REWIND- 2017 Metro League Semifinal Match-up
Nathan Hale vs West Seattle

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Randall Novak

Hale Survives Scare By West Seattle in Metro Semis
By Colin Caruso

Wednesday- February 8th	2017	Boys	3A	Metro Semifinals
Alaska Airlines Arena	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
West Seattle	16	24	9	10	59
Nathan Hale	18	16	17	21	72

Video Highlights

In the historic Hec Edmundson Pavilion and Alaska Airlines Arena, the Metro tournament was back in action for a semifinal matchup between West Seattle High School and the #1 team in the country, the Nathan Hale Raiders. Although suffering two defeats this year at the hands of Nathan Hale, the West Seattle Wildcats were not to going to back down to the juggernaut Raiders.

West Seattle led for the majority of the first half. Despite the large Hec Ed facility, they seemed right at home knocking down 3 after 3. Led by PG Nate Pryor in the first half, they took a 40-34 lead into the locker room at halftime. Despite good shooting by Michael Porter Jr. of Nathan Hale, the constant double teams forced him to pass, exactly what coach Keffrey Fazio of West Seattle wanted. At one point in the second quarter, all five Wildcats on the floor were smothering Michael Porter at the high post.

Nathan Hale received a motivating chat at halftime from coach Brandon Roy and came out on fire to start the third. Seven unanswered points gave them the first lead since early in the second quarter, 41-40. Even this quick burst did not intimidate Pryor and the Wildcats, they continued to battle and trailed by just two, 51-49 entering the fourth quarter.

After exchanging buckets for the first few minutes of the quarter, Michael Porter Jr. took the game into his hands. He followed up a missed free throw put back dunk with two mid-range jumpers and a thunderous dunk to take a 65-55 lead with under three minutes to play. West Seattle had no answer for the acrobatics of the Porters, Jontay and Michael, who scored all Nathan Hale’s points in the first 14 minutes of the second half. Nathan Hale, despite trailing at half, cruised to a 72-59 win.

The Final Score
Nathan Hale 72, West Seattle 59

Top Performers:
Nathan Hale
Michael Porter Jr.- 42 points

West Seattle
Nate Pryor- 26 points

REWIND- 2017 Metro League Semifinal Match-up
Garfield vs Bishop Blanchet- Girls

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Randall Novak

Bush Steers Blanchet to Metro Championship
By Steve Dion

Wednesday- February 8th	2017	Girls	3A	Metro Semifinals
Alaska Airlines Arena	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Garfield	17	14	11	13	55
Bishop Blanchet	18	12	19	14	63

Bishop Blanchet Senior Taylor Chambers

The second Metro girls semifinal game at Alaska Airlines Arena featured the undefeated top-ranked Bishop Blanchet Braves and a surging Garfield squad.

It was a neck-and-neck ballgame throughout the first half with both teams’ primary playmakers finding the cup. Blanchet’s rock down low Jadyn Bush recorded 15 of her game-high 29 in the first two quarters. On the other side, Lady Bulldogs guard Juanita Agosto thrived on transition opportunities as she is accustomed to. Leading by a point at the break, could Garfield hand the Braves their first loss of the season?

Bush picked up where she started by cobbling together a tremendous third quarter that propelled them into the late stages of the game. However, Garfield wasn’t finished. Sam Tolliver knocked down some big three pointers to trim the lead, but the clock quickly became the enemy and Blanchet’s lead held to send them to yet another Metro League Championship game on Friday night against West Seattle.

The Final Score
Bishop Blanchet 63, Garfield 55

Top Performers:
Bishop Blanchet
Jadyn Bush- 29 points

Garfield
Juanita Agosto- 14 points

REWIND- 2017 Metro League Semifinal Match-up
Garfield vs Rainier Beach

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Randall Novak

Garfield Conquers Rainier Beach, Plays Nathan Hale in Metro Final
By Colin Caruso

Wednesday- February 8th	2017	Boys	3A	Metro Semifinals
Alaska Airlines Arena	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Rainier Beach	24	18	14	14	70
Garfield	25	16	15	20	76

Garfield Senior Jaylen Nowell

In the fourth and final game at historic Hec Edmundson Pavilion and Alaska Airlines Arena, the defending state champion Rainier Beach Vikings took on the Garfield Bulldogs for a trip to the Metro finals to face Nathan Hale. These two programs have produced the last seven state champions for Washington State boys 3A basketball.

Defense was relatively non-existent in the beginning of the game, with 12 total points scored in the first minute of play. The strenuous pace and back and forth transition play continued throughout the first, with Garfield taking a 25-24 lead into the second quarter.

