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)

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

Seattle Prep Clinches Late Win Against Rival O’Dea

Posted on January 6, 2014 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Jan 3rd	2014	3A	Boys	Basketball
Seattle Prep High	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
O'Dea	11	11	13	10	45
Seattle Prep	8	11	14	16	49

See game recap below

Seattle Prep Clinches Late Win Against Rival O’Dea
By Colin Caruso

Seattle Prep held two leads in this game, 15-14 in the middle of the second quarter and when it mattered the most, when the clock struck 0:00. O’Dea led at every other moment of the game, but couldn’t close it out in their rival’s gym. The Irish controlled the pace of play from the beginning of the contest. They were more physical, gathered more rebounds, and scored with ease in the interior. The Irish led 11-8 after the first quarter, and 22-19 at the half.

O’Dea senior big Jacob Lampkin carried the Irish in the first half with 11 of his 13 coming prior to third quarter. But only two points after the break, and a Panther defense focused on keeping him out of the game really turned the tide for Prep. The Panthers were having a tough time knocking down the three ball in the first three quarters, but senior guard Marc Caindec and freshman guard Aaron Nettles were not deterred, they kept firing. The most critical was Nettles’ three to put the Panthers up two, 47-45 with just under a minute to play. The Panthers then forced an Irish turnover, and junior Jack Stewart knocked down two free-throws to close out the contest 49-45.

Top Performer:
Seattle Prep
Jordan Kitchen – 16 points

Orme’s Last-Second Bucket Propels O’Dea Over Eastside Catholic

Posted on December 14, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Tuesday	Dec 13th	2013	3A	Boys	Basketball
O'Dea High School	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	16	13	14	20	63
O'Dea	16	14	14	20	64

See game recap below

Orme’s Last-Second Bucket Propels O’Dea Over Eastside Catholic
By Steven Dion

In the sink or swim Metro League, games in December are crucial to keeping up with the pack. This mid-December affair with the host Fighting Irish of O’Dea and Eastside Catholic Crusaders felt like a late-February matchup. There were lead changes from the tip off to the final seconds of the contest. There was a sense of heated familiarity between the student sections as the Crusaders knocked off O’Dea in the football semifinals two weeks ago.

The first quarter set the tone for the game as buckets were traded and momentum swings were brief. Crusader junior guard Mandrell Worthy scored 7 of his game-high 23 points in the first frame. He shot an impressive 10 of 11 from the charity stripe. O’Dea found some rhythm in transition late in the second quarter, finishing at the rim and earning trips to the line. The home team took a one-point lead into the locker room, 30-29.

The intensity rose in the third quarter as slashers like O’Dea’s Jamie Orme and EC’s Matisse Thybulle fired up their squad with dunks. The Irish’s aggression on the offensive boards led to second-shots and free-throws. As the fourth quarter progressed, it became evident that the team with the final possession would win the contest. Eastside Catholic Crusader senior Zach Wallin buried a three with 18 seconds remaining to take a 63-62 lead. On the ensuing possession, Tyler Kidd worked his way into the paint for a four-footer; it clanged off the back iron, but Orme was there for the put-back to give O’Dea the lead. A desperation shot at the buzzer by EC hit the rim, but didn’t fall through. O’Dea escaped with the 64-63 win.

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Mandrell Worthy – 23 points (10/11 FTs)

O’Dea
Tyler Kidd – 20 points

Eastside Catholic Advances to 3A State Final for Second Year in a Row

Posted on November 30, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

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Friday	Nov 29th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Tacoma Dome	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Eastside Catholic	7	14	7	0	28
O'Dea	0	7	0	7	14

See game recap below

Eastside Catholic Advances to 3A State Final for Second Year in a Row
By Colin Caruso

In their second matchup of the season, the Eastside Catholic Crusaders were looking to avenge their only conference loss of the season in this state semifinal matchup against the powerhouse O’Dea Fighting Irish. After a spectacular interception by Eastside linebacker/running back Brandon Wellington, the Crusaders struck first with a 3 yard pass from Harley Kirsch to Matt Laris to take a 7-0 lead. O’Dea answered with a 61 yard run from star running back Myles Gaskin to tie the contest at seven.

After an injury to workhorse running back Brandon Wellington early in the second quarter, Eastside turned to their aerial attack and connected on a 64 yard pass from Kirsch to Colin Macilvennie to take a 14-7 lead. O’Dea put together a great drive after the Eastside score, but quarterback Pierre LeDorze was intercepted in the end zone by Wellington, his second on the day, who came back from injury to help the Crusader defense. That interception led to an 80 yard drive from the Crusaders, capped off by another Kirsch touchdown pass to Colin Boit with just 21 seconds left in the half. Eastside Catholic took a commanding 21-7 lead into halftime.

