Game Recap
West Central District- Timberline vs. Olympia 2-17-16
Timberline Blazers
In a winner-to-state match-up in the 4A West Central District 3 bracket, Narrows League opponents Timberline and Olympia squared off for the third time this season. The Bears captured the first two, would Timberline prevail in the all-important round three? Listen as Nic Beckman provides a game recap including post-game comments from Timberline senior Jarryn Bush and Olympia head coach John Kiley!
To listen to the game recap,simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Steve Dion had a chance to catch up with head coach of the Olympia Bears John Kiley following a first round win in the 4A West Central District Tournament. He talks about the pivotal third quarter which helped Oly secure a 70-50 victory.
Coach Kiley also previews Friday’s match-up against Kentwood which with a win secures a berth to regionals. Finally, he discusses the energy and excitement around campus his team has created in a season which turned a non-playoff team last year to one of the top teams in 4A!
To catch the complete interview with Coach Kiley,simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Saturday night presented an exciting non-league game between Narrows and SPSL representatives in Olympia and Tahoma. Listen as Nic Beckman provides an audio recap of an exciting matchup including post-game comments by head coach of the Olympia Bears John Kiley!
To listen to the game recap,simply click on the PLAY BUTTON below.
Olympia Wins Battle of the Bears Against Tahoma By Steve Dion
Saturday- January 16th
2016
Boys
4A
Narrows/SPSL
Tahoma High School
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Final
Tahoma
12
10
9
12
43
Olympia
9
6
10
23
48
Olympia senior Liam Murphy
Saturday night at Tahoma High School featured a bear brawl between host Tahoma and Olympia. The home team jumped out to a early lead as Tagen Whitaker and Hayden Sundstrom combined for 19 first half points. The pair outscored the entire output for Olympia in the opening two quarters as their early foul trouble prevented them from finding a rhythm. Additionally, Oly dealt with the misfortunes of a pesky rim that denied several shots that appeared to be on the way down the hatch. At the break, THS led 22-15 with a heavy dose of momentum that would propel their effort at a major upset in the final two frames.
Clearly displeased with the execution of his team in the first half, coach John Kiley brought Olympia back onto the court with significant time remaining in the intermission period. Tahoma was unfazed by the increased intensity shown by the Oly defense as their crisp ball movement led to back-door cuts and open jumpers. David Woodward jump-started the OHS attack late in the third by scoring 8 of his 15 total points which tied Brett Thompson for the team lead. The two seniors additionally led an increased defensive emphasis to spark a run that caused the Olympia fans to rise to their feet. Clayton Stultz quieted the crowd on a pivotal late possession in the third by burying a mid-range jumper that was preceded by a series of great ball movement by Tahoma. The home team led by a half-dozen heading into the final quarter.
An early foul in the fourth on Stultz forced Coach Kilgallon to substitute for his dominant post to which Olympia responded with a run that closed the game. An acrobatic shot by Woodward while drawing contact fell and Olympia could sense they were in control. Thompson was able to knock down some tough shots in the block to add to the lead Oly finally obtained. In his postgame comments, Coach Kiley praised the defense by stating, “I thought the guys dug pretty deep…Brett (Thompson) and David Woodward both just willed something to happen!” Stultz returned and drained some tough jumpers, but the damage was done. Olympia was able to avoid a big loss on their impressive season resume. When asked what was the catalyst for the momentum to shift, Coach Kiley replied, “Once we started to jump some passing lanes smartly in good balance, we were able to make some plays.” Despite the loss, Tahoma can build off their effort on Saturday night.
The Final Score
Olympia 48, Tahoma 43.
Top Performers: Olympia
David Woodward- 15 points
Brett Thompson- 15 points
Olympia Remains Undefeated With Road Win Over Stadium By Steve Dion
Friday- December 18th
2015
Boys
4A
Narrows
Stadium High School
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Final
Stadium
6
9
14
18
47
Olympia
25
21
6
18
70
Olympia senior Liam Murphy
After four games of the 2015-16 season, the Olympia Bears have equaled their win total from a year ago. On Friday night, the Coach John Kiley led squad from Washington’s capital travelled north to take on the Tigers from the scenic campus of Stadium High School. Olympia jumped out to a lightning quick start as Hunter Sipe recorded a lay-up four seconds into the game. This was the catalyst for a 16-1 run to start the game. When the Tigers knocked down their first field goal, they were facing a sizable deficit. Oly was also strong on the defensive end of the floor in which they drew three first-half charges and built a large rebounding advantage which finished 37-18. In his postgame remarks Kiley stated, “I felt it was one of our best halves of basketball.” Could the Bears stave off the Tigers in the final two quarters with a big lead?
Stadium emerged from the locker room with a renewed sense of energy by gradually cutting into the deficit. The increased defensive intensity including blocks by Jaz Howard and steals by Dieauka Bradley set up transition buckets on the other end. Kiley said, “To Stadium’s credit, they were out-working us in the second half.” However, the Bears righted the ship in the final quarter and both teams scored 18 apiece in the fourth and the coaching staff was pleased with their ability to close out. In regards to the 4-0 start, Kiley praised his seniors by replying, “Eddie Beusch and Liam Murphy put so much time in this fall as leaders in the weight room…they really want to see a great basketball season and a legacy develop for them.” The Bears will get that opportunity when they take off to Florida for a holiday tournament soon.
The Final Score
Olympia 70, Stadium 47
Top Performers: Olympia
Zaiden Hernandez- 16 points, 7 rebounds
