3A State Finals Preview, Bellevue vs. Eastside Catholic Round 3

Posted on December 5, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

3A State Finals Preview, Bellevue vs. Eastside Catholic Round 3
By Colin Caruso

The Bellevue Wolverines have won 67 straight games, a streak that goes back to 2010 when Mat Taylor’s Skyline Spartans topped them in a regular season contest. They routinely schedule games against the top teams out of state, this year against Serra (CA), and routinely pull off convincing victories. They are dominate, fast, big and strong. The Wolverines are in search of their 7th consecutive state title, and standing in their way is the Eastside Catholic Crusaders.

Eastside showed their grit last year in advancing past the O’Dea Fighting Irish to the state finals, to meet the Wolverines in a 425 clash. The game wasn’t much of a contest, coinciding with the Wolverines season, and ended in a 52-20 route. This year will prove to be much closer than that. One of the states finest running backs, Brandon Wellington, is now a junior and is playing the best football of his life. Junior quarterback Harley Kirsch is also a year older, more mature, and is prepared for a matchup against one of the finest teams in the nation.

The big question at hand, are the Wolverines vulnerable? They showed hints of vulnerability last week against Marysville-Pilchuck. Can the Cru’ end the streak? I don’t think it’s in the cards just yet, but hey, it has to happen sometime, right?

theFinalScore.TV
3A State Football Rankings Week 9

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Randall Novak

theFinalScore.TV
3A State Football Rankings
By Steven Dion

Marysville-Pilchuck has been on everybody’s mind. The Tomahawks took on Meadowdale with a packed house looking on, they got the win. We have broken down the top 10 Washington State 3A Classification Teams for you.

1) Bellevue 8-0, 6-0 League
The Wolverines rattle off another undefeated regular season. They have a great chance to raise the hardware in December once again.

2) Eastside Catholic 8-1, 4-0 League
Undefeated against teams from Washington and 1-1 out of state record. This may be Thielbahr’s best chance to capture a state title.

3) O’Dea 8-1, 4-1 League
Monte has rested the best tailback in the state through the latter half of the season. Myles Gaskin and the veteran lineman from the Irish have a playoff run in them.

4) Marysville-Pilchuck 7-1, 4-0 League
The community has rallied around this team in the wake of tragedy and they are responding by playing great football heading into the postseason.

5) Lincoln 9-0, 7-0 League
An undefeated regular season gives the Abes another crack at the best 3A has to offer. Will Kitna be able to make another step and overtake the elite teams in the postseason?

6) Peninsula 8-1, 7-0 League
After losing a one-point game in the season opener against Gig Harbor, the Seahawks have won eight straight en route to a 3A SPSL title run.

7) Auburn-Mountainview 8-1, 6-1 League
The Lions have plenty of talent at the skill positions to make some noise in the playoffs, but a push to the Tacoma Dome will be a tall task for a team with limited postseason experience.

8) Oak Harbor 6-1, 4-0 League
Hats off to the Wildcats for awarding the 3A Wesco League title to Marysville-Pilchuck. That game projected to be great measuring stick for Oak Harbor, but the circumstances rightfully took priority.

9) Kennedy Catholic 7-0, 4-0 League
Spotless record for the Lancers with only 30 points allowed all season. The Seamount did not present any great obstacles, but Bourgette’s boys will not back down from any playoff challengers.

10) Mount Spokane 7-2, 5-1 League
The Wildcats’ two losses were by a total of 10 points by Sandpoint (ID) and Gonzaga Prep. Beating several 4A teams throughout the season earns this Greater Spokane League squad the tenth spot.

On the Bubble
Meadowdale 6-1, 5-0 League
Bishop Blanchet 7-2, 2-2 league
Capital 7-2, 6-1 league

Lakeside Prevails in Double Overtime Shootout with Hale

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Randall Novak

Saturday	Nov. 1st	2014	3A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	1OT	2OT	Final
Nathan Hale	7	7	14	7	7	0	42
Lakeside	3	8	7	17	7	7	49

Game Recap below

Lakeside Prevails in Double Overtime Shootout with Hale
By Steven Dion

November has arrived which means playoff football is in it stages of infancy as seeding is underway for the postseason. The seventh and eighth seeds for the Metro League were to be decided by the Lakeside Lions and Nathan Hale Raiders. It is fitting the game was played at Memorial Stadium because this contest was indeed memorable.

The Lions took advantage of an extended drive early in the contest by allowing Wyatt Paul to boot a 20 yard chip shot. Paul was a big factor in the game as his leg was responsible for 9 points and a great deal of field position advantage for his squad. Hale responded with a Nathan Cooprider quarterback keeper from five yards out for a Raiders lead. Cole Stephens returned the favor with a 13 yard scamper of his own for the third of eight lead changes in the game. The Raiders turned up the intensity a notch by blocking a field goal and forcing a pick in the hands of Sam Tessema. The latter led to a Naweeb Kamiab run to establish a 14-11 lead which they took to the locker room.

Heading into the third trailing by only three points was a stroke of luck for Lakeside because they committed nine penalties to Hale’s one. The yellow laundry started to catch up with Lakeside in the opening minutes of the third, as they committed two personal fouls which aided a touchdown drive capped off by a 25 yard run by Noah Witmer. On the ensuing drive, Lakeside’s quarterback Bennett Dondoyano found a wide open Mayan Chavez and connected, but the ball mysteriously came free from the Lion receiver’s hands mere yards from the endzone. Nathan Hale took advantage by feeding Witmer and he delivered with another touchdown run, this time from 26 yards out. NHHS had the momentum at this point leading 28-11. The Lions took it back as they conducted a three-play, eighty yard drive which finished on a 37 yard Stephens run. After three quarters, Hale led 28-18.

