Rainier Beach Downs Garfield in SeaKing Opener

Rainier Beach Downs Garfield in SeaKing Opener
By Steve Dion

Rainier Beach Junior Fred Roberson

In their third matchup of the season the most recent merely six days ago in the Metro League semifinals at Alaska Airlines Arena, Rainier Beach & Garfield found themselves matched up in the first round of the district tournament as postseason play continues to heat up.

Insistent on beating the Bulldogs this season, Beach stormed out of the gates with a 9 point lead after the first frame fueled by Khalil Shabazz’s intensity on both ends of the floor reaching double figures in the blink of an eye. Garfield’s malaise continued as the first half progressed, although Daejon Davis’ ability to finish a few tough shots in the paint was a bright spot that kept the Bulldogs within striking distance heading into the second half.

When play resumed, the Vikings collaborated for a full-team effort where Nehemie Kabeya’s toughness on the glass and N’Keil Nelson’s ability to thwart Garfield runs helped them retain their lead to the finish line. The Bulldogs enjoyed a standout performance by ever-improving Eddie Turner and the emergence of a perimeter shot by J’Raan Brooks, but it proved too little for the highly-motivated Beach Boys.

Garfield still maintains a 2-1 lead in the season series over their rival to the south, but Rainier Beach showed they are hungry to defend their state title as the run to the Dome continues!

The Final Score
Rainier Beach 66, Garfield 57

Top Performers:
Rainier Beach
N’Keil Nelson- 20 points

Garfield
J’Raan Brooks- 17 points