O’Dea received in the second half but was forced to punt after a good defensive stand from Eastside Catholic. The Crusaders then put together another long drive, this time 90 yards, capped off by a 22 yard run from Wellington to place a commanding 28-7 lead on the Irish. After the teams exchanged punts, O’Dea started to drive down the field but was halted after a fumble on the exchange between LeDorze and his fullback Jack Flor. Eastside recovered but was forced to punt back to the Irish just before the end of the third quarter.

O’Dea capitalized quickly in the fourth with a much needed score, a beautiful LeDorze pass for 41 yards to Bobiono Sims to make it a two score game, 28-14. But the Irish couldn’t put together another solid drive; the Crusader defense was stifling, filling gaps and relentlessly pursuing the football. Eastside Catholic closed the game with a 28-14 victory and will play next weekend in the Tacoma Dome for the 3A state championship.

Top Performers:
Eastside Catholic
Harley Kirsch – 19/31 for 294 yards and 3TD
Brandon Wellington – 14 carries for 66 yards, 1TD, 2 defensive interceptions

O’Dea
Myles Gaskin – 20 for 134 yards TD

O’Dea Runs Wild over the Cats

Posted on November 17, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Nov 15th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Mount Si	0	0	0	7	7
O'Dea	7	21	21	0	49

See game recap below

O’Dea Runs Wild over the Cats
By Steven Dion

A drizzly Leon H. Brigham Field at Memorial Stadium in Seattle served as the site for a second round playoff contest between Mount Si and the Fighting Irish. O’Dea head coach Monte Kohler has implemented a run-heavy offense led by an elite backfield of Myles Gaskin and Jack Flor. Mount Si reached the sweet sixteen largely on the arm of Oregon State commit Nick Mitchell. Second ranked O’Dea would demonstrate a great divide against the rest of 3A and the 4th ranked Wildcats.

The first quarter got off to a slow start as drop passes and turnovers plagued both sides early. The battle of field position was altered greatly by strong winds affecting punts positively and negatively. Before the first frame concluded, Myles Gaskin broke off a 76 yard run for six. This first score opened the valve for a surge of more Gaskin touchdowns. By halftime, he logged three more from 6, 12, and 52 yards out. At break, the Fighting Irish led 28-0.

The third quarter picked up where the game left off as Myles Gaskin dazzled the O’Dea sidelines with his fifth and final TD, from 42 yards. Mount Si struggled to wrap up the strong ball carriers from O’Dea as quarterback Pierre LeDorze broke tackles as frequently as MG. Mount Si refused to go scoreless on the contest as senior quarterback/receiver circuit Nick Mitchell and Trevor Daniels connected for a three yard TD completion. At the end of regulation, O’Dea cruised to a 49-7 victory. This result coincided with a 48-6 victory for 1st ranked Bellevue over Glacier Peak. Depending on bracket structure, it seems O’Dea and the Wolverines are poised to meet up down the playoff road.

Top Performer:

O’Dea
Myles Gaskin – 5 rushing TDs of 76, 52, 42, 12, and 6 yards

O’Dea Makes Quick Work of Kelso

Posted on November 11, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Saturday	Nov 9th	2013	3A	Boys	Football
Memorial Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Kelso	0	0	7	0	7
O'Dea	21	21	0	7	49

See game recap below

O’Dea Makes Quick Work of Kelso
By Colin Caruso

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Seattle Center’s Memorial Stadium, the Hilanders of Kelso took the trip to the big city to face off against Metro’s finest, the O’Dea Fighting Irish. Both teams brought a good fan base, even the Hilander fans making the 125 mile trip.

O’Dea began the scoring onslaught early in the contest. Quarterback Pierre LeDorze threw two touchdowns in the first quarter and added a rushing touchdown in the second. O’Dea running back Myles Gaskin added two rushing touchdowns of his own in the first half, and the Irish took a commanding 42-0 lead into halftime.

The 40 point rule was in effect throughout the second half, shortening up the game as it was fully in O’Dea’s control. Kelso was able to jump on the board late in the third quarter with a touchdown run by Lloyd Melone, which turned out to be their only score of the game. O’Dea added another touchdown in the fourth, and advances to the 3A round of 16 with a 49-7 win.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hilander Tanner Hendrickson and his family. Tanner sustained a head/neck injury in the first quarter and was taken off the field in an ambulance.