To climb back into the game, Lakeside was forced to gamble on fourth downs to keep the chains moving. With 10:45 left, Cole Stephens scored for the third time on a 53 yard screen pass from Dondoyano. Minutes later, Dondoyano got a TD of his own after Stephens converted on a 4th and 3 previously. Hale bit back on a Webb Hopkins touchdown grab, one of many fine catches by the senior. NHHS recovered the ensuing kickoff in the redzone, but came away with no points. With 1:37 remaining, Lakeside had to travel 98 yards to erase a 3 point deficit. The Lions were able to get to the Hale 2 with 5 ticks left. Wyatt Paul hit a 17 yard FG at the buzzer to tie it up 35 apiece. We headed to overtime.

First Overtime
Hale would get the ball first as Lakeside chose to defer after winning the toss. Cooprider found William Sanders open on an option from 10 yards out that tricked the Lion defense. Lakeside needed to match the Raiders to keep the contest alive. Cole Stephens stepped up as he did all game by punching the pigskin in from 2 yards out. The game continued.

Second Overtime
Lakeside won the toss again and chose to receive. For the fifth and final time, Cole Stephens barreled into the endzone from the one yard line. Needing a touchdown, Nathan Hale found themselves in a fourth and two situation. They handed the ball to Sanders. He dove forward very close to the first down marker. It was close. The chain game came out to measure. Short. Ballgame. Lakeside wins 49-42 to take the seventh seed in the Metro playoffs. Hale takes 8th.

Top Performers:
Lakeside
Cole Stephens
4 rushing TDs (1, 2, 13, 37) and 1 receiving TD (52)

Nathan Hale
Noah Witmer – 2 rushing TDs (25, 26)

Blanchet’s Big Fourth Quarter Earns Braves Fifth Seed, Bulldogs Sixth

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Randall Novak

Friday	Oct. 31st	2014	3A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Garfield	0	7	0	0	7
Bishop Blanchet	3	14	0	14	31

Game Recap below

Blanchet’s Big Fourth Quarter Earns Braves Fifth Seed, Bulldogs Sixth
By Steven Dion

For many in attendance at Memorial Stadium, it is probably hard to believe tonight marks the 39th anniversary of arguably the greatest high school football game in the history of the state between Bishop Blanchet and Garfield. Members of both teams from 1975 were the honorary captains during the coin toss including Bruce Harrell and Joe Steele. That game had nearly thirteen thousand fans in attendance and ended in the fourth overtime with BBHS the victor. This playoff game would not replicate the one from four decades ago.

Both squads were determined to run the football into the teeth of the opposition from the start. The Braves’ featured back Oshea Trujillo has racked up nice numbers this season, but the Bulldogs have an improving front seven that kept him at bay early. Blanchet drew first blood on a 27 yard field goal by Liam vanLeynseele after the Braves drive stalled. Garfield had a difficult time moving the chains in the first half and had to continually return the ball to the green and yellow.

Blanchet struck again on a double reverse in which wideout David Gats hurled an 18 yard flair to Jack Sendelbach to put them up by ten. The lead grew when Davine Tullis tossed a dart to Sendelbach for his second score and a 17-0 lead. On the ensuing kickoff with twenty-two ticks remaining, the squib was recovered near midfield to give Garfield a chance to score. At the buzzer, Rashad Jones was in the endzone on a 35 yard post route to give the Bulldogs momentum heading into the locker room.

The third quarter was slightly less eventful as both teams refused to put up points and turnovers continued to pile up. The Bulldogs were trailing by ten heading into the fourth, but they couldn’t take advantage of several scoring chances. A fumble recovery for touchdown at the eleven yard line of Garfield by Gats zapped the Bulldogs energy. Elijah Davis scored late to give BBHS their final points and a 31-7 victory. The Braves have captured the fifth seed and Bulldogs take sixth in Metro heading into playoffs next week.

Top Performers:
Bishop Blanchet
Jack Sendelbach LB/TE
14 Tackles, 2 for Loss – 1 Fumble Recovery
2 Receptions 33 yards, 2 TD’s

David Gats
18 yd TD pass, 11 yd fumble recovery TD

Garfield
Rashad Jones – 35 yard TD Reception

Fans are called to Unite this weekend! Tragedy has….

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Randall Novak

2014 Varsity Football Live Interview
Garfield Bulldogs – Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach
Ed Haskins

Tragedy has struck at the heart of the Marysville-Pilchuck and Seattle communities this week, affecting people throughout the state of Washington. This weekend we call all FANS to unite and attend a high school football game. We wish to show our support for your local schools and the people of Marysville-Pilchuck and Seattle by filling the stands with everyone wearing something WHITE signifying HOPE and HEALING.

This includes fans, parents, students, administrators and staff attending any and all football games on Friday and Saturday. So grab anything white; a hat, scarf, a big t-shirt that can fit over your coat! We want the people of Seattle and Marysville-Pilchuck to know the entire state is behind them.

It is at times like these that we must come together to support one another, even if we aren’t personally affected. We express our thoughts and prayers by coming together as ONE and wearing WHITE as a symbol of hope for a better tomorrow.

