels Rainier Beach over Bellevue
By Colin Caruso

The second semifinal matchup for 3A boys saw the undefeated Rainier Beach Vikings against the 3A KingCo champion Bellevue Wolverines. Bellevue faced a tough match in this game; going against the state’s finest.

The first half of this game progressed exactly how Bellevue wanted. They kept the game low scoring by significantly slowing the pace and keeping the Vikings off the offensive glass. Rainier Beach shot 55% from the field in the first half to Bellevue’s 41%, but still the Vikings trailed by one entering the third quarter.

Rainier Beach adopted the full court press to start the second half and it worked to perfection, leading to a quick 8-0 Viking run. Bellevue struggled to keep the slow pace from the first half, as Beach put up two more points in the third quarter that they did in the whole first half. Beach gained the momentum going into the final quarter, holding a 54-38 lead. Four Vikings were in double figures at the end of three, compared to just one Wolverine.

The Beach lead hovered around fifteen points until just over a minute remaining, when Bellevue hit two threes to cut the lead to single digits. But a steal by Djuan Piper and a leak out and one finish put the Vikings back up 12 with 45 seconds to play. Beach won the contest by that 12 point margin, 73-61, to face Eastside Catholic in the state final, which will be their fourth matchup of the year.

Top Performers:
Bellevue
Jack Walton – 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
Sharif Khan – 12 points, 3 rebounds

Rainier Beach
Elijah Foster – 18 points, 7 rebounds
David Crisp – 18 points, 4 steals
Djuan Piper – 13 points (6/7 FG), 7 rebounds

Eastside Catholic Holds off Wilson, Advances to 3A State Final

Posted on March 8, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	March 8th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Wilson	9	7	12	24	52
Eastside Catholic	12	7	16	25	60

Eastside Catholic Holds off Wilson, Advances to 3A State Final
By Colin Caruso

When you’ve reached the final four in all state classifications, you know you are watching good basketball, and the first semifinal game of the day did not disappoint. The matchup was a great one, a 23-3 Wilson Rams team against the 21-5 Eastside Catholic Crusaders. Wilson’s losses this year were to Bellevue and twice to Lincoln, while three of Eastside’s losses were at the hands of the #1 in state Rainier Beach Vikings.

One would like to call the first half of this game a defensive battle, but mostly it was an offensive struggle. Both teams were able to work for good looks at the basket, but the shots failed to fall. Also, there were quite a few dropped and tipped passes leading to a good number of 50/50 balls, making this game even scrappier offensively. The teams combined for 13 turnovers and just ten made field goals. The Crusaders took a low scoring 19-16 lead into half.

Second leading scorer Matisse Thybulle for the Crusaders played less than two minutes in the first half because he picked up two fouls, and his reinsertion into the line-up made a huge difference to start the second half. He led the Crusaders to a quick 8-0 run to start the second half, giving the Crusaders their biggest lead of the game at 27-16. But the Rams responded with five unanswered to trim the lead back down to six.
Thybulle picked up his fourth later in the quarter, but the Crusaders extended their lead when he was in, leading 35-28 entering the fourth.

The teams exchanged baskets early in the fourth, with Nathan Christie knocking down a three for the Crusaders to give them a ten point lead with under three minutes to play. Wilson responded with a free-throw from Ivy Smith Jr. and a three from sophomore David Jenkins, cutting the lead to six. Thybulle answered for the Crusaders, converting on back to back layups to bring the lead back up to ten. Wilson couldn’t get within seven points the rest of the way; the Rams converted on a few baskets but their press was broken easily by the athletic Crusaders, leading to easy transition layups. Eastside advances to the state final with a 60-52 victory.

