Rainier Beach’s Balance Enough to Prevail Over Prep
By Steve Dion
| Friday- January 20th | 2017 | Boys | 3A | Metro | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainier Beach High School | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Seattle Preparatory | 8 | 9 | 16 | 24 | 57 | |
| Rainier Beach | 13 | 15 | 16 | 24 | 68 | |
Rainier Beach Junior Fred Roberson
Rainier Beach whose quest to defend their state title was met with another tough challenge on Friday night against Seattle Prep. Each team plenty of motivation for league placement to battle for the win on the line.
The guard matchup of Khalil Shabazz for Beach and Aaron Nettles of Prep was front and center in this game with Shabazz getting the upper hand early logging 14 points in the first half many of which a result of attacking the cup. Additionally, Tijohn Rodde and Fred Roberson made their presence felt on both ends of the floor helping their Viks squad take a double digit lead into the break.
The Prep Panthers returned to the floor eager to shave the Beach lead and put the ball in Nettles’ hands to make it happen. The senior point guard recorded 15 fourth quarter points for a game-high 22 and was joined by Kalu Stricklin in the second half rally.
Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed when Kevin Porter Jr. who was managing foul trouble throughout the contest connected on some pivotal possessions down the stretch to put the game out of reach.
The Final Score
Rainier Beach 68, Seattle Preparatory 57.
Top Performers:
Rainier Beach
Fred Roberson- 14 points
Seattle Preparatory
Aaron Nettles- 22 points