The transition heavy first quarter changed to a half court set heavy second quarter. Both coaching staffs knew their teams could not keep the frantic pace for the 32 minutes of play. Rainier Beach took a slim 42-41 lead into the break.

Beach extended their lead to as many as 8 points in the middle of the third, but the Bulldogs would not go away. In the waning moments of the third, Garfield converted on a layup, and an immediate steal by Jaylen Noel led to a three point play for the Bulldogs, who trailed by just two. Kevin Porter traveled on the next Rainier Beach possession and a layup at the buzzer from Daejon Davis of Garfield tied the game at 56 going into the final frame.

Two early mid-range jumpers from J’Raan Brooks put Garfield in front by four early in the fourth, but a Khalil Shabazz Beach three pointer and layup brought Beach back in front. Noel followed with back-to-back layups for the Bulldogs, pushing the lead to three for Garfield. Two free throws from the Vikings cut the lead to just one with under two minutes to play. After Davis went one for two from the line, the Vikings turned the ball over late in the shot clock, handing the ball back to the Bulldogs with one minute remaining.

Eddie Turner of the Bulldogs converted on a runner after a Garfield timeout, and a turnover by Rainier Beach led to another Garfield possession. After drawing a foul, Davis missed the front end of a one and one, the rebound to Kevin Porter for Beach who was fouled in transition. He made both free throws to cut the Bulldog lead to two with 30 seconds on the clock.

Rainier Beach was forced to foul, and Eddie Turner made both free throws to put the Bulldogs up four with 17 seconds remaining. A missed three from Porter and a rebound to the Bulldogs sealed the deal for Garfield, who won 76-70 and will take on #1 in the country Nathan Hale on Friday.

The Final Score
Garfield 76, Rainier Beach 70

Top Performers:
Garfield
Jaylen Nowell- 28 points

Rainier Beach
Kevin Porter Jr.- 23 points

REWIND- 2017 Metro League Semifinal Match-up
West Seattle vs Rainier Beach- Girls

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Randall Novak

West Seattle Outlasts Beach, Metro Title Game Bound
By Steve Dion

Wednesday- February 8th	2017	Girls	3A	Metro Semifinals
Alaska Airlines Arena	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
West Seattle	11	12	21	7	51
Rainier Beach	8	16	13	8	45

West Seattle Wildcats

The Metro League semifinals at Alaska Airlines Arena tipped off with the girls #2 vs. #3 seed game between Rainier Beach & West Seattle.

For playing less than 24 hours prior, the young West Seattle squad was ready to compete taking an early lead with Jasmine Gayles & Jenna McPhee leading the charge. Beach countered with a flurry of buckets in the post by talented freshman Dalayah Daniels. The second seeded Lady Viks were able to take a one-point lead to the locker room 24-23.

The Wildcats emerged from the locker room ready to take control of the game with Meghan Fiso scoring six of the Wildcats 21 in the quarter. Grace Sarver continued to tack on to extend the lead as the defense started to clamp down in unison. A late surge by the Vikings wasn’t enough to climb back into the game as West Seattle advances to the championship game.

The Final Score
West Seattle 51, Rainier Beach 45

Top Performers:
West Seattle
Jasmine Gayles- 16 points

Rainier Beach
Karizma Loeffler- 13 points

Metro League Semifinals move to Alaska Airlines Arena at UW

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Randall Novak

2017 Metro League Tournament just got Bigger!

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Metro League announced their plans to move their semifinal basketball match-ups to Alaska Airlines Arena on Wednesday, February 8th. The Boys and Girls final four teams will go head-to-head as part of the Metro League Tournament.

Former Garfield Bulldog and current Nathan Hale coach, Brandon Roy, was interviewed by KJR personalities Mitch Levy and Dick Fain about the Raiders upcoming game against his Alma Mater Garfield this Friday Night at Garfield High School.

This battle of #1 Nathan Hale vs. #2 Garfield has received unprecedented coverage and includes live broadcasts on both ESPNU-TV and Sports Radio 950 KJR-AM. This is the first game televised Live from Garfield High School since Roy was a senior for Garfield back in 2002.

Mitch and Dick of Sports Radio KJR then broke the news that the Metro League Playoffs will move its semifinal games to Alaska Airlines Arena on Wednesday, February 8th. This will allow all fans an opportunity to see in person what experts are saying is the toughest league in Washington state history, if not the toughest league in the country.

“Metro Athletics represents quality student athletes from public and private schools in all sports,” stated Eric McCurdy, Executive Director of Athletics of Seattle Schools. “We are proud to have Varsity Hoops Live and theFinalScore.TV produce this event as they continue to positively impact high school students through events and programs on and off the court.”