Dick Fain caught up with Ed Haskins from Garfield High School today regarding Seattle Schools support of two communities. They also touched on the renewal of the game classified as “The Game of the Century”.

Garfield takes on Bishop Blanchet this Friday night – 39 years after the historic battle between the same schools in front of 13,000 fans at Memorial Stadium. It took 4 overtimes for Blanchet to come up with the victory and Garfield is looking to grab a win on Friday.

The Region is asked to join together. We encourage everyone to attend a high school football game in your area and show support by WEARING WHITE AS A SYMBOL OF HOPE.

To catch the complete radio interview with Garfield Coach Ed Haskins,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.

Eastside Catholic Fends Off Fighting Irish

Posted on October 18, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Oct. 17th	2014	3A	Boys	Football
West Seattle Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	13	6	7	0	26
O'Dea	10	0	7	3	20

Game Recap below

Eastside Catholic Fends Off Fighting Irish
By Colin Caruso

A subtle drizzle amplified the setting of this great matchup between two of our state’s finest in 3A, the Eastside Catholic Crusaders travelling to West Seattle to face the O’Dea Fighting Irish. The last competition between these two stellar programs took place in the Tacoma Dome, with a trip to the State finals on the line. Eastside Catholic took that contest 28-14, and O’Dea’s seniors came into this one looking to avenge that State semi-final loss.

Scoring started early in the light rain, with a forced fumble on the second play from scrimmage by O’Dea senior Garrett Granlund. The ball fell into the hands of the fastest player on the field, Myles Gaskin, for an easy touchdown run and a 7-0 O’Dea lead just 35 seconds into the game. O’Dea would add just one more touchdown before the night ended.

Eastside Catholic responded on their next drive. Addison Hull, Eastside’s non-featured back ran right through the middle of O’Dea’s defense for 39 yards and a score to tie the game at seven. The scoring continued in the first, with a field goal from the Irish and another Eastside Catholic rushing touchdown, putting the Crusaders up 13-10.

The story in this game was the defense of the Crusaders. O’Dea would only total 10 points in quarters 2-4. Their touchdown came on an 88-yard run from Gaskin, but outside of that score, the Crusaders in white played tenacious defense. Great tackling, shedding blocks, and constant pressure gave O’Dea fits in their offensive backfield.

While the Crusader defense continued its exemplary play, their offense was not in full sync. Quarterback Harley Kirsch missed a number of open receivers, and seemingly when he threw a great ball, the receivers would drop his passes. The rushing game, however, continued to perform. Dominique Fetui added a score in the second, and Hull again in the third, putting the game just out of reach for the Irish.

This game was effectively the Metro-Mountain championship game. If both of these teams maintain their superior play, which I expect they will, we will see them late into November yet again.

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Brandon Wellington – 13 carries for 120 yards and 1TD

O’Dea
Myles Gaskin – 25 carries for 189 yards and 1TD, fumble recovery for TD, defensive INT

Crusaders Cruise Over Blanchet in Saturday Showdown

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Randall Novak

Saturday	Oct. 11th	2014	3A	Boys	Football
Auburn High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	7	21	14	7	49
Bishop Blanchet	0	0	6	6	12

Game Recap below

Crusaders Cruise Over Blanchet in Saturday Showdown
By Steven Dion

The high school football season is at the halfway point and the weather has behaved nicely for virtually the entire duration. Saturday would be a surprise at kickoff as rain hit hard an hour before kickoff following morning sunshine. Regardless, there was a game to be played between perennial goliath Eastside Catholic led by Jeremy Thielbahr and Aaron Maul’s up-and-comer Bishop Blanchet.

On the opening drive, ECHS coughed up the football giving Blanchet early momentum. However, minutes later Daniel Carlton picked off Davine Tullis which set up an 18 yard slant to Matt Laris for a touchdown. At this point Harley Kirsch was just getting warmed up. In the second frame, he connected with Laris again and Hunter Bryant for 53 and 7 yard scores respectively. A powerful goal-line run by Dominique Fetui capped off a 21 point second quarter for the Crusaders. Blanchet was yet to score at the break.

The Eastside onslaught continued in the third as Kirsch found Matt Kveck and Jake Jackson in the endzone for two more of his five touchdown passes on the day. Bishop Blanchet played an inspired second half starting with a pick by Oshea Trujillo midway through the quarter. That set up a play which was improvisational brilliance by the Braves’ featured halfback Trujillo. A shotgun snap sailed over BB quarterback Alex Freeman’s head. Trujillo, who was the lone man in the backfield sprinted to the loose ball. As the swarm of defenders rushed to pick up the football, the BB back picked up the pigskin and let it fly toward the endzone. The act of desperation resulted in Blanchet’s first points of the game; a 10 yard touchdown reception for Elijah Davis in the corner of the endzone.

Despite a running clock from a Crusader lead of forty points or more, the home team continued to battle. The final play of the contest was a 20 yard dart through multiple defenders from Freeman to David Gats who moments prior hauled in an extraordinary one-handed grab. However, Eastside Catholic would claim a 49-12 victory heading into next Friday against league powerhouse O’Dea. Maul’s Braves will put this one behind them and build on a much better second half of a runaway contest.

