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Follow along as our hoops-crazy Web team of Spike and Jim bring you the action from Tacoma in a running Web log. For each day of the 3A and 4A tournaments, they'll be posting the latest action from key games, plus giving you a feel for the scene in the Dome. It's almost like being there! |
March 05, 2003
| Final: Mercer Island wins 67, 61 |
The Islander faithful chants "It's all over" with 17.6 seconds to go. And it is. M.I. runs out the majority of the clock and the last R.A. Long shot falls short.
Mercer Island 67, R.A. Long 61. |
| Posted by Jim at 10:22 PM |
| Crunch time |
And Mercer Island is answering the call. The presence of Billbe is felt in the whole gym as he rejects a shot and the M.I. fans scream "Billbe, Billbe!"
The Islanders are toughing out the press and are managing to avoid R.A. Long fouls to kill the clock. Austin Yuen finally gets fouled and misses both free throws.
The Lumberjacks Craig Marshall comes right down and drains a three. It ain't over yet. With 48 seconds to go, Mercer Island leads 62-59. |
| Posted by Jim at 10:16 PM |
| Billbe gets a "T" |
Big turn of events. The Lumberjacks hit a three and Brayden Billbe got called for technical foul (throwing an elbow) and his fourth personal. Adam Perry of R.A. Long converted the free throws.
Pepple is irate and the Lumberjack fans are roaring with excitement. A timeout is called by M.I. and R.A. fans show their enthusiasm as their band belts out the theme from "Rocky."
It's 58-53 M.I. with 2:44 to go. |
| Posted by Jim at 10:07 PM |
| Pepple is letting the refs have it |
Complaining that one of the Lumberjacks hammered one of his players, Ed Pepple is mercilessly giving it to the officials.
M.I. has comfortable lead at nine points, but R.A. Long refuses to let up. The Islanders call a timeout after Austin Yuen hit a layup after getting fouled. Yuen hits the free throw.
M.I. leads 58-46. |
| Posted by Jim at 10:01 PM |
| The Islanders are taking command |
And they have the biggest lead of the game at 10 points. It's 51-41.
R.A. Long is in the bonus and needs to drop some free throws to keep things rolling for them.
The crowds are really into it now, belting out yells, insults and cheers as the fourth quarter ticks away.
With a little over six minutes to go, Mercer Island leads 53-44. |
| Posted by Jim at 09:56 PM |
| End of the third |
Mercer Island has the lead 47-40. The Islanders are starting to get more tips and rebounds. It may be their height, or R.A. Long may be starting to get a little tired. We'll see as the fourth quarter is about to begin. |
| Posted by Jim at 09:52 PM |
| Back and forth |
The Lumberjacks are running a full-court press that isn't stopping M.I., but it is working by frustrating them, which could make things interesting if the game stays close.
R.A. Long has taken the momentum back with a couple of quick buckets. The Islanders have the lead though, 40-36. |
| Posted by Jim at 09:44 PM |
| Starting the third quarter |
Lumberjacks start out with the ball, but not for long, as it is stolen by the Islanders' Austin Yuen. M.I. can't convert.
Charlie Farra drains another jumper, Brandon Burmeister slams one home and Brayden Bibble blocks a shot on the other end, all in a short span. The Islanders take the momentum and a 34-30 lead. |
| Posted by Jim at 09:39 PM |
| Great contrasts |
The two teams on the floor seem to be opposite ends of the spectrum. On the one hand, you have Mercer Island, the city kids, who come down and run their set offense that is screamed to them from the sideline. They run their offense patiently and methodically and get points when the right hole opens up.
The Lumberjacks on the other hand, who come from Longview, are scrappy and quick. They are getting the majority of the loose balls and knocking down the open jumper, without running a ton of offense. Their coach is very involved, but not to the point of Ed Pepple from Mercer Island.
On a side note, both bands are really great. It should be an interesting second half. |
| Posted by Jim at 09:33 PM |
| It's halftime |
And the intensity didn't let up for a second. The score is tied at 30. Each team heads to the lockerroom with the R.A. Long band blasting out the tunes. |
| Posted by Jim at 09:25 PM |
| On the other bench... |
R.A. Long head coach Kyle Fowler tries to calmly prowl the sideline. He's trying to look cool, but it's obvious he's very nervous.
Back to the action.
Brandon Burmeister strikes again, nailing another jumper. But the Lumberjacks come right back down and score. R.A. Long takes a T.O. and with three minutes to go, R.A. Long leads 26-25. |
| Posted by Jim at 09:19 PM |
| Under way in the second |
Both teams fall a little flat to start, with turnovers and fouls plaguing each side. After a Mercer Island turnover, head coach Ed Pepple calls a timeout and not so subtly lets his team know that he does not approve of their play.
M.I. 19, R.A. Long 17 with six minutes to go in the second quarter. |
| Posted by Jim at 09:14 PM |
| An electric atmosphere |
It's 17-17 at the end of the first. Each team is playing very well and the fans are screaming on each possession like it's their team's last. |
| Posted by Jim at 09:09 PM |
| Great start to the game |
The fans are really into it screaming "Lumberjacks" on one side "Mercer (clap, clap) Island" on the other.
The tempo and scoring remain quick and fast. R.A. Long is dropping the jumpers and M.I. is executing its offense in the half-court set. Brayden Billbe is at the line and cans one of two free throws.
On the other end, Billbe picks up his second foul.
Score is 17-13 Mercer Island with 2 minutes to go in the first quarter.
|
| Posted by Jim at 09:05 PM |
| Burmeister gets it rolling |
Brandon Burmeister drains a three for Mercer Island and the Islanders take the 3-0 lead on the first score of the game.
To start the game each student section yelled and screamed trying to top one another in some sort of showdown. Since R.A. Long students far outnumber Mercer Island, the contest went to the Lumberjacks.
Lots of quick scoring off the bat.
It's 11-7 Mercer Island with four minutes to go in the first. |
| Posted by Jim at 08:59 PM |
| Mercer Island, R.A. Long warmup |
It's all about size for Mercer Island, the tallest team in the tourney. Brandon Burmeister (6-5) leads the Islanders with 14.2 ppg, and if he's hitting from the outside, it will totally open up the inside for 6-10 senior Brandon Billbe (12.8 ppg) and the rest of the Islanders.
Before starting their warmups, Mercer Island jumped in the middle of the court while their fans yelled "Mercer (clap, clap) Island."
Making their first state tournament trip in 20 years, the R.A. Long Lumberjacks are an interesting, athletic team that "looks to run and gun" according to their coach. Junior guard Adam Perry is averaging 19.3 ppg, while center Jamie Rivenes averaged a double-double during the three game district tournament.
Mercer Island will be favored, but look for R.A. Long come out on all cyliders and give the Islanders a run for their money.
In earlier action, Bellingham edged out Evergreen 68-66 in one of the best games of the day. Also, the Meadowdale girls contiuned their winning ways with a 59-28 thumping of Mount Rainier. |
| Posted by Jim at 08:39 PM |
| Final: Seattle Prep 61-38 |
The Panthers win 61-38 and strut off the court like another day at the office. Kelso battled tough till the end, but was simply outsized and outmatched.
On the boys side, O'Dea and W. Valley are in a tight one, with O'Dea leading 48-44 with a little over a minute to go. |
| Posted by Jim at 06:38 PM |
| It's getting ugly |
Despite the effort from Kelso, they are tossing up some bombs. On one possession alone, they threw up two air balls.
Prep now has a commanding lead, 59-36. All the subs are back in and will likely see the game till the end for both teams. The Kelso bench, now full of starters, looks like they don't know what happened to them. |
| Posted by Jim at 06:34 PM |
| Lack of fans for Prep |
Prep calls a timeout. Looking around for Prep fans is a little difficult. There's a reason they aren't making much noise -- there aren't that many of them here. Poised to move one step closer to another championship, Prep fans are few and far between.
Back to the game.
Kelso may be losing, but you wouldn't know it from their attitude. They are still diving for loose balls, setting big picks and scrapping hard on both ends. But Prep is just too much. Che' Oh just got a pass inside, got fouled and hit the bucket. She converts, and Prep leads 53-36. |
| Posted by Jim at 06:29 PM |
| Making reservations |
Both team's reserves are in now and it shows, with a lot of turnovers and mistakes on each end. At the end of the third quarter, Prep leads 45-29.
At the start of the fourth quarter, all the starters are back in. Seattle Prep is weathering the storm of the full-court pressure from Kelso. It seems that Seattle Prep has an answer for everything from Kelso, as Katie Fitzmaurice emphasizes after draining a three.
Prep leads 48-29 with 6 minutes to go in the fourth. |
| Posted by Jim at 06:24 PM |
| Kelso is huffin' |
With quickness being their best asset, it also seems to be Kelso's worst enemy right now. All the girls on the floor are breathing hard for the Hilanders and it shows in the score. For Prep, they are using a lot of players so the Panthers are staying fresh.
Fans are quiet on both sides. Only when a bucket is scored is anyone making some noise.
Kelso finally makes a few substitutions, but they are down 18. Prep leads 43-25. |
| Posted by Jim at 06:16 PM |
| Prep continues to roll |
Though very dominated in size by Prep, Kelso is not afraid to take into the heart of the lane. But Seattle Prep seems to be winning the physical and mental edge right out of the gate. Kelso is making some dumb mistakes and taking bad shots, while Prep is making the lay ups, grabbing the loose balls and running their offense.
With five to go in the third, it's 39-21 Prep. |
| Posted by Jim at 06:11 PM |
| It's on to the third quarter |
Prep has come out focused and intense. Can Kelso make a run in the third? Toward the end of the second quarter, they were looking winded.
Kelso gets the ball to start things off and gives it right up. The luck continues to roll the way of the Panthers. |
| Posted by Jim at 06:06 PM |
| We're halfway through |
And the Seattle Prep Panthers have taken command, with the score 30-17. The Panthers never let up in the second quarter. Despite being down, Kelso is showing no signs frustration, the ball just isn't bouncing their way.
On the other side of the gym, the O'Dea Irish lead West Valley of Spokane 26-25. |
| Posted by Jim at 05:57 PM |
| Well-rounded attack |
Seattle Prep is using solid passing and great fundamentals on the offensive end. Kelso is trying to go inside with some moderate success. The defense on both ends is still terrific.
With 1:45 to go in the half, Prep leads 24-17. |
| Posted by Jim at 05:51 PM |
| Prep D is dominating |
Led by Katie Fitzmaurice, the Prep defense has forced three quick turnovers. She's scored four points and held Kelso scoreless in the past couple of minutes. Prep leads 22-12 and has taken the early advantage.
It seems like Kelso has gone cold and is the first team to bllink. Whitney Luhn hits one free throw for the Hilanders, making the score 22-13.
Seattle Prep calls a timeout. |
| Posted by Jim at 05:47 PM |
| Kelso gets it going in the second |
Becky Hamm hits a bucket right away for the Hilanders. But right back, Che' Oh pounds the inside of the paint and scores two more. Kelso turns it over and on the other end, Prep drains a three.
Prep leads 18-12 with 6:34 to go in the second. |
| Posted by Jim at 05:42 PM |
| The first quarter is over |
And Seattle Prep takes a 13-10 lead. Great tempo early on, with each team not giving an inch. Hopefully the trend continues for three more quarters. |
| Posted by Jim at 05:39 PM |
| No let up |
Kelso is laying on the full court press, but Prep seems unfazed, breaking it easily and dumping it in to Katie Urban, who scores with little effort.
Kelso brings it down and Sara Burgoyne is fouled. She goes to the line and hits both shots. A lot of fouls early on. Each team is content with going full throttle to not let the other side get any momentum.
With two minutes to go in the first quarter, it's 11-10 Seattle Prep. |
| Posted by Jim at 05:36 PM |
| Runnin' and gunnin' |
Both teams are coming out with gusto. After a couple of quick transition buckets, Prep leads 4-3. Katie Urban has established herself early, already accumulating a block, bucket and rebound. Che' Oh is also hitting the inside hard for the Panthers, grabbing a couple of boards and scoring three points.
It's all tied up at 5 wth five minutes to go in the first. |
| Posted by Jim at 05:30 PM |
| It's tipoff time |
Kelso and Seattle Prep are under way, with Prep getting the tip. They give it up and Kelso comes back down, getting fouled. Mandy Doss goes to the line and hits one of two.
It's 1-0 Kelso. |
| Posted by Jim at 05:26 PM |
| Kelso and Seattle Prep warmup |
Katie, Katie, Katie!
Seattle Prep's balanced attack includes Katie Fitzmaurice, Katie Patneaude, and Katie Urban. All good scorers, the defending champs can beat you inside and out. Che' Oh, a 6-0 junior, looks to add to the mix averaging 11.8 ppg.
For Kelso, Sara Burgoyne and Brittaney Dieter lead the scoring attack for the Hilanders. The Hilanders are one of two teams coming in that are undefeated (Meadowdale is the other).
This matchup looks to be great one, with Seattle Prep, the defending champs, on one end and an undefeated team on the other. |
| Posted by Jim at 05:09 PM |
| Final: Issaquah 53, N. Mason 44 |
After a couple more free throws from Garrison Carr, Issaquah takes the game 53-44. The inside presence of Hans Gasser and outside shooting of Carr make for a solid Indian's win.
For the girls on the other side, Skyline beat Ellensburg 50-42 |
| Posted by Jim at 05:03 PM |
| Taste of your own medicine |
Both teams are full-court pressing now. Issaquah is trying to chew up the clock and succeeding in playing keep-away. Garrison Carr gets fouled by N. Mason and heads to the line, coolly sinking both free throws. It's 51-44 with :37 seconds on the clock. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:58 PM |
| Eye for an eye |
It's bucket for bucket here in the fourth. Issaquah has the lead, 46-42, but N. Mason isn't letting up at all. Gasser again goes to the line, making it 47-42. The Bulldogs take over, but can't convert on the other end. With two minutes to go, the intensity is rising and N. Mason has the full-court press on.
Issaquah breaks it, but gives it up on their end. It's still 47-42 and N. Mason takes a timeout. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:55 PM |
| No relenting |
N. Mason has cut the deficit to three, 32-35, with seven minutes to go in the fourth. Issaquah has the ball and makes something out of nothing, as Hans Gasser grabs an errant shot and is fouled. He is going to the line for two and sinks both of them.
But Steve Hackett comes right back down, draining a 15-footer. N. Mason gets the ball back and gives the ball up. Garrison gets the steal and layup on the other end. Issaquah gets it right back and Gasser converts on the other end for two more.
Just like that, with another bucket from Issaquah's John Chaney, the Indians lead 43-34 with five minutes to go in the fourth. N. Mason takes a timeout. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:46 PM |
| At the end of three... |
It's really back and forth, neither team has the momentum, and it shows on the scoreboard, with Issaquah leading 35-30. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:40 PM |
| N. Mason is clamping the inside |
Every time Issaquah is going inside to Gasser, there are at least two or three Bulldogs there for him. It's working and not working, as Gasser just seems to overpower them; it all depends on if he finishes. Which is about half the time.
With two minutes to go in the third, Issaquah leads 32-26. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:37 PM |
| Gettin' scrappy |
Both teams are really hitting the defense hard. In the past minute, there have been at least four steals and change of possessions. Which makes for little offense. Shots are going up, but they are too fast and out of control.
Colin Curtis scores for Issaquah, making it 29-23 Indians, and N. Mason takes a 30-second timeout. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:33 PM |
| Start of the third |
Issaquah gets the ball to start and comes right out giving it to, guess who, Hans Gasser, who converts the inside lay up.
Back on the other end, N. Mason goes right to the paint and Kyle McDonnell scores inside.
Issaquah leads 27-23. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:29 PM |
| Halftime notes |
The N. Mason band is really great and if the battle of the bands were on the venue, the N. Mason would take the cake, hands down. Not to knock Issaquah, but the Bulldogs are really rockin'.
On the other court, the ladies of Skyline and Ellensburg are knotted at 21 at halftime. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:24 PM |
| A three for N. Mason |
Nate Rosa drains a three for the Bulldogs, proving that if you can't win inside, go out. Issaquah turns the ball over and N. Mason comes down with a set offense. Patiently, they wait and Issaquah commits a foul, their sixth. N. Mason has run the clock down in the second to 14.2 seconds, only to the throw the ball out of bounds.
N. Mason steals the inbounds and with the clock expiring, Jeff Criss hits a three. At the half, it's 23-19 Issaquah. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:17 PM |
| Gasser goes out |
N. Mason has struggled a little bit to start off the second quarter. Issaquah moved to a zone, and it seems to be working. With Gasser out, Kyle McDonnell is getting boards, but not points. They seem to be taking some wild shots, instead of running an offense.
And here comes Hans. Steve Hackett throws one down for N. Mason, trimming the deficit to 19-13. But on the other end, Issaquah comes right back.
With three to go in the second, Issaquah leads 21-13. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:12 PM |
| Starting the second quarter |
N. Mason gets the ball, but turns it right back over on an errant pass. N. Mason is running a zone to try and double up on Gasser. Issaquah is playing man to man, with a nice little inside match up of Hans Gasser and Kyle McDonnell.
Five to go in the second, Issaquah leads 16-11 after another inside bucket from Gasser.
Issaquah timeout. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:06 PM |
| Carr again |
Hans Gasser's first attempts have been off the mark, so Garrison Carr has taken it into his hands, hitting another bucket to tie it up 5-5, and on the next possesion, drains another three. So far Curtis has all the points for Issaquah.