Game and Broadcast Schedule

2017 Metro League Tournament Semifinals schedule of events:

• Winner #6 Metro vs #3 Metro Play-in vs. Metro #2 seed – Girls 3:30pm*
• Winner #5 Seattle Prep vs #4 West Seattle Play-in vs. Nathan Hale – Boys 5:30pm*
• Winner #5 Metro vs #4 Metro Play-in vs. Bishop Blanchet – Girls 7:00pm*
• Winner #6 Metro vs #3 Rainier Beach Play-in vs. Garfield – Boys 8:30pm**

* Varsity Hoops Live Broadcast on www.theFinalScore.TV
** Varsity Hoops Live Broadcast on Sports Radio 950 KJR-AM

The event has several media partners including Sports Radio 950 KJR-AM, POWER 93.3-FM and www.theFinalScore.TV.

All games will be carried via a live audio broadcast over the internet or on radio.

“Our hope is to celebrate great teams in a great venue. We look to showcase amazing high school students on and off the court throughout the day! We are excited to produce the event while broadcasting the games live over the web,” stated Randy Novak, President of ZUMA Media.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available for general admission seating and good for all four games. Tickets will be available the day of the event ONLY beginning at 3:00pm at the HUSKY STADIUM Box Office located on the westside of the Stadium.

Once fans enter Alaska Airlines Arena for the event, they can stay for all four games. However, they will not be able to re-enter the event if they leave. Ticket prices are as folllows:

Adults/students without ASB: $10
Students with ASB: $ 7
Kids K-8: $ 5
Seniors 62yrs +: $ 5

VIDEO -Varsity Hoops Live
Metro League Clash
Rainier Beach vs. West Seattle

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Randall Novak

2016 Varsity Hoops Live – Metro League Clash
Saturday, December 18, 2016

Video – 2016 copyright ZUMA Media

Garfield’s Nowell Leads Charge Past Prep

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Steven Dion

Garfield’s Nowell Leads Charge Past Prep
By Steve Dion

Tuesday- December 13th	2016	Boys	3A	Metro
Garfield High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Seattle Preparatory	13	13	22	15	60
Garfield	19	26	29	16	90

Garfield Sophomore Jamon Kemp

In the final week before holiday break, the Garfield Bulldogs and Seattle Prep Panthers squared off for a Capitol Hill showdown. The guard-strong Bulldogs and post-laden Panthers showcased their strengths early as Jaylen Nowell scored 15 of his game-high 25 in the first half while Nic Lynch anchored Prep with 11 in the first two quarters.

The double digit lead accrued in the first half by Garfield continued to grow in the third quarter highighted by a flurry of steals leading to dunks including an alley-oop slam by J’Raan Brooks who scored 19 for the Bulldogs. Kalu Stricklin continued to battle for Seattle Prep even with the game out of hand recording 15 tough points in the second half.

When the clock hit triple zeros, Garfield picked up their fourth win to continue a perfect start to the season handing Seattle Prep their first loss of the season.

The Final Score
Garfield 90, Seattle Prep 63.

Top Performers:
Garfield
Jaylen Nowell- 25 points

Seattle Preparatory
Kalu Stricklin & Nic Lynch-19 points

3A State Rankings
Football Week #3

Posted on September 24, 2016 by Randall Novak

WASHINGTON STATE RANKINGS WEEK #3

TFS-WA-4AFootball-Rankings

3A	LIVE 5!	Football	Week #3
#	School	League	Record
1	Eastside Catholic	Metro	3-0
2	O'Dea	Metro	3-0
3	Squalicum	Northwest	3-0
4	Ferndale	Northwest	3-0
5	Peninsula	South Sound	3-0

3A	IN THE HUNT	Football	Week #3
#	School	League	Record
6	Oak Harbor	WesCo	3-0
7	Bellevue	KingCo	0-1
8	Lynnwood	WesCo	3-0
9	Garfield	Metro	3-0
10	Interlake	KingCo	3-0

3A	ON THE BUBBLE	Football	Week #3
#	School	League	Record
-	Bonney Lake	Pierce Country	2-1
-	Lincoln	Pierce County	2-1
-	Kamiakin	Mid-Columbia	2-1
-	Timberline	South Sound	2-1
-	Mount Tahoma	Pierce County	2-1

3A State Rankings
Football Week #2

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Randall Novak

WASHINGTON STATE RANKINGS WEEK #2

TFS-WA-4AFootball-Rankings

3A	LIVE 5!	Football	Week #2
#	School	League	Record
1	Eastside Catholic	Metro	2-0
2	Kamiakin	Mid-Columbia	2-0
3	O'Dea	Metro	2-0
4	Squalicum	Northwest	2-0
5	Ferndale	Northwest	2-0

