Full Court Press Join us this season as we bring you almost-live commentary from select boys and girls basketball games.

February 27, 2004

Final: Franklin 68, Inglemoor 63

Quakers hang on for a win over the Vikings and what a show it was.

Posted by Spike at 08:56 PM

Update

The Inglemoor fans are going wild, chanting for their defense to pull through. Now their offense does a little bit of the same. Ken Nwaelele hits a layin, is fouled and converts. Timeout on the floor. Franklin has the ball and leads 64-61. The Quakers band rips off a number and we've got 52 seconds left in the game.

Posted by Spike at 08:50 PM

Vikings at the line

With 2:49 to play, Franklin calls timeout. Jordan White-Frisbee is at the line for Inglemoor. They trail 61-55.

Posted by Spike at 08:44 PM

Vikes coming back

Inglemoor is on the comeback now. With 6 minutes left to play, they trail 54-50.

Posted by Spike at 08:37 PM

End of the third: Franklin in control

Ah yeah, Franklin fans dancing in the stands as Inglemoor takes time to figure out how to come back from what is now a 10-point deficit. A Vikings fan has been arguing with the time keeper for the past 5 minutes because apparently they ran an extra 4 seconds off the clock and everyone around can hear her arguing. Things seem to be coming undone and the Vikings need, well, Steve Anderson to get it going and he just hit a bucket. We're at the end of the third period now and Franklin leads 51-42.

Posted by Spike at 08:31 PM

Franklin brings it

Franklin's newly implemented full-court press is upsetting the flow of Inglemoor's offense. They've turned the ball over three times in two minutes and now the Quakers lead 42-38.

Posted by Spike at 08:21 PM

Vikes holding lead

Steve Anderson is off to a big second half for Inglemoor, not just offensively but ball handling and on defense. Inglemoor has scored two buckets so far, one off a pick-and-roll and the other off an alleyoop pass that Anderson went up for and layed in while in the air. Anderson just drained a three and Franklin answered. It's a 1-point game and the way these guys are playing, could go down to the last shot. Inglemoor calls timeout as Jason Kerr argues a call with the referee. Just under 5 minutes left in the third period.

Posted by Spike at 08:14 PM

At the half: Franklin 30, Inglemoor 30

Apparently Jason Kerr's advice to his players sparked a little something. They've scored 6 unanswered points to tie the game. But Ken Nwaelele hits a big 3-pointer for Inglemoor, causing Jason Kerr to leap off the bench, screaming and stomping his foot on the floor. But Lyndale Burleson comes down court for Franklin and hits a deep 3-ball to tie the score at 30 as the final seconds of the half tick off the clock.

Posted by Spike at 07:59 PM

Why don't you call it?!

Big trouble for Inglemoor as center Jordan White-Frisbee is called for charging and leaves the game with his third foul early in the second period. White-Frisbee is the Keith Trailor of KingCo but looks like Andre the Giant, seriously. They need him in the middle but will have to do it without him for a bit. "Why don't you call it?" An Inglemoor fan's voice chirps at a possible traveling violation on Franklin as the rest of the fans holler loudly in protest. Ken Nwaelele hits a turnaround jumper to give the Vikings the lead. He needs to get it going to help his team now. Vikings get a 3-ball from Steve Anderson and lead 25-21 with 3 minutes left in the half... check that. They've stretched the lead to 6 points and Quakers coach Jason Kerr calls for time.

Posted by Spike at 07:53 PM

Franklin 17, Inglemoor 15

Inglemoor is hitting its jumpers from long range with accuracy... there goes another by Steve Anderson and they take the lead. The Vikings fans are really getting into it now and the Franklin fans cheer back at a made basket of their own. Four straight scores now and a 1-point game... but wait, five straight and Franklin grabs the lead back with a pair of unanswered buckets and again Inglemoor answers back. It's the end of the first period and both teams just scored on eight of the last nine combined possessions.

Posted by Spike at 07:46 PM

Franklin leads early, 8-3

Just on a side note, I'm sitting next to a big, chubby red-headed guy who's keeping stats for Franklin, I think, and his left elbow is practically bumping my arm as I type. He's already guzzled two bottles of water and the game has begun. A gal that sang the "Star-Spangled Banner" turned in one of the most spectacular renditions that I can ever remember hearing at a high-school sporting event. Both teams are playing physical and getting after it. The stands are about half-packed but in this cozy gymnasium, it still feels like a lot as Franklin goes ahead 4-0. But Steve Campbell hits a 3 for the Vikings and the Quakers score again, and again. It isn't taking much for these guys to get into the game here tonight.

Posted by Spike at 07:39 PM

Inglemoor-Franklin preview

The Franklin Quakers hit the court 15 minutes before tip off. Music pumps through the speakers and the stands are starting to fill in anticipation of this KingCo 4A tournament matchup at the Franklin gymnasium, with the Inglemoor Vikings. The Quakers have lost two of their four games this season to Bothell, who the Vikings beat 85-56 on Feb. 3. Lyndale Burleson should lead the charge tonight for Franklin, with a 19.9 average. He'll get help from teammates Richie Phillips (11.7) and John Rogers (13.6). Now Inglemoor players hit the court to applause. Layins, jumpers, lefty, righty, both teams are ramping up now. One of Inglemoor's four losses this season came at the hands of Franklin on Jan. 20, in a 70-67 final. The Vikings have three players that average over 10 points per game (Steve Anderson, 14.1; Steve Campbell, 11.1; Ken Nwaelele, 17.7). Jordan White-Frisbee has a 9.5 average and will get his too. The winner of tonight's game advances to play the winner of the Bothell-Lake Washington game also taking place tonight. The matchup is scheduled for March 2 at Lake Washington or Franklin High School.

Posted by Spike at 07:25 PM

February 24, 2004

Next Webcast: Friday, Feb. 27

Join us Friday for a live Webcast from the KingCo 4A basketball tournament. Game will be announced once pairings are set.

Posted by Spike at 02:24 PM

February 20, 2004

At the buzzer: MI 52, Cleveland 49

Mercer Island guard Patrick Frost shoots a deep 3-pointer at the buzzer to avoid overtime and give the Islanders a gutsy 52-49 win over the Cleveland Eagles. Fans storm the court and the gym is filled with a buzz.

Posted by Spike at 09:43 PM

Timeout MI

Both teams are going at it, everything is full speed for Cleveland and MI looks like it can barely control the ball at times because of the Eagles' flying defenders. Score tied at 49 with 55 seconds left. Islanders have the ball and are playing for the last shot.

Posted by Spike at 09:38 PM

Tie game, 1:45 left to play

The past couple of minutes have been pretty slow, with both teams taking a timeout and Mercer Island hanging on to a 2-point lead now. Fans are on their feet on both sides, screaming for their teams. Cleveland continues to force turnovers and they just tied the game at 49 apiece. Timeout Mercer Island.

Posted by Spike at 09:31 PM

And the crowd goes wild

Cleveland and Mercer Island trade baskets back and forth for the last couple of minutes of the third period. As the finals seconds tick off the clock, Patrick Frost hits a deep 3 to give the Islanders a 40-37 lead going into the final period.

Posted by Spike at 09:16 PM

Blood on the court

Might as well call it a quadruple timeout these days. But they're back into it again, here at the start of the third period. "Go, go Eagles..." the Cleveland cheer squad chants to a 28-25 lead. Patrick Frost gets a bucket for the Islanders to decrease its deficit to 1 and then the Islanders get the go-ahead bucket off a layin by Noah Blakney. He converts a foul shot and the place has come alive and Mercer Island leads 30-28. An Islanders fan sits across court with a few buddies wearing his school colors and a coonskin cap. His buddy sitting next to him looks like Ben Stiller's tennis-playing brother in Royal Tenebaums with his headband holding his mop of hair back.

Posted by Spike at 09:07 PM

At the half: Cleveland 26, MI 22

Right now the Eagles are living by the jump shot and getting inside for rebounds. "It's going to be a different ballgame in the second half," a voice near me says. "I know it is," another says before the first comment is finished.

Posted by Spike at 08:55 PM

Breaking things down

These guys are going at it. The refs are letting them play and the fans are into the game on every whistle. Islanders coach Ed Pepple is ticked off and calls a timeout. They trail by 1 point, 19-18 and that's not acceptable. Cleveland's athleticism is creating some problems for MI and they are turning the ball over and leaving guys open. The MI cheerleaders rarely stop for a break and their side of the stands are packed. They aren't just about tradition, they expect to win. But so does Cleveland. Sexton Brown has hit three 3-pointers and has 11 points. Another turnover, another second chance for Cleveland. Finally MI answers and they trail 22-20 with 1:30 left in the half.

Posted by Spike at 08:54 PM

Maybe next time, bud

The final seconds of the first period tick off the clock. A Cleveland player denies a laying to the basket and the Eagles hang on to a 15-10 lead.

Posted by Spike at 08:54 PM

Oh, so that's how you're gonna call it?

Mercer Island picks up a foul off a bump on its first possession of the game and draws a surprised reaction from the Cleveland fans. No worries though. The Eagles drive down court where Sexton Brown hits a sweet 3 and follows it up with a layin the next possession. Cleveland is lightning quick and creating turnovers. Mercer Island is a good, solid Indiana-style team that is going to execute and deliver using its fundamentals. Cleveland isn't leaving the door open too much as this one's going back and forth. Eagles lead 7-5.

Posted by Spike at 08:53 PM

Islanders vs. Eagles: let's roll

Well, as luck would have it, this wonderful laptop, straight out of the 80s, robbed me of another blog entry that was packed full of insight and information. The 12th-ranked Cleveland Eagles and No. 8 Mercer Island boys teams warm up on the floor less than 10 minutes before tipoff in this Sea-King 3A District matchup. The Islanders (13-0, 20-1) lost to Bothell 56-59 on Dec. 15. Cleveland (12-3, 16-7) has been swept by Rainier Beach and Seattle Prep earlier this season. They look to Jason Pegues and Sexton Brown, who score over 13 points per game. The Islanders have three players that can score in double digits: Kahlil Mathews, Patrick Frost and Philip Kaestle. We just hit the 2 minute mark so stay tuned to find out how things unfold.

Posted by Spike at 08:52 PM

Final: Blanchet 48, Issaquah 43

Issy comes charging back to cut its deficit to 5 points. They miss a few chances on set plays for a 3-pointer and then with a minute left foul Blanchet to get the ball. The Braves had three players score over 10 points tonight (Lersch, Augustavo, Feeney) and Brittany Bowsher scored 11 for Issaquah. The Eagles were in it at the end but had a few too many 3's rattle out when it mattered most. Announcer says Blanchet plays Ingraham next and Issaquah plays Rainier Beach. Stay tuned for Mercer Island boys vs. Cleveland at 8:15 ...

Posted by Spike at 07:53 PM

Feeney'in for more

As quickly as the 4th period began, it seems like it's coming to an end. Blanchet fans go wild as Megan Feeney hits her second 3-pointer to put the Braves ahead 41-34 with 4:24 left to play.

Posted by Spike at 07:39 PM

Going into the fourth quarter

Issaquah usually does well when it takes a lead into the fourth quarter. Tonight we'll see how they fare entering the 4th with a 33-33 tie. A scantily assembled Eagles band consisting of a couple drummers, trombone, saxophone, trumpet and a couple others, plays "Be my girl" as the final period begins. Krista Lersch has 13 points for Blanchet. Brittany Bowsher has 9 for Issy, who now trails 35-34.

Posted by Spike at 07:34 PM

Nip and tuck

Melissa Richardson drives to the hole, is fouled and converts 1 to give the Eagles a 26-25 lead. Issy's defense is swarming and Blanchet hasn't seemed to get things in sync yet in the second half. Richardson hits a jumper to give Issy a 3-point lead and Megan Feeney ties it up with a 3. The fans are starting to get into it now.

Posted by Spike at 07:22 PM

Issy closes in at half

Lauren Dascenzo hits a bucket and the next trip down court, Brittany Bowsher converts a point from the free-throw line to send the Eagles into halftime trailing Blanchet 23-21. Suddenly we have a game on our hands as the Eagles' band chimes away merrily and the Braves cheerleaders take the floor. Now they are spelling BLANCHET BRAVES with the help of some hecklers in the audience acting overly enthused. Oh, now it's Issy's turn: Their three cheerleaders hit the floor and get some help from the band with a riff from Louie Louie as their fans stand and stretch, chat amongst neighbors and head off for the outer lobby.

Posted by Spike at 07:07 PM

No, this isn't football

Blanchet leads 21-14 and things are tightening up in the trenches. Issaquah has five players on the board and the Braves six. A three-pointer by Kaley Evanger cuts the Eagles' deficit to 21-17 with 2:30 left in the second period.

Posted by Spike at 06:58 PM

Braves lead 19-10

The Issaquah band plays from its location in the back corner of the bleachers, which are filled to about 65 percent capacity. Krista Lersch leads all scorers with 9 points as the second period begins and Blanchet holds a 14-8 lead. Teammate Michelle Augustavo just got on the board with a three-pointer.

Posted by Spike at 06:52 PM

Issy chews away at Blanchet's early lead

Blanchet pulls out to an early 11-2 lead as Braves forward Krista Lersch starts to dominate inside with 5 points. Issaquah calls timeout and suddenly, Brittany Bowsher comes out and starts hitting buckets for the Eagles while Lersch finds herself double-teamed inside. Now Issaquah is rolling and trails 11-8.

Posted by Spike at 06:44 PM

Counting it down

The Issaquah and Bishop Blanchet girls warm up on opposite ends of the court five minutes before their Sea-King 3A District tipoff. Rainier Beach boys just handed Lakeside about a 20-point loss but look like they need to polish up on some fundamentals despite being the top-ranked 3A team in the state. Issy and Blanchet are both on The Seattle Times state girls rankings bubble and looking to make a statement. The Eagles (13-0, 17-4) made a solid run last year at the state tournament but must now do it without standout Beth Knudtson. They'll look to Brittany Bowsher, Lauren Dascenzo and Melissa Richardson, who average 10-plus points per game apiece. The Braves look to seniors Michelle Augustavo (14.8 ppg) and Krista Lersch (8.7). One note, Issaquah has been outscored 278-267 in the fourth quarter this season. They'll want to take a lead into the final period for insurance. And they're off!

Posted by Spike at 06:35 PM

February 19, 2004

Coming Friday: Boys, girls doubleheader

Join us Friday for a Sea-King playoffs doubleheader. At 6:30 p.m. Issaquah girls square off against Bishop Blanchet in a battle of teams on the state rankings bubble. Then at 8:15 No. 8 Mercer Island boys tip off with 12th-ranked Cleveland. We'll be there to bring the game to your computer live if you can't make it.

Posted by Spike at 01:40 PM

February 13, 2004

Irish are Metro League champs

Beach gets the ball and can't convert on the other end. Conor Mullen grabs the rebound and is quickly fouled. He'll go to the line for two. He makes one. It's 46-42. The Vikings sprint to the other end and miss a jumper. O'Dea grabs the long rebound and a quick outlet pass to Mullen for the easy layup. Beach can't get down fast enough. It's all over! The Irish fans rush the floor. The final is all Irish, 48-42 in a thriller!

Posted by Jim at 09:19 PM

O'Dea at the line

And Mitch Johnson hits two clutch free throws. Timeout on the floor. 40 seconds left, it's 45-42 O'Dea.

Posted by Jim at 09:13 PM

Killin' time

O'Dea maintains possession, but can't score. The Vikings set up the offense on the other end, but nothing falls on three attempts for Beach. The Irish get down, kill time and are waiting for their shot. One minute to go, 43-42 O'Dea.

Posted by Jim at 09:12 PM

In extra time...

The Irish get the tip and Michael Duty drops a three. Beach comes down and get the ball to Giles, who misses the shot but Walker gets the tip. 43-42 Irish.

Posted by Jim at 09:09 PM

We're going to OT

O'Dea gets the ball after the Walker bucket and a quick timeout. The Irish break the press and hustle down the floor. Andre Geraghty is fouled on the other end. He'll go to the line for one-and-one. He misses the free throw then commits a foul trying to get the rebound. Londell Walker goes to the line for Beach. Walker misses them both, but there's Giles to clean up the mess and tie the game. The Irish come down and can't convert. How perfect, we're going to OT. At the end of regulation, it's 40-40.

Posted by Jim at 09:06 PM

Goin' down to the wire

On the next possession, Beach comes down and works the ball around. They can't convert inside and the ball goes back to the Irish. One minute left and O'Dea is playing ball control. Conor Mullen is finally fouled with 52 seconds left. He makes the first shot, then the second. O'Dea is winning at the line. Beach comes right down and Londell Walker hits a tough baseline jumper. Timeout. 41 seconds left, O'Dea up 40-38.

Posted by Jim at 09:01 PM

Back and forth

The D is still tight on both sides. Andre Geraghty gets fouled for O'Dea. Geraghty goes back to the line for O'Dea for one-and-one. He knocks the first one down smooth as silk. The second goes down just as easy. There's 1:49 left, O'Dea has the lead 38-36.

Posted by Jim at 08:58 PM

Winding down

The defensive intensity is really heating up. No one is giving an inch. Andre Geraghty gets fouled and goes to the line. He knocks down both free throws. Beach gets down quickly. Ryan Anderson exploits the Irish zone and drops a huge three-pointer. O'Dea gets back down and Mitch Johnson makes a beautiful up-and-under reverse layup. We got a great ball game here, with 2:27 remaining it's all tied at 36.

Posted by Jim at 08:55 PM

It's tight

The point guards are going at it. On one end, Kenny Collier tips a pass for the Vikings and makes off to the other end. When Collier makes his pass to Giles, C.J. Harris slaps it around for O'Dea, but gets nailed for the foul. Harris will sit for the rest of the game, as that is his fifth. O'Dea will have to continue without him. Mike Duty will take over for Harris. Lots of D and ball-control and it shows in the score. There's 4:30 left in the game, it's 32-29 Irish.

Posted by Jim at 08:51 PM

Irish playing smart

O'Dea is not rushing anything and playing the game at its tempo, which seems to be frustrating Beach, as the Vikings are sending up a lot of bricks. Only Giles has been productive for Beach in the second half. Kenny Collier gets fouled for the Vikings and goes to the line. He misses and O'Dea gets the board, but can't convert on the other end. Matt Fields knocks down a shot for Beach. With five minutes to go, O'Dea leads 32-28.

Posted by Jim at 08:46 PM

On to the fourth quarter

Giles is starting to hit it on both sides of the floor. He's scored four straight points and he's really starting to establish himself in the middle on the offensive end. O'Dea comes out in a zone D and that seems to work, for the moment. The Irish have found a nice rhythm offensively and have started to knock down the jumpers. Conor Mullen takes on C.J. Giles straight up and hits a tough inside bucket, sending the O'Dea faithful into an uproar. It's the end of the third quarter, it's a good one. O'Dea leads 32-26.

Posted by Jim at 08:41 PM

It's hard to explain

But C.J. Giles is not getting a lot of looks on the offensive end. O'Dea is doing a good job guarding him, but he still should be getting more looks. That said, Beach dumps the ball into Giles and he drops in a score. On the next possession, Giles grabs a putback and scores. Meanwhile, O'Dea hasn't slowed up at all, continuing to drop in the baskets. With 3:45 left, the Irish have the lead 30-24.

Posted by Jim at 08:34 PM

Beach starts up a zone

And O'Dea quickly exploits it, hitting two threes back-to-back in uncovered areas. Timeout on the floor, the Irish lead 24-18 with 5:47 to go in the quarter.

Posted by Jim at 08:29 PM

Back in action

The third quarter is on and O'Dea gets the ball to start things. They waste no time going inside. Andre Geraghty takes into the paint for O'Dea, and surprise, gets rejected by Giles. The Vikings take the ball out on the other end and Matt Fields gets fouled while shooting. He sinks both free throws. O'Dea comes right back down and promptly scores a rare easy bucket inside on the weak side. It's 18-18 with 6:48 to go in the third quarter.

Posted by Jim at 08:27 PM

O'Dea takes lead

But it's short-lived. Beach ties it back up after free throws from Giles. Both teams are really hustling. It just so happens that the baskets aren't dropping. There have been a ton of shots that are halfway down the cylinder before they pop out. Both teams are running good plays and getting looks at the hoop, the ball just isn't falling. That's the first half and it's all tied up at 16-16.

Posted by Jim at 08:16 PM

The gym is getting hot

Conor Mullen gets one down for the Irish and gets fouled. He completes the three-point play. There's lots of programs being used as fans as things are starting to get warm in the tight gymnasium. Not too many open seats to be seen. C.J. Giles gets another block on the defensive end, he's a monster inside. Timeout on the floor, with two minutes remaining in the half, it's 15-14 Beach.