Top Performers:
Wilson
Alphonso Anderson – 15 points, 13 rebounds
David Jenkins – 17 points
Jamal Welch – 11 points, 7 rebounds

Eastside Catholic
Nathan Christie – 23 points, 5 rebounds
Mandrell Worthy – 13 points, 5 assists, 2 steals

DeVries Threes Highlight Explosive Bomber Win in Quarterfinals

Posted on March 7, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Thursday	March 6th	2014	4A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Richland	10	26	21	21	78
Wenatchee	10	12	7	20	49

DeVries Threes Highlight Explosive Bomber Win in Quarterfinals
By Steven Dion

Day one of the Hardwood Classic concluded with a 4A matchup between two schools east of the mountains: Wenatchee and Richland. The Bombers of the Tri-Cities carried a perfect 23-0 record into this ballgame averaging nearly 90 points per contest. They also made an appearance to state last season with much of the same returning cast. Wenatchee with its 16-7 record relied on a hot streak down the postseason road to find itself in “The Woodshed” in 2014 including a one-point victory over defending state champions Curtis in regionals. The well-represented fan sections of each side were eager to finally watch some basketball after long drives from the other side of the state.

In the opening minute, Richland senior Jacob DeVries scored five points after a three, steal, then put-back. Wenatchee head coach Ron Stone quickly called a timeout to calm his team down. Stone clearly understood the fast pace the Bombers like to play, and his strategy after the timeout paid off in the short term. The Panthers slowed the tempo of the game down and matched RHS bucket for bucket. After one frame, the contest was tied at ten apiece. The second quarter is when the game was blown apart like something seen in Hanford near Richland.

The Bombers went on an offensive surge as they notched 26 points in eight minutes, the highest scoring quarter of all eight boys games played at the Tacoma Dome on Thursday. DeVries supplied a huge dose of these points as his 33 in the game was the highest for a single player all day. The impressive part of the senior’s performance was the remarkable efficiency of 65% from the field and 71% from downtown! The Bombers built a 14 point margin at the half and did not look back.

When play resumed, the Bombers churned out another high-octane quarter and separating themselves 14 more points in the process. Credit Chase Resch of Wenatchee for staying tough down the stretch as he got a few tough shots to go. Also, Panther senior Dillon Sugg was able to register a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards. But this game was all Richland as they had ten different scorers combining for their 78 points. If Richland can keep the hot shooting going, the rest of 4A will have their hands full handing the Bombers their first loss of the season.

Top Performers:
Richland
Jacob DeVries-33 points (13/20 FG’s, 5/7 3-pt FG’s), 6 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists

Wenatchee
Dillon Sugg-12 points, 10 rebounds

Beamer Fever Advances to State Semis

Posted on March 7, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Thursday	March 6th	2014	4A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Gonzaga Prep	14	14	10	11	49
Todd Beamer	12	4	19	22	57

Beamer Fever Advances to State Semis
By Colin Caruso

In one of the bigger size mismatches of the day, the Todd Beamer Titans faced off against the Bullpups from Gonzaga Prep to secure a spot in the 4A state semifinal. Beamer started the game on a strong 8-2 run, utilizing their size and strength to get shots close to the hoop. But Gonzaga Prep answered with a 12-4 run to close the quarter with a two point lead 14-12.

The Bullpups made up for the size differential with a higher level of intensity. Gonzaga Prep added a 7-0 run on top of their 12-4 run in the first to take an early nine point advantage, 21-12. Beamer seemed very stagnant on the offensive side, too much standing around and not enough screening and cutting. Gonzaga Prep took a 28-16 lead into half.

Beamer finally adopted their diamond full court trap to start the second half, which completely stifled the Bullpup offense. Beamer’s length was in the passing lanes on every possession and they started the quarter on a 15-2 run to take their first lead since the first quarter. Gonzaga Prep recaptured their lead on back to back threes, but Beamer was back in the game, trailing by just three going into the fourth 38-35.

Beamer closed the three point lead in a hurry, and the teams repeatedly exchanged leads down the stretch. The Titans snagged the lead by two on a Bogdon Bliznyuk three with two minutes to play. Quadir Williams added two free-throws for Beamer, extending their lead to four. Sam Dowd answered for the Bullpups with two free-throws of his own, trimming the lead to two with one minute to play. The Titans answered with a Charles Frazier layup, a defensive rebound, and two more Quadir Williams free-throws to take a six point lead. Another miss for the Bullpups led to two more free-throws for the Titans, extending their lead to eight with less than thirty seconds to play. But a quick two and a turnover for the Titans led to a three pointer by Brendan McClary. The Bullpups were within three with just 22 seconds remaining. Frazier hit one from the line to extend the lead to four, and Williams added two more from the stripe to take a six point lead with ten seconds to play. The Titans put together a great comeback, winning 57-49 and advancing to the state semifinal.