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Harley Kirsch- 5 touchdown passes (7,15,18,36,53)

Bishop Blanchet
Oshea Trujillo- 10 yard touchdown pass, Defensive INT

2014 VFL Coach Interview
Eastside Catholic
Head Coach Jeremy Thielbahr

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Randall Novak

2014 Varsity Football Live Interview
Eastside Catholic Crusaders – Head Football Coach
Jeremy Thielbahr

Ahead of Schedule on a Great Journey

Join us as Dick Fain chats with Coach Jeremy Thielbahr about 4th ranked Eastside Catholic’s football program, being in the playoffs 3 years in a row, and in 2 state championship games the last 2 years.

Since Coach Thielbahr and his staff took over in 2011, it seems the road to winning in 3A always goes through Bellevue, so he hopes this is the season his Crusaders can win it all.

“We had to do some things to get our minds and our kids to this level of competitive camaradarie and aggressiveness on the field – and I think we’ve done that.”

How is Coach Thielbahr able to focus on the Metro league instead of the upcoming state championship game ? “We’ve got great talent, smart kids who understand what we’re asking them to do, have faith in their coaches, and believe in what we do.”

With a healthy program of good senior, junior, sophomore and freshman players, they are excited to see where the season will take them and looking forward to being able to win year after year.

To catch the complete radio interview with Eastside Catholic Coach Jeremy Thielbahr,
simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.

Irish Prove Too Much for
Joyner-Less Pilchuck

Posted on September 20, 2014 by Randall Novak

Friday	Sept. 19th	2014	3A	Boys	Football
West Seattle Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Marysville-Pilchuck	3	0	0	7	10
O'Dea	7	6	21	0	34

Game Recap below

Irish Prove Too Much for Joyner-Less Pilchuck
By Steven Dion

Week three of the high school football season featured a non-league matchup of top dawgs in 3A O’Dea of the Metro League and Marysville-Pilchuck of Wesco. Both teams were capable to running the table in league play, but this would put a blemish on the record of one of the teams in this game. The Tomahawks would be without their elite playmaker on both sides of the ball in Austin Joyner. M-P had their work cut out for them if they were to defeat the powerhouse O’Dea.

The Tomahawks would draw first blood as an errant snap by O’Dea resulted in a turnover and eventually a 39 yard field goal by Sebastian Navarro. This lead would not last long as explosive tailback Myles Gaskin broke off an electrifying 79-yard scamper for six. Davarea Proctor also found himself in the endzone before the first half concluded on a 8 yard run. The Irish brought a 13-3 lead into the locker room.

Gaskin broke the game wide open in the third quarter as 19 and 56 yard rushing touchdowns in addition to a 46 yard punt return score put the game out of reach for Marysville-Pilchuck. The running game of the Tomahawks held their own as a Killian Page score gave the Tomahawks their first touchdown and the final points of the game. O’Dea moves to 3-0 with the 34-10 victory.

Top Performers:
O’Dea
Myles Gaskin- 4 TD’s 3 rush (19, 56, 79) 1 punt return (46)

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

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.

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

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

Eastside Catholic Handles University, Advances to Face Wilson in Semifinal

Posted on March 7, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Thursday	March 6th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	15	14	11	13	53
University	11	7	14	7	39

Eastside Catholic Handles University, Advances to Face Wilson in Semifinal
By Colin Caruso

In the second game in Tacoma on Thursday, the University Titans battled the Eastside Catholic Crusaders to face off against the Wilson Rams in the Washington state 3A boys semifinal. University, with a tough regular season this year, won their last six to advance to Tacoma. Eastside Catholic took a different route, widely regarded as one of the top teams in the state, had only two losses on the season outside of their matchups against Rainier Beach, and came in at 21-5.

The discrepancies in records portrayed an imbalance on the floor early in this quarterfinal matchup. A much bigger Eastside Catholic team continued to pound on the interior, shooting layup after layup against an undersized University team. Eastside is typically not an interior scoring team; a good chunk of their points this season are on three pointers and they only attempted five threes in the first half. The Crusaders led 29-18 at the break.

University made a strong push to start the second half. Winning the third quarter 14-11 put them in striking distance going into the fourth. But Eastside was too strong defensively throughout, outscoring the Titans 19-1 on points off turnovers, the difference in the ballgame. Eastside cruised to a 53-39 win.

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Mandrell Worthy – 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Matisse Thybulle – 12 points, 4 steals, 2 blocks

University
Ben Kuiper – 10 points, 9 rebounds
Robert Little – 11 points

Wilson Sneaks Past O’Dea in Round of Eight at State

Posted on March 7, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Thursday	March 6th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Wilson	17	11	9	23	60
O’Dea	13	12	13	19	57

Wilson Sneaks Past O’Dea in Round of Eight at State
By Colin Caruso

What a way to kick off the state tournament! A team from the heart of Seattle against a team from Tacoma in a 3A boys battle. The Wilson Rams came into this contest with a 22-3 record and a regional win against Kennedy to advance to the final eight. The O’Dea Irish, at 17-10, advanced to Tacoma with a win over Shorecrest.

As a 9am game, both teams brought great intensity to the Dome despite the early start. Wilson held the edge early, taking the first quarter 17-13 and grabbing an 8 point lead early in the contest. But O’Dea answered in the second quarter with a significant 17-11 rebounding edge, to trail by just three entering the half, 28-25. O’Dea’s leading scorer Jacob Lampkin picked up his third personal halfway through the second quarter, forcing him to sit the remainder of the half.

With Lampkin back in for the third quarter, O’Dea began to click offensively. With offensive rebounds leading to easy baskets, the Irish took their first lead since early in the first. The Irish held the slightest of leads going into the final frame, 38-37.

The fourth quarter remained close throughout, with neither team grabbing more than a five point lead. With one minute remaining, O’Dea found themselves down three with a good look from the corner from sharpshooter Quinn Barnard. The shot missed just right and Wilson grabbed the rebound. O’Dea fouled on the next possession and Wilson missed both free-throws, leading to another O’Dea opportunity to cut the lead late. Jamar Kemp capitalized on a layup with under eight seconds to play, but the clock doesn’t stop on a made basket, and Wilson was able to trickle it down to three seconds before inbounding. Ivy Smith Jr for the Rams inbounded and was fouled two seconds later; he made both free-throws to bring the lead back up to three with just 0.8 on the clock. A last second heave from the Irish from well beyond half court missed long, and the Rams survived 60-57.

Top Performers:
Wilson
Alphonso Anderson – 21 points, 9 rebounds
Ivy Smith Jr – 16 points, 8 assists

O’Dea
Jacob Lampkin – 17 points, 13 rebounds
Jamie Orme – 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks

Rainier Beach Escapes the Islanders, Advances to Final Eight

Posted on March 3, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Feb 28th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Bellevue College	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Mercer Island	15	4	20	16	55
Rainier Beach	19	13	15	14	61

Rainier Beach Escapes the Islanders, Advances to Final Eight
By Colin Caruso

When a team plays with passion and intensity on the basketball floor, it captivates your attention and compels you to watch more. When a team has the capability of playing for a national title if they win our state tournament, it compels you to watch them. This was the case in the capstone contest on Friday night at Bellevue College. The first mentioned passionate team, the Mercer Island Islanders (18-7 on the season) battled the undefeated, 25-0 Rainier Beach Vikings.

Throughout this season the Vikings have dominated their opponents, scoring over 100 points nine times on the season. But recently teams have keyed in on their scoring, sat back in zones, played slow basketball, and prayed that the lights out shooting Vikings were somehow cold. Mercer Island took this route, matched the intensity of the Vikings, and made this one a battle until the finish.

A 19-15 first quarter in favor of Rainier Beach can be classified as a Mercer Island win. The Islanders took good shots, played good defense, and senior guard Kaleb Warner scored seven on 3-3 from the field. The second quarter was not as pretty for the underdog Islanders, as a four point effort sent them into the locker room down 13. But Mercer Island did not go away.

A 20-15 third quarter put them in striking distance of the lesser aggressive Vikings. Baskets from Andrew Pickles and Jake Stenberg kept the dream alive for the Islanders, who never stopped fighting for the entire 32 minutes.

The fourth quarter again belonged to the Islanders, who trimmed the mighty Viking lead to just two points with two minutes to play on back to back three pointers by Warner. But the next two possessions resulted in turnovers, and the Vikings scored three points in their next two possessions, pushing this one ever so slightly out of reach.

A phenomenal effort by one of the state’s finest in Mercer Island, but conquering the mighty is such a difficult task. Beach moves on to Tacoma, with action beginning on Thursday, March 6th.

Top Performers:
Mercer Island
Kaleb Warner – 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Andrew Pickles – 12 points, 7 rebounds

Rainier Beach
Djuan Piper – 17 points, 5 rebounds
David Crisp – 18 points
Dejounte Murray – 17 points

O’Dea Cruises to Huge Win Over Islanders

Posted on February 27, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Tuesday	Feb 18th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Bellevue College	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
O'Dea	16	19	20	22	77
Mercer Island	9	3	9	11	32

O’Dea Cruises to Huge Win Over Islanders
By Steven Dion

When you are one of the best teams in the state and seemingly every shot falls, it’s a recipe for disaster to virtually any opponent. The Islanders of Mercer Island were the unfortunate victim to a complete game by the Irish on both ends of the floor. The stifling defense the Irish is capable of throwing at opponents was clicking on all cylinders which translated to smooth offensive sets. Mercer Island earned a first round bye in the SeaKing tourney after solid play in KingCo regular season. O’Dea defeated Nathan hale by a dozen on Saturday. The winner of this contest would take on the winner of Bainbridge versus Rainier Beach.

The first four minutes of the game were the most evenly matched as O’Dea took a few minutes to get rolling. The Islander guards did a nice job keeping the three-point threat Quin Barnard unable to take attempts from the perimeter. Unfortunately, Mercer was unable to capitalize on the slow O’Dea start by only scoring 9 points in the first frame. The second quarter is where the Irish grabbed this game by the horns. Jacob Lampkin was a force in the low block throwing that lanky 6’9 frame around. The senior even drained a triple in that second quarter as part of a strong eight points in eight minutes. Turnovers were plentiful as the Islanders were unable to get any open looks and for that matter shot attempts as the Islanders only scored 3 points in the second quarter! One takeaway in the O’Dea zone led to a Jamie Orme dunk on the other end. At the half, OHS led by 23 points at 35-12.

Not much changed in the second half as O’Dea continued to dominate in all phases of the game. This fighting Irish squad is talented, but even the biggest fan of the red and yellow would admit they will have a tough time replicating this performance time after time. There was a point in the fourth quarter where a handful of O’Dea possession resulted in three after three. It was curious that Al Hairston did not pull out his starters late in the fourth quarter even with a forty point lead and a running clock. A highlight for the Islanders in the second half was Kaleb Warner going coast-to-coast and finishing with a two-handed slam. But a complete game by the Irish earned them a 77-32 win. Up next, Rainier Beach. They’ll need this performance and maybe more to take down the Vikings.