3A	IN THE HUNT	Football	Week #2
#	School	League	Record
6	Lynnwood	WesCo	2-0
7	Peninsula	South Sound	2-0
8	Oak Harbor	WesCo	2-0
9	Kelso	Greater St. Helens	2-0
10	Mount Tahoma	Pierce County	2-0

3A	ON THE BUBBLE	Football	Week #2
#	School	League	Record
-	Interlake	KingCo	2-0
-	Yelm	South Sound	2-0
-	Mountain View	Greater St. Helens	1-1
-	Gig Harbor	South Sound	1-1
-	Bellevue	KingCo	0-0

3A State Rankings
Football Week #1

Posted on September 11, 2016 by Randall Novak

WASHINGTON STATE RANKINGS WEEK #1

TFS-WA-4AFootball-Rankings

3A	LIVE 5!	Football	Week #1
#	School	League	Record
1	Eastside Catholic	Metro	1-0
2	Bellevue	KingCo	0-0
3	Squalicum	Northwest	1-0
4	Kamiakin	Mid-Columbia	1-0
5	O'Dea	Metro	1-0

3A	IN THE HUNT	Football	Week #1
#	School	League	Record
6	Mountain View	Greater St. Helens	1-0
7	Lakes	Pierce County	0-1
8	Peninsula	South Sound	1-0
9	Ferndale	Northwest	1-0
10	Gig Harbor	South Sound	0-1

3A	ON THE BUBBLE	Football	Week #1
#	School	League	Record
-	Bonney Lake	Pierce County	0-1
-	Kennewick	Mid-Cloumbia	0-1
-	Lincoln	Pierce County	0-1
-	Southridge	Mid-Columbia	1-0
-	Juanita	KingCo	0-1

3A State Rankings
Basketball

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Randall Novak

WASHINGTON STATE RANKINGS – January 17, 2017

3A	LIVE 5!
#	School
1	Nathan Hale
2	Garfield
3	Rainier Beach
4	Lincoln
5	West Seattle

3A	IN THE HUNT
#	School
6	Seattle Preparatory
7	Shorecrest
8	Stanwood
9	Cleveland
10	Shadle Park

3A	LIVE 5!
#	School
1	Blanchet
2	Kamiakin
3	Lincoln
4	Seattle Preparatory
5	Garfield

3A	IN THE HUNT
#	School
6	Stanwood
7	Bellevue
8	Snohomish
9	Shorewood
10	Gig Harbor

Player Stats- 3/4/16
Rainier Beach vs. Garfield

Posted on March 5, 2016 by Randall Novak

Varsity Hoops Live Every Friday Night
on Sports Radio 950 KJR-AM

3A	Rainier Beach Vikings
#	Player	FG	3FG	FT	REB	A	F	PTS
0	Khalil Shabazz	1-5	0-1	3-4	7	4	3	5
3	Sam Cunliffe	9-15	1-3	1-4	4	0	3	20
4	Tijon Rodde	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	2	0
5	Kevin Porter	0-5	0-2	2-4	3	2	4	2
10	Freddie Roberson	0-1	0-1	0-0	0	0	0	0
11	Keith Smith	5-10	0-1	3-5	8	1	3	13
15	Nkeil Nelson	8-12	2-3	0-0	2	1	5	18
24	Marquis Gurski	1-5	0-0	6-8	12	3	2	8

3A	Garfield Bulldogs
#	Player	FG	3FG	FT	REB	A	F	PTS
0	Philip Fuller Jr.	1-3	0-2	3-4	1	0	2	5
1	Jashaun Agosto	1-5	1-4	2-2	2	0	3	5
2	Daejon Davis	2-9	1-3	0-0	4	4	3	5
3	Terrell Brown	6-13	0-1	1-2	2	1	2	13
5	Jaylen Nowell	4-16	1-4	4-4	3	1	4	13
10	Alphonso Anderson	0-4	0-0	8-8	10	0	4	8
13	Curtis Walker	1-2	0-1	3-4	3	1	0	5
33	J'raan Brooks	3-4	0-0	1-1	5	0	2	7

Friday- March 4th	2016	Boys	3A	Semi-Finals
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Rainier Beach	9	20	18	19	66
Garfield	20	20	6	15	61

Catch Championship Saturday Live on Sports Radio 950 KJR-AM beginning at 3PM

Garfield Ends Rainier Beach’s Reign

Posted on March 10, 2015 by colincarusoZUMA

Garfield Ends Rainier Beach’s Reign
By Colin Caruso

Saturday March 7	2015	Boys	3A	State Final
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Garfield	11	15	18	22	66
Rainier Beach	12	14	15	10	51

Garfield Bulldogs

In a rematch of the Metro championship game, and a matchup of the two best teams in the state of Washington, the stage was set in Tacoma to watch the athleticism unfold between Rainier Beach and Garfield. Both inter-city Seattle schools, both defending state champions (Garfield won 4A last year) with the coveted 3A crown to take home.