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Top Performers:
Gonzaga Prep
Sam Dowd – 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
Brendan McClary – 12 points, 4 steals

Todd Beamer
Quadir Williams – 18 points, 6 rebounds
Trey Burch Manning – 15 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals

Issaquah Pulls Off Round of Eight Upset, Defeats Jackson

Posted on March 7, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Thursday	March 6th	2014	4A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Issaquah	22	14	10	10	56
Jackson	12	14	9	9	44

Issaquah Pulls Off Round of Eight Upset, Defeats Jackson
By Colin Caruso

The top half of the boys 4A bracket is stacked, with Garfield and Kentridge facing off, and this battle between Issaquah and the #1 ranked Jackson Timberwolves. Jackson has one loss on the season in a matchup against what was a very good Lincoln Abes team. Issaquah comes in at 18-6, but two were to Garfield and three were out of the state.

Both teams came out with great intensity, with great fan section support on both sides. Jackson had the upper hand early, with baskets from their leading scorers Dan Kingma and Jason Todd. But Issaquah responded with an onslaught of shot making from five different players in the first quarter. Issaquah took a strong 22-12 lead into the second quarter. The ten point first quarter lead remained going into halftime, 36-26 in favor of the Eagles.

Issaquah began pulling away early in the third, but Kingma hit back to back triples to maintain the ten point deficit late in the quarter. Issaquah extended their lead by one in the third, on the back of six points from freshman Trevon Ary-Turner. Jackson was on the ropes, down 11 going into the final frame.

The Timberwolves needed quick scoring to bring this one close, and started the fourth with a 5-0 run in the first 1:15 of play. Ary-Turner stopped the run with a brilliant spinning floater to put the Eagles back up eight with five minutes remaining. After a bucket for Jackson and a free-throw for the Eagles, Jason Todd converted a layup on a steal to cut the Issaquah lead to five with 2:30 remaining. Ty Gibson for the Eagles immediately answered with a short jumper then added one free-throw to put the Eagles up eight with just over a minute to play, 52-44. The Eagles added four more free-throws and upset the top ranked Timberwolves 56-44.

Top Performers:
Issaquah
Ty Gibson – 18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals
Jake Henke – 6 points, 13 rebounds

Jackson
Jason Todd – 17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals
Dan Kingma – 15 points, 5 rebounds

Garfield Dominates one-loss Kentridge

Posted on March 7, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Thursday	March 6th	2014	4A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Kentridge	10	2	10	19	41
Garfield	17	17	15	14	63

Garfield Dominates one-loss Kentridge
By Colin Caruso

In another rough quarterfinal matchup, the one loss Garfield Bulldogs faced off against the one loss Kentridge Chargers for a berth to the 4A state semifinal. Both teams’ losses came late in the year to teams still playing, with Garfield’s loss coming to Issaquah and Kentridge’s loss coming to Todd Beamer.

Garfield jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead in this one, but Kentridge leading scorer Jawan Stepney would not let Garfield make it a blowout. Stepney answered with back to back threes for the Chargers, which kept them in the contest, as the Bulldogs kept their foot to the pedal. Garfield led 17-10 after one quarter.

Kentridge needed to answer to start the second, and it simply did not happen. Garfield held the Chargers to two points in the second quarter, while putting up 17 on their own. Turnovers were the story; 12 total for the Chargers leading to 14 Garfield points off. Kentridge could not get good shots up and Garfield continued their tenacious defensive pressure. Garfield took a commanding 34-12 lead into the half.

The second half looked a lot like the first half in this game, with Garfield controlling the scoring and the pace. Kentridge closed the gap significantly late in the fourth to lose by 22. Their largest deficit was 28 points early in the fourth. Garfield will advance to the 4A state semifinal.

Top Performers:
Kentridge
Jawan Stepney – 13 points, 3 rebounds

Garfield
Tramaine Isabell – 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals