West Seattle Pounces On Prep Panthers

West Seattle Pounces On Prep Panthers
By Steven Dion

One of the many games slated for this Wednesday night was a Metro League clash between the visiting Wildcats of West Seattle against the Seattle Prep Panthers. The Sound division leading Wildcats (4-1 league, 7-3 overall) are without a senior on the roster, but experienced nonetheless and loaded with a powerful frontcourt. Michelle Hall’s Prep squad (3-4, 4-7) are coming off a state runner-up season, but the graduation of integral seniors from the 2012-2013 campaign have left the 15 year coach with a young team. This Wednesday night home game would be a step in the right direction for the blue and white.

The first quarter started with a 8-0 run for West Seattle. Lydia Giomi’s rebounding ability created multiple scoring opportunities on single possessions which helped the Cats grab a 12-4 lead after the first quarter. Prep responded to their mismatch nicely by knocking down shots from the perimeter. Their three buckets from downtown in the period brought the Panthers back within four points at the half. At intermission, WSHS led 21-17.

Seattle Prep’s senior leader Mary Ann Santucci heated up in the third quarter; unfortunately she was the only one doing the scoring for the Panthers. This low-scoring affair kept the ballgame balanced even though West Seattle was able to retain the lead they garnered from the tipoff. The Wildcats were able to protect the ball in the fourth quarter as Seattle Prep attempted to make a late run. They drew fouls instead of turning the ball over and buried four of five in the process. Prep got a pair of three-balls late by Santucci, but it was not enough to erase the deficit for the home team as West Seattle picked up the 40-35 victory.

Top Performer:
Seattle Prep
Mary Ann Santucci – 15 points (3 3pt FG’s, 2/2 FT’s)