The game began with a frantic pace, as it always does with these two teams. Beach got off to a quick lead behind eight first quarter points from star De’Jounte Murray. But the Bulldogs responded on the back of Jaylen Nowell, a sophomore star who responded with seven in the first.

Neither team slowed down in the second quarter; the pace remained at the highest level of the tournament. Even with the extremely fast pace both teams took care of the ball quite well, not allowing the opposition to get easy buckets in transition. Both defenses held firm, and the halftime score was tied at 26.

The Tacoma Dome was electric to start the second half. Neither team was able to pull away in the third quarter, but Garfield appeared to have more control going into the fourth.

After a back and forth third, Garfield held a 44-41 lead entering the final frame.
Shadeed Shabazz started the quarter hot for the Vikings, converting on two straight layups in under 30 seconds to take a one point lead. The teams exchanged baskets, and Garfield continued to attack the basket, getting into the bonus, and knocking down their free throws. With three minutes to play, the Bulldogs held a five point lead.

De’Jounte Murray responded with a beautiful reverse layup, but the Bulldogs answered with a put back layup by Jaylen Nowell. After a Rainier Beach miss, Austin Anderson for the Bulldogs knocked down two more from the line to take a seven point lead, the largest of the game for either team. From there, the Bulldog floodgates opened, ending the game on a 17-2 run.

Congratulations to Garfield, the back to back state champions! This Garfield win ended a Rainier Beach run of three consecutive 3A boys state titles.

Top Performers:
Garfield
Jaylen Nowell – 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals
Alphonso Anderson – 17 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks

Rainier Beach
Shadeed Shabazz – 22 points
De’Jounte Murray – 15 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks

Beach Cruises to Another State Final

Posted on March 7, 2015 by colincarusoZUMA

Beach Cruises to Another State Final
By Colin Caruso

Friday February 7th	2015	Boys	3A	State
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Rainier Beach	22	4	13	22	61
Eastside Catholic	10	7	10	6	33

Rainier Beach Senior Dejounte Murray

The big question most coaches ask when facing the back, to back, to back, state champs, “What can we do to stop them?” Coach Bill Liley and his Eastside Catholic Crusaders were faced with that question on Friday night in the Tacoma Dome.

The Crusaders fell to the mighty Rainier Beach Vikings twice during the regular season, both times by double digits. The goal of this contest was to keep Rainier Beach out of transition, force a half-court game, and knock down shots.

Unfortunately for the Crusaders, they were unable to keep Beach out of transition, and struggled from the perimeter. Rainier Beach took a 22-10 lead into the second, backed by an emphatic De’Jounte Murray alley-oop slam.

Rainier Beach failed to score for the first six minutes of the second quarter. This obviously played into the Crusaders hands, who started the quarter on a 7-0 run. In a low scoring second, Beach took a 26-17 lead into the break.

With the first six points in the third quarter, the Crusaders turned this into anybody’s game. Down just three, Eastside had the momentum and the Vikings struggles from the floor did not subside. But the shooting woes that plagued the Vikings transferred to the Crusaders, and they finished the third quarter with just 27 points.

Beach rolled in the fourth. Ivy Smith and Shadeed Shabazz began to knock down jumpers for the Vikings, as they extended their lead to as many as 28. Rainier Beach won the game 61-33, finishing the game on a 16-2 run. They will face off against the Bulldogs of Garfield for the 3A state title.

Top Performer:
Rainier Beach
De’Jounte Murray – 16 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals

Garfield’s Big First Half Leads to Win Over Seattle Prep

Posted on March 7, 2015 by colincarusoZUMA

Garfield’s Big First Half Leads to Win Over Seattle Prep
By Colin Caruso

Friday February 7th	2015	Boys	3A	State
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Seattle Prep	17	13	17	13	60
Garfield	25	21	7	11	64

Garfield Bulldogs

Coaches will always tell you it is difficult to beat a team three times. The fate of the Bulldogs lay in those circumstances Friday night, as the final four teams in 3A boys all came from the same league, the Seattle Metro league.

This matchup is distinctly size versus speed. The Panthers start three players over 6 foot 7 and the Bulldogs don’t have a single player above 6 foot 6. But speed has prevailed in their previous matchups, with the Bulldogs controlling the pace and the game.

The speedy Bulldogs set the pace early, amassing 19 points to the Panthers nine in under five minutes of play. But back to back threes by the Panthers put them right back in the game. Garfield held an eight point lead going into the second.