Top Performers:
O’Dea
Jamie Orme, Tyler Kidd, Quin Barnard, David Woodard, Jacob Lampkin (All in double figures)

Mercer Island
Andrew Pickles-9 points (played strong defense against relentless O’Dea attack)

Mercer Island Hangs on Despite Late West Seattle Surge

Posted on February 27, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Tuesday	Feb 18th	2014	3A	Girls	Basketball
Bellevue College	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Mercer Island	11	15	13	13	52
West Seattle	11	8	11	19	49

Mercer Island Hangs on Despite Late West Seattle Surge
By Steven Dion

In the second round of the District 2 3A SeaKing Girls Basketball tournament, Mercer Island was set to face West Seattle. The Islanders received a first-round bye while West Seattle snuck past Eastside Catholic in a loser-out opener by the score of 34-33. The Wildcats have been a tough matchup throughout the season and will continue to do so in upcoming season as the starting lineup consists of three sophomores and two juniors. There is not a single senior on the roster. Mercer Island plays tough perimeter defense and boasts plenty of scoring options. Winner of this game was set to face the winner of Cleveland/Liberty.

The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair as neither team was able to build much separation to the opposition. Islander junior guard Jamie Mounger put together a strong first half by knocking down five field goals for ten points, some of which heavily contested. West Seattle countered with their 6’5 sophomore Lydia Giomi. The post was a tough matchup for MIHS on both sides of the floor as Giomi rebounded well and was able to create space and open looks under the hoop. Mercer Island showed tremendous anticipation of WSHS screens which resulted in a number of turnovers going the other way. A scoring spree midway through the second frame gave the Wildcats some breathing room and a seven point lead at the break.

The struggle for both teams to knock down perimeter shots continued in the second half. As a result, this game took place almost exclusively in the paint. The matchup down low between Giomi and Islander forward/center Anna Luce was very physical as they jockeyed for possession aggressively under the bucket. The Islanders were able to carry a double digit lead until midway through the fourth. West Seattle went on a run that brought the Wildcats within two points and a trip to the foul stripe. The shooter missed, but WS recovered and had a flurry of game-tying shots fired at the hoop in the final seconds. The could not connect and eventually fouled an Islander. After making one of two, the Cats fired one last desperation three-ball, but fell short. The Islanders were victorious by a slim margin at 52-49.

Top Performers:
Mercer Island
Jess Blakeslee-18 points (6/7 FT’s)
Jamie Mounger-14 points (5 first-half field goals)

West Seattle
Lydia Giomi-20 points (4/4 FT’s)

Cleveland Defeats Blanchet for Back-To-Back Metro League Titles

Posted on February 21, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Feb 14th	2014	3A	Girls	Basketball
Garfield High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Cleveland	19	20	11	13	65
Blanchet	19	10	10	11	50

Cleveland Defeats Blanchet for Back-To-Back Metro League Titles
By Steven Dion

Garfield High School played host to the boys and girls 3A championship games for the Metro League tonight, the first of two the girls game featuring Cleveland and Bishop Blanchet. Cleveland won this game last year over Seattle Prep and eventually won the state title. Bishop Blanchet is a team on the rise that seems poised to be in contention for years to come. Would the Eagles repeat as Metro champs or would the newcomers shock everyone at the GHS gym Friday night?

The first half was back-and-forth as Bishop Blanchet traded three pointers from freshman guard Taylor Chambers with buckets from Cleveland’s variety of scoring options. It appeared we were set for a high octane game as the first quarter score read 21-19 in favor of the defending champs. The Eagles eventually found their groove of suffocating defense in the second quarter as a number of turnovers in the backcourt on successive possessions resulted in a growing lead for CHS. When playing Cleveland, it is understood that field goals count for twice as much because they score in bunches. At the half, Cleveland held a double digit lead.

Bishop Blanchet caught their opponent on the heels early in the third quarter as the Eagles’ lead was cut to six midway through the frame. Jaydn Bush played solid on both sides of the floor as the freshman blocked several shots as well as made several buckets for the Braves. Blanchet battled throughout the game, but Cleveland is the defending state champs for a reason as senior Makala Roper buried several clutch shots down the stretch to put the game out of reach for the challenger. When the buzzer sounded, the Eagles raised the hardware for the second consecutive year by the final score of 65-50. After first round byes, Cleveland will face the winner of Liberty/Seattle Prep and Bishop Blanchet will take on the victor of Juanita/Holy Names in the first round of the SeaKing district playoffs.

Top Performers:
Cleveland
Cleveland-Myzhanique Ladd, Jayde Christopher, Alexia Mefi, Makala Roper (All double-digit scorers)

Blanchet
Bishop Blanchet-Taylor Chambers, Jaydn Bush (double-digit scoring, strong defensive effort)

Seattle Prep Sails Past Bainbridge for Fifth Seed

Posted on February 21, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Thursday	Feb 13th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Seattle Prep	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bainbridge	7	9	11	15	42
Seattle Prep	15	7	10	25	57

Seattle Prep Sails Past Bainbridge for Fifth Seed
By Steven Dion

Thursday night marks day three of the Metro League tournament and the battle for the five seed pitted the Prep Panthers and Bainbridge Spartans. Both teams have already punched their ticket to districts but the result of this contest determined the matchups in the SeaKing tourney. The winner would face the 7th seed from Metro in West Seattle and the team with the loss would meet third seed from KingCo in Mount Si. The Panthers have beaten the Spartans in their lone matchup on January 17th, would the visitors from the island return the favor?