Posted by Jim at 08:11 PM

Scrappy game

The offense is getting a little dry at this point. Both teams are really hitting the glass hard and using tight D, but the hoops aren't dropping for either team. Lots of long rebounds off missed jumpers. The Vikings Londell Walker drops a jumper to break the streak. With 3:55 left in the half, we got a timeout. It's 15-11 Beach.

Posted by Jim at 08:05 PM

O'Dea gets the ball to start the second

The Irish can't capitalize on their first possession and neither can Beach. Some confusion on the court as the refs can't figure out who committed a foul for O'Dea. Don't worry, the stripes got it figured out. The Vikings' Kenny Collier breaks the drought with a couple of free throws. With six minutes and change left in the half, Beach has the lead 11-9.

Posted by Jim at 08:01 PM

End of the first quarter

Everyone is warm and things are getting tight. Beach is controlling the boards, but I'd say the defensive edge goes to O'Dea at this point. The Vikings are putting full court pressure on the ball, but the Irish aren't fazed. The jumpers are starting to drop for O'Dea. At the end of the first quarter, we're knotted up at 9-9.

Posted by Jim at 07:56 PM

Make room folks!

The announcer keeps saying "all right people, squeeze in tight, cuz there's a lot of people still waiting outside." We're not quite filled to capacity ... yet. Beach is still in control of the game, working the ball in and out from center C.J. Giles. The Vikings' Ryan Anderson gets fouled and goes to the line for one more. Timeout on the floor, it's 8-3 Rainier Beach with 2:25 to go in the first.

Posted by Jim at 07:51 PM

Working out the kinks

O'Dea looks a little nervous coming out. They've run solid plays, but haven't been able to put anything down yet. They've kept it up on the defensive end, though, only allowing two Beach buckets. Mitch Johnson gets fouled for the Irish, and O'Dea will take it in. They try dumping it inside and C.J. Giles has none of it, making a block. But not to be outdone, Mitch Johnson finally breaks the drought for the Irish, hitting a three. With 4:37 left in the first quarter, it's Beach on top 5-3.

Posted by Jim at 07:47 PM

Tip time

Rainier Beach gets the tip and we're under way in the boys Metro league championship! It's a quick dump to Terrence Williams and Beach takes the early lead. O'Dea misses a jumper on its end and the Vikings get the rebound. Some tight D gives the Irish the ball right back. Just started and Beach leads 2-0.

Posted by Jim at 07:43 PM

Almost there

After an extended warmup, we're just about ready to get things rolling. Everyone has run through their pregame drills, from free throws to three-on-two, both squads have had plenty of time to get loose. There's the buzzer and both teams are taking the bench. Starters are being announced. Tipoff is next (really, I swear).

Posted by Jim at 07:37 PM

Everyone's coming out for the game

Electricity is buzzing in the air tonight. There's a tight group of O'Dea fans sitting center court, some wearing army helmets, taking up most of the center bleachers and being extremely vocal. Even Sonics head coach Nate McMillan is on hand tonight. The 2,000 or so bleacher seats are filling up fast. Don't forget. This is just the beginning of high school hoops coverage. We'll be back down in Tacoma for the Boys/Girls 3A and 4A state championships March 3-13. Be sure to tune in for all the excitement! Tipoff coming up!

Posted by Jim at 07:22 PM

Live from Ingraham high

It's Friday the 13th and time for the Metro league championship, Rainier Beach vs. O'Dea. It'll be a tough matchup for O'Dea, facing the highly touted Vikings. But that said, O'Dea gave Rainier Beach a tough match earlier in the season, and Beach barely escaped Seattle Prep Wednesday night in a triple-OT thriller. In the girls Metro championship, it was Cleveland beating Bainbridge Island 54-46. Both teams have taken the floor and the stands are filling up. Tipoff is 20 minutes away!

Posted by Jim at 07:12 PM

February 12, 2004

Coming up: Beach vs. O'Dea

Remember to tune in tomorrow for a classic Metro League championship matchup in boys basketball with defending champion Rainier Beach facing off against O'Dea at 7:30 p.m. at Ingraham High School.

Posted by Spike at 02:45 PM