The eight point lead ballooned to 20 quickly, with seemingly every player on Garfield getting in on the action. Coach Haskins uncharacteristically used ten players in the first half. His team is typically 5-6 deep, but he opened up his bench and let them roll over the Panthers in the first half. They led by as many as 24 in the second, but the Panthers cut it to 46-30 at the half.

Garfield’s heat in the first half turned to ice in the third. They scored just four points in the first six minutes of the quarter, allowing the Panthers to cut the lead to eight. The bleeding continued to for the Bulldogs, as there seemed to be a seal over their basket. The Panthers trailed by just six entering the fourth.

Prep kept their momentum early in the fourth. A Colin Welp three for the Panthers cut the Garfield lead to just three, 56-53 with 5:30 to play. The three point lead was maintained for the next three minutes as neither team was able to convert on the offensive end. Jaylen Nowell broke the cold streak with a pair of free-throws to push Garfield up 60-55 with 1:30 on the clock. Aaron Nettles responded for the Panthers with a mid-range jumper, cutting the lead back down to three with under one minute to play.

Nowell answered again for the Bulldogs, converting on a spin move floater off the glass to extend the lead back to five with 32 seconds on the clock. The ensuing possession resulted in another Welp three pointer, electrifying the Panther crowd, now just down 2 with 10 seconds to go. The Panthers, forced to foul, fouled Terrell Brown, who hit both free throws, icing the game with a four point lead. A Jack Stewart three for the Panthers missed just long, and the Bulldogs took the contest 64-60.

Top Performers:
Seattle Prep
Jack Stewart and J’Raan Brooks – 16 points each

Garfield
Jaylen Nowell – 21 points
Alphonso Anderson – 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals

The #1 Bulldogs Handle Seattle Prep, Advance to Metro Final

Posted on February 12, 2015 by colincarusoZUMA

The #1 Bulldogs Handle Seattle Prep, Advance to Metro Final
By Colin Caruso

Wednesday February 11	2015	Boys	3A	Metro
Ingraham High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Seattle Prep	14	11	15	9	49
Garfield	20	14	16	14	64

Seattle Prep knew they were in for a tough matchup when facing the #1 3A ranked team in the state, the 4A defending champion Garfield Bulldogs. Garfield came out swinging early in the first frame of this contest, putting up a cool 20 on the Panthers, who had no match for the speed and quickness of the Bulldogs. But Prep would not go down without a fight, scoring 14 points on the back of Collin Welp’s 7 to trail by just six going into the second.

The first five minutes of the second quarter all belonged to Seattle Prep. The Panthers zone defense was stifling to the quicker but smaller Bulldogs. Prep cut the Bulldog lead to just one, 26-25 with three minutes to play in the half. But the Bulldogs responded, as they normally do, with a commanding 8-0 run to end the first half with a nine point lead.

Garfield extended their lead again in the third quarter, with sophomores Jashaun Agosto and Jaylen Nowell leading the charge. Prep continued to hang around, but the Bulldogs were in control.

The fourth quarter came down to the final three minutes, with the Bulldogs clinging to a six point lead. Prep could really never get over that barrier, as Agosto forced two late turnovers that sealed the contest for the Bulldogs, 64-49. What a great game!

Top Performers:
Seattle Prep
J’Raan Brooks – 12 points
Jack Stewart and Collin Welp – 11 points

Garfield
Jaylen Nowell – 22 points
Jashaun Agosto – 21 points
Alphonso Anderson – 16 points

Rainier Beach Advances to Metro Final

Posted on February 12, 2015 by colincarusoZUMA

Rainier Beach Advances to Metro Final
By Colin Caruso

Wednesday February 11	2015	Boys	3A	Metro
Ingraham High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	16	17	14	13	60
Rainier Beach	24	20	18	17	79

With a trip to the coveted Metro final at stake, the Rainier Beach Vikings and Eastside Catholic Crusaders clashed at Ingraham High School in front of a packed house. Rainier Beach was a clear favorite in this game, the three time state champs are always ready for the toughest competition in the state.

Beach demonstrated their #2 in state ranking by putting up 24 points in the first quarter. On the back of unbelievable shooting by Shadeed Shabazz and DeJounte Murray, the Crusaders had no response for the shot making and athleticism displayed by the Vikings.

The second quarter was not much better for Eastside Catholic, who struggled defensively and struggled bringing the ball up the floor. Rainier Beach’s lateral quickness is rivaled by only Garfield’s, and it is difficult for any team to bring the ball up against Ivy Smith. Beach extended their lead in the second and took an 11 point lead into halftime.

Eastside began to come back early in the third, cutting the lead to just six points midway through the frame. But the Vikings always had answers, Shabazz and Murray were seemingly un-guardable throughout the contest.