The game got off to a slow start as the first points of the game were not scored for the first 2:10 of the game. Prep sharpshooter Jack Stewart was unable to connect on his early attempts from the perimeter, something uncharacteristic for the junior guard. However, the Spartans had scoring issues in the first quarter too as the first bucket came at 4:11 left in the frame. Give Prep’s defense credit as BHS scored only seven points in the first quarter. Coach Kelly’s defensive gameplan continued to succeed as the Panthers established good position to disrupt shots and forces offensive charges. Sophomore Eric Van Hare was a spark off the bench as he drew back to back charges before the half. The low scoring nature of this game would take a 22-16 Prep lead into the break.

The second half would continue the exciting matchup of bigs in SPHS forward Sean Gummersall and Spartan center Oskar Dieterich. They scored some of their team’s most crucial buckets as the posts registered eight and seven points respectively. Seattle Prep’s dynamic guard Aaron Nettles played with his high intensity style on both ends of the floor as one of his highlights was an and-one after knocking down a circus shot in traffic. The freshman scored a game-high 14 points. Bainbridge guard Blake Swanson knocked down shots late, but the damage was done and the game was too far out for the Spartans to recover. The relentless Seattle Prep defense was the x-factor of this contest as BHS was only able to score 42 in a playoff game. The Panthers were able to pick up a 57-42 win in front of their home crowd.

Top Performers:
Bainbridge
Trent Schulte – 9 points (3 3-pt FG’s, all in fourth quarter)

Seattle Prep
Aaron Nettles – 14 points (2/3 FT’s, 2 3-pt FG’s)

O’Dea’s Huge Second Quarter Downs Quakers

Posted on February 18, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Thursday	Feb 13th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
O'Dea High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Franklin	16	6	9	10	41
O'Dea	15	32	16	14	77

O’Dea’s Huge Second Quarter Downs Quakers
By Colin Caruso

With Metro’s third seed going to the winner and fourth seed going to the loser, O’Dea and Franklin battled on Thursday for the higher seed going into the SeaKing District Tournament. With not a lot of difference between the two seeds going forward, Franklin sat their second leading scorer Eugene Artison, which proved to dismantle the Quakers in the second through fourth quarters.

With Keith Smith already sidelined with a partially torn meniscus for the Quakers, Franklin looked to other players for the scoring void left by their two top scorers out. They found it in the first quarter, distributing the ball well and taking a 16-15 lead into the second. And then everything went sour.

On the back of Quin Barnard, a 5’11 sophomore guard for the Fighting Irish of O’Dea, the Irish outscored the struggling Quakers by 26 points in the second quarter. The Quaker offense did not look anything like it did in the first quarter. Turnover after turnover plagued Franklin, leading to easy finishes at the basket for the Irish and an onslaught of three pointers, led by Barnard.

With a heft 47-22 lead going into halftime, O’Dea was comfortable heading into the third and final quarters. With the scoring void for Franklin, they were not able to put together any big run that even made this game close. O’Dea controlled the rest of the contest, and prevailed with a staggering 77-41 win.

Top Performer:
O’Dea
Quin Barnard – 21 points

Beach Proves their Strength

Posted on February 9, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Feb 7th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Rainier Beach High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Franklin	8	13	4	15	40
Rainier Beach	27	27	19	17	90

Beach Proves their Strength
By Colin Caruso

With leading scorer Keith Smith of the Franklin Quakers sidelined with a partially torn meniscus, the general public knew this would be a tough contest for Franklin against the mighty Rainier Beach Vikings. The Vikings recently climbed to #2 in the country and are widely considered if not the best team in the nation in high school, at least in the top 5. They have taken multiple trips to other states to play the finest opponents in the nation, and Beach has yet to be touched.

This contest was the last game of the regular season for both teams, with Rainier Beach locked in the #1 seed in Metro and Franklin vying for the three seed. With a loss they claimed the four seed, and that is what ensued.

On senior night Beach came out ready to play, and Franklin was not prepared for the offensive onslaught. Beach put up 27 points in both the first and second quarters, roughly 3.5 points per minute. The threes from Shaqquan Aaron, David Crisp, and Naim Ladd were all falling, and Franklin could not find an answer.

With the game in firm grasp after the first half, Rainier Beach coach Mike Bethea experimented with a few line up changes to allow his players to mesh. They continued to extend their lead in the second half, connecting on alley-oops and relentlessly crashing the offensive glass. Beach came away with a commanding win, 90-40.

Top Performer:
Rainier Beach
Shaqquan Aaron – 20 points

O’Dea Avenges Early Season Defeat to Prep with Victory Over Panthers at Home

Posted on January 28, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Tuesday	Jan 21st	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
O'Dea High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	OT1	OT2	Final
Seattle Prep	15	16	16	9	2	2	60
O'Dea	10	12	15	19	2	6	64

O’Dea Avenges Early Season Defeat to Prep with Victory Over Panthers at Home
By Steven Dion

The rivalry between Seattle Prep and O’Dea travels back through many generations. These Metro League schools are on the same street, but seemingly worlds apart. Basketball games between Prep and the Fighting Irish are always exciting and competitive; Tuesday night was no exception. Eight extra minutes of basketball were required to determine a victor between two of Seattle’s premier hoops programs.