Top Performers:

O’Dea
Pierre LeDorze – 2 passing TDs of 18 and 28 yards, rushing TD of 29 yards
Myles Gaskin – 2 rushing TDs of 20 yards and 75 yards

O’Dea Shuts Out Undefeated Bishop Blanchet

Posted on October 12, 2013 by colincarusoZUMA

Friday	Oct. 11	2013	3A	Boys	Football
West Seattle Stadium	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Bishop Blanchet	0	0	0	0	0
O'Dea	6	15	7	7	35

See game recap below

O’Dea Shuts Out Undefeated Bishop Blanchet
By Colin Caruso

In the twentieth anniversary of Blanchet’s last win over the O’Dea Fighting Irish, the Braves fans and sideline were expecting something special. This was a very dominate Blanchet team, coming in to this Catholic matchup at 5-0, looking for an upset. But the Irish had other plans.

O’Dea took down the Bishop Blanchet Braves by a final of 35-0. Granted, the score wasn’t as indicative of the game play, as Blanchet had two drives inside the O’Dea ten yard line, and a total of six drives finishing in O’Dea territory. The Braves’ big crutch was penalties and four costly turnovers which all eventually turned into O’Dea scores.

O’Dea stuck with their typical ground and pound offense, with Myles Gaskin getting the bulk of the carries for the Irish. He scored their second touchdown of the game, and quarterback Pierre LeDorze capitalized on three short runs, all resulting in touchdowns. Blanchet will have to wait one more year to see if they can top the Irish. With their outrageously strong sophomore class, there is a chance that this now 20 year losing streak could come to an end soon.

Top Performers:
Bishop Blanchet
Oshea Trujillo – 15 carries for 68 yards
Alex Freeman – 16/28 for 164 yards, 3INT

O’Dea
Myles Gaskin – 14 carries for 159 yards, TD
Pierre LeDorze – 3 rushing TD, 1 passing TD
Davarea Proctor – 2INT
Justus Ross – Sack, Forced Fumble, INT

Mercer Island squeaks by O’Dea, advances to state

Posted on February 13, 2013 by rnovak@zumamedia.com

Mercer Island squeaks by O’Dea, advances to state
By Colin Caruso

Tuesday- Feb. 12	-2013-	3A	SeaKing	District
Bellevue College	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Mercer Island	10	8	19	7	44
O'Dea	11	13	12	6	42

In an almost packed house at Bellevue College, the #1 seed from KingCo took on the #5 seed from Metro for a guaranteed trip to state. Both teams came out fundamentally sound, minimizing turnovers, playing good lock down defense, and converting on open looks. Four players scored for each team, and the O’Dea Fighting Irish took an 11-10 lead into the second.

O’Dea started the second on a 11-1 run in the first 2:25 minutes of the quarter, forcing the Mercer Island Islanders to switch from man to man defense to a 2-3 zone. Mercer Island answered by forcing four turnovers in the quarter and converting on additional scoring chances from the offensive glass. O’Dea went into halftime with a 24-18 lead.

Mercer Island began to heat up in the second half, hitting three three-pointers in the third quarter, two by senior Nick Nordale. O’Dea answered on the interior, with driving layups by Tyler Kidd and Jacob Lampkin. However, Mercer Island was too much for the Irish offensively in the third, outscoring them 19-12 in the quarter and taking a 37-36 lead into the fourth as Nordale hit a deep two from the corner as time expired.

O’Dea came out strong early in the fourth quarter, taking a 42-40 lead with 3:06 to play. Unfortunately, O’Dea would not score again in the contest. Turnovers plagued the Irish down the stretch, coughing up the ball seven times in the final period.

Caleb Warner made the last two buckets for the Islanders in the final 2:20 of the contest to take the lead 44-42. Neither team scored again after Warner’s baskets and the Islanders squeaked by Metro’s five seed, 44-42.

Mercer Island has now stamped their ticket to state and will play Lakeside at Bellevue College Thursday Afternoon at 3:00 pm. O’Dea will face off against Seattle Prep in a loser out game on Friday at 3:00 pm.

Leading Scorers:
Mercer Island
Kaleb Warner (12)
Nick Nordale (11 & 4 steals)
Joe Rasmussen (11 & 6 rebounds)

O’Dea
Tyler Kidd (13)
Jacob Lampkin (10)