The game turned into more of a blowout later in the fourth, with the Vikings walking away with a comfortable 79-60 win.

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Mandrell Worthy – 16 points
Max Hudgins – 15 points
Andrew Padilla – 14 points

Rainier Beach
DeJounte Murray – 27 points
Shadeed Shabazz – 24 points

Rainier Beach Handles Prep on Senior Night

Posted on February 12, 2015 by colincarusoZUMA

Rainier Beach Handles Prep on Senior Night
By Colin Caruso

Friday February 6	2015	Boys	3A	Metro
Rainier Beach High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Seattle Prep	16	9	11	18	54
Rainier Beach	14	18	20	9	61

In a clash of titans in the metro league, the Seattle Prep Panthers traveled south to take on the Rainier Beach Vikings. Both teams walked into this contest with 16 wins under their belt, clearly putting themselves in the elite conversation for Metro and for state in 3A hoops.

Prep started the game on a great run, capitalizing on the size mismatches they bring to every game. It is tough for a high school team to matchup against three starters that all measure 6’8″, and that is what the state has to be prepared for against the Panthers.

Prep got off to an early lead, stemmed by a 10-0 run and Jack Stewart’s 2 three pointers. But Beach battled back to trail the first quarter by just two, closing the quarter on a 35 foot bank shot by Washington commit DeJounte Murray.

Beach began to put their foot on the gas in the second quarter. Ivy Smith and Shadeed Shabazz forced numerous turnovers in the Panther backcourt, leading to easy layups and dunks. The second and third quarter were a little messy for the Panthers, who only put up 20 points total against Beach’s 38.

But Prep would not stop battling. Beach assumed they had the game in hand with such a comfortable lead in the fourth, but the Panthers scratched and clawed to cut the lead to just 4 with under two minutes to play. The Vikings again stepped up with their tenacious defense, forced two critical turnovers, and sealed the win with a 61-54 final.

Top Performers:
Seattle Prep
J’Raan Brooks – 14 points
Jack Stewart – 14 points

Rainier Beach
DeJounte Murray – 16 points
Vincenzo Reiser – 15 points

Garfield Remains Unbeaten, Tops Lakeside

Posted on January 16, 2015 by colincarusoZUMA

Garfield Remains Unbeaten, Tops Lakeside
By Colin Caruso

Friday- January 9	2015	Boys	3A	Metro
Garfield High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Lakeside	23	12	18	14	67
Garfield	15	17	23	28	83

With Lorenzo Romar in the house, watching two of Seattle’s and Washington State’s finest, the Garfield Bulldogs overcame an early deficit but pulled away late to claim their 12th win of the year.

Lakeside started this game on fire, Isiah Brown had 8 points in the first quarter and Daejon Davis had 9, propelling the Lions to a 23-15 lead after one. In speaking with a Lakeside coach after the game, this was one of their best quarters of basketball all year long.

But the scoring slowed down in the second for the Lions, and the Bulldogs began to heat up. A 35-33 halftime lead for Lakeside meant that they needed to come out with a third quarter like their first quarter to keep the momentum.

Garfield began their 3/4 court triangle trap to begin the second half. This caused fits for the Lions, who’s turnovers led to easy leak out baskets for Jashaun Agosto and Jaylen Nowell. Garfield took their first lead with 4:09 remaining in the third, and did not look back from there.

The points came easily to the Bulldogs in the fourth quarter, 28 in total in just 8 minutes. Alphonso Anderson proved his worth scoring 6 in the last frame, as the Bulldogs rolled to remain undefeated on the year.

The Final Score: Garfield 83, Lakeside 67

Top Performers:
Lakeside
Isiah Brown and Isaiah de la Fuente – 17 points

Garfield
Alphonso Anderson – 18 points
Jashaun Agosto – 21 points

Chief Sealth Falls to Garfield, But Saves Best for Last

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Steven Dion

Chief Sealth Falls to Garfield, But Saves Best for Last
By Steven Dion

Tuesday- January 6	2015	Boys	3A	Metro League
Chief Sealth	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Garfield	30	27	24	15	96
Chief Sealth	14	20	7	14	55

Chief Sealth Senior Hafid Yassin

Ed Haskins’ Bulldogs are off to a blistering 2014-2015 campaign as the state champions of 4A last season are poised to make a run at the 3A title this year. They took a short trip southwest on Tuesday night as Chief Sealth hosted the Metro League leader. Seahawk coach Colin Slingsby certainly understood the tough task his team would face, but he nor anyone in the gym expected this contest to finish the way it did!

Garfield started its scoring onslaught early as the pressure applied on defense resulted in routine buckets on the offensive end. Jashaun Agosto displayed his dynamic skill set as the shifty point guard distributed the rock to open teammates and created open looks for himself at the cup. Alphonso Anderson also got in the mix by burying shots from downtown to help the Bulldogs notch 57 first-half points. Sealth senior Ahmed Mohamed kept his team on pace by recording 10 first half points. At the break, Garfield jumped out to a comfortable lead at 57-34.

The triple threat of Agosto, Anderson, and Jaylen Nowell kept the explosive tempo going into the second half by contributing an additional 24 points in the third quarter. The trio combined for 79 points! Garfield’s defense clamped down too by limiting CS to only 7 points in the frame. Effectively, the outcome of the contest was settled before the fourth quarter, but the highlight of the night was yet to come. With a running clock in effect and the final minute coming to a close, Chief Sealth received an inbound on the Garfield baseline. The ball was lobbed above the rim with Hafid Yassin in stride. The 6’5 senior launched his body above a Bulldog defender and threw down a dunk for the ages. He elevated his head above rim level! Moments later, Sealth buried a three-pointer to end the game in the most dramatic way a 41 point loss can happen. The atmosphere in the gym when the game ended was as if the crowd just witnessed an overtime buzzer-beater. Garfield keeps their immaculate record intact, Sealth walks away with a memory of a great moment in program history.

The Final Score: Garfield 96 Chief Sealth 55

Top Performers:
Garfield
Alphonso Anderson-30 points

Chief Sealth
Hafid Yassin-13 points

The Mighty have Fallen; Eastside Catholic Ends Bellevue’s Reign

Posted on December 6, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Dec. 5th	2014	3A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bellevue	7	6	0	0	13
Eastside Catholic	0	14	7	14	35

Game Recap below

The Mighty have Fallen; Eastside Catholic Ends Bellevue’s Reign
By Steven Dion

Since 2001, Butch Goncharoff has led Bellevue to 11 of 13 state championships including the previous six consecutive titles. Defeating the Wolverines has taken truly special teams in their era of dominance. Eastside Catholic coach Jeremy Thielbahr had his sights set on becoming the next challenger to the 3A crown and had his fair share of growing pains in the process including back-to-back defeats by Bellevue in the 2012 and 2013 championship games.

The Crusaders and Wolverines steamrolled through their seasons to find themselves playing December football once again. The first two title games these teams played were blowouts in the favor of Bellevue. Everyone at the Tacoma Dome witnessed another lopsided result, but this had a different tune.

Per usual, the Wolverines scored a touchdown on their opening drive, a 5 yard Sam Richmond touchdown run. Playing from behind is never a good way to start against a team approaching its 68th consecutive victory. The Crusaders managed to strike back with a 9 yard touchdown scamper by Brandon Wellington who would score twice more in the contest. Less than a minute later, Isaiah Gilchrist ran a reverse 56 yards to the house to regain the lead. The Wolverines botched the extra point which appeared to give EC a dose of confidence after conceding a big scoring play. The half would close with several read option runs by Crusader quarterback Harley Kirsch which moved the chains and set up a 6 yard strike to Hunter Bryant to give the underdogs a halftime lead.

Bellevue’s commitment to the run was an unsuccessful endeavor in the second half as the Eastside defensive line grew stronger and more aggressive. Justus Rogers had three pass attempts in the game, none of which were completed. Midway through the third, Kirsch found Devon Arbis-Jackson on a short pass which he carried several defenders with him to the goal line for the score. Leading 21-13, the possibility of an upset was becoming a reality. The Wolverines ineptitude on offense was alarming as they ran only 25 offensive plays to EC’s 83 and did not convert a single third or fourth down. The total yard figures were 158 to 414 in favor of the Crusaders.

Early in the fourth quarter Brandon Wellington put Eastside up by two scores on a 1 yard dive play. On the ensuing kickoff, EC recovered the football. Eleven plays later, Wellington was in the end zone again to ice the game. There was 4:18 left on the clock at this point, but leading 35-13, Eastside’s sideline was starting to realize what they had accomplished. Bellevue’s offense was stalled one final time and ECHS was able to run down the clock at their discretion.

When the scoreboard read 0:00, waves of joy, shock, and disappointment were felt throughout the Tacoma Dome as Eastside Catholic defeated Bellevue in convincing fashion. Coach Goncharoff said the better team won the game and he was concerned going into the game about being undersized at the line. Winning coach Jeremy Thielbahr said they had to create an entirely new offensive scheme which Bellevue hadn’t seen them do before. The 3A crown is taking a short trip east to the Issaquah plateau for a year, and maybe more.

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Harley Kirsch-20/22, 188 passing yards and 2TD, 94 rushing yards
Brandon Wellington-33 rushes, 110 yards, 3 touchdowns

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)

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

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

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