The host Irish squad seemed tentative from the get-go as senior point guard Tyler Kidd displayed frustration in the lethargic O’Dea offense. Coach Kelly’s Panthers were able to force their opponent to take ill-advised FG attempts in the first half. Prep sharpshooter Jack Stewart found a groove from distance as the junior nailed three from downtown in the first half. The Irish dug themselves into a nine point deficit at the half largely due to a balanced offensive attack. The combo of Quin Barnard and Jacob Lampkin accounted for 17 of the Irish’s 22 points in the first sixteen minutes. The home team would need more contributors down the stretch to avoid a season sweep from their league foe.

O’Dea chose to adjust to a smaller lineup in the third as they loaded the floor with guards. The speed of the game increased noticeably and the floor opened up for scoring attempts in transition. Seattle Prep remained composed as Stewart buried another pair from the perimeter en route to a game-high 20 points. With a ten point lead heading into the final frame, the Panthers were eight minutes away from securing an impressive road victory. Enter Jamie Orme. The 6’6” senior guard/forward combo for the Irish demanded the ball to get his team back into the game. Orme was a perfect six for six from the free throw line down the stretch and disrupted a number of Prep shots in the final quarter. Tied at 56 apiece, each team had a final possession to win the game in the final thirty seconds, but both came up empty handed. We were headed to overtime. A defensive minded overtime period only led to one bucket for each squad in four minutes. We headed into double overtime, and Kidd rose to the occasion. O’Dea’s quarterback on the court buried a contested turnaround jumper and slipped a perfect pass to Orme in the low post for two daggers. Prep’s desperation shots did not fall and the Irish locked up a 64-60 victory in double overtime.

Top Performers:
Seattle Prep
Jack Stewart – 20 points (6 3PT FG’s)

O’Dea
Jamie Orme-O’Dea-14 points (8/8 FTs, 10 pts in 4th qtr+ OTs)

Garfield’s Zone Propels Win Over Franklin

Posted on January 23, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Monday	Jan 20th	2014	3A-4A	Boys	Basketball
Garfield High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Franklin	24	13	8	12	57
Garfield	14	20	15	21	73

Garfield’s Zone Propels Win Over Franklin
By Colin Caruso

In the most anticipated game of the day on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, the rivals Garfield Bulldogs and Franklin Quakers squared off. With the likes of Mark Few, Lorenzo Romar, Cam Chancellor, and Earl Thomas in the building, everyone knew that this game would bring a lot of energy. With Garfield now in 4A the rivalry has relatively calmed down, but next year they will be back in 3A and one of the states best matchups will now be a league game.

The undefeated Bulldogs anticipated a good matchup against the 10-3 Quakers, but they did not expect the offensive explosion that resulted in the first quarter. Franklin blew up for 24 points in the first frame, led by Keith Smith’s 11. Garfield could not match the intensity or the size of the Quakers in the first frame. Smith also picked up two fouls in the first frame, and a third early in the second quarter. He was forced to sit the rest of the half, with Franklin going into the break up 37-34.

Garfield’s zone defense and Smith’s foul trouble really turned the tide in this game. Garfield sat back in a 2-3 zone and Franklin was forced to take outside shots. The shots did not fall, and Garfield was able to get out in transition on the long rebounds. Smith also picked up his fourth foul early in the third quarter, opening the door for Tramaine Isabell’s quarter high nine points for the Bulldogs, giving them the lead, 52-45.

The Quaker coaches had to gamble and put Smith in to start the fourth quarter, with their hopes gradually fading against a quicker but smaller Bulldog opponent. Smith fouled out with just over 5 minutes remaining in the contest, without scoring in the second half. This effectively ended the contest, with Garfield winning the fourth quarter 21-12 and ultimately the contest 73-57.

Top Performer:
Garfield
Tramaine Isabell – 28 points

Rainier Beach’s Big Second Half Drops O’Dea

Posted on January 23, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Monday	Jan 20th	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Garfield High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Rainier Beach	21	14	30	18	83
O'Dea	18	10	17	17	62

See game recap below

Rainier Beach’s Big Second Half Drops O’Dea
By Colin Caruso

In a packed Garfield High School gym for the Unity in the Community Showcase, the first matchup saw an unblemished Rainier Beach Vikings squad the strong O’Dea Fighting Irish. Rainier Beach has travelled multiple times this season to play the elite teams in the nation, with their last trip to Massachusetts producing another win for the Vikings. Rule of thumb, if you are playing Beach, pray that they are having an off day or else they may put 100 up on the board.

O’Dea played Beach well for the first half in this contest. They were able to keep pace with the Vikings, who do not run half court offenses; they are constantly in transition and moving the ball with ease. Against a team like Beach, turnovers and even made baskets lead to fast breaks for the Vikings. But O’Dea played well in the first half and limited the Vikings to just 35 points.

The third quarter is when Beach made their run. A monstrous 30 point quarter, led by Dejunte Murray’s 12 points in that quarter alone, stifled the O’Dea dream of an upset. Shaqquan Aaron and David Crisp both added seven points in the quarter, and no matter what coach Hairston drew up for the Irish, Beach had an answer on the other end of the floor.

With a 30-18 blowout third quarter, Rainier Beach coasted through the fourth quarter. Both teams emptied their benches late and Beach came away with a 83-62 win.

Top Performer:
Rainier Beach
David Crisp – 25 points