Off the bench, Quintton Bright joins the game.
Steve Hupper hits a jumper for N. Mason, making it 8-7. Hans Gasser gets on the board with a 10-foot, turn-around jumper for his first two points. The big man is becoming a force in the paint, either scoring or rebounding. He hits another bucket and gets the foul.
Issaquah leads 14-9 at the end of the first. |
| Posted by Jim at 04:02 PM |
| Carr gets it started |
Garrison Carr hit the first bucket of the game, a three-pointer, putting Issaquah up 3-0. N. Mason hits a free throw, then Steve Hacket hit a bucket on the next possession to tie it up. The N. Mason fans are alive and kickin', with cowbells and screamin' lungs.
With five minutes to go in the first quarter, N. Mason leads 5-3. |
| Posted by Jim at 03:55 PM |
| And now to the tipoff |
Gasser is jumping for Issaquah and Kyle McDonnell is hoppin for N. Mason. Issaquah gets control, and we are off and running. |
| Posted by Jim at 03:50 PM |
| Issaquah and North Mason warmup |
An interesting matchup of big men involved in this one. For Issaquah, Hans Gasser is the man. The 6-11 senior has dominated opponents all season and the two-time KingCo MVP will be the key for the Indians. If Gasser is slowed down, Garrison Carr and Colin Curtis must step up.
North Mason counters with two players at 6-6, also their two leading scorers, Kyle McDonnell (14.4 ppg) and Quinton Bright (10.4 ppg). This is the first trip to the state tourney for N. Mason as a 3A team and Issaquah will be a good test for them. A good side note, the N. Mason band is great. They're blasting out "Tequilla" right now.
In other action, the Lakeside girls beat Sehome 63-46. White River and Skyline battled close to the end, but Skyline came out on top 53-49. |
| Posted by Jim at 03:31 PM |
| Dunk fest '03 |
Rodrick alley-oops to brother Lodrick, who finger-rolls the ball off the backboard rather than choosing to make an awkward dunk with a defender below.
Next time down court: Rodrick's turn. He get's the dish over his head, dribbles once and slams it home.
West Valley is finally starting to loosen up and play a little bit like the team people saw in the first half.
Too little too late.
Beach 62, West Valley 40, 2:06 remaining. |
| Posted by Spike at 01:38 PM |
| Not so fast |
The slow-down offense that kept West Valley in the game in the first half is now hurting them, as they trail 44-28 with 6:45 left to play. |
| Posted by Spike at 01:28 PM |
| Rainier Beach "D" |
Between the full-court press and the half-court, inside defense, Beach is dominating West Valley, leaving them overwhelmed and hesitant.
Rainier Beach 40, West Valley 26, 1:34 remains in third. |
| Posted by Spike at 01:22 PM |
| Rams sliding |
With just over four minutes left in the third, the Rams have scored just one bucket and trail 36-24. |
| Posted by Spike at 01:19 PM |
| Lodrick: Swish |
Lodrick Stewart opens the first half with a short jumper to put Beach up by five points. Rodrick Stewart hits the next shot. West Valley's E.J. Schoen misses short layin.
The Rams look tight, not like the loose team of the first half. But then again, how loose can you be when 6-10 big man C.J. Giles denies a shot for Beach that sails beyond the West Valley three-point line.
Timeout.
One of the cheer guys just dropped a cheerleader. No one was hurt. |
| Posted by Spike at 01:13 PM |
| First half notes |
Beach usually runs over its opponents in the first quarter. This season, they have outscored opponents in the first quarter 489-256. At the end of the first they led by just three points, 14-11.
Both teams have drastically different styles of offense. Beach uses an up-tempo pace with lots of running and quick, short baskets. West Valley on the other hand, uses a slow-down offense where they spread the floor, pass the ball around and wait for holes to open.
Scoring
West Valley
Chapman 9
Strait 7
Perrault 5
Beach
Lodrick Stewart 8
Rodrick Stewart 4
Rebounding
Rodrick Stewart 5
|
| Posted by Spike at 01:07 PM |
| Beach up by three at half |
Lodrick gets alley-oop pass from teammate on fast break but the ball sails long and out of bounds. Lodrick looks at his teammate extra long as they walk back down to the other end of the court and West Valley inbounds the ball.
Andrew Strait at the line with 8 seconds left in the half. Makes first, misses second. Beach player Terrence Williams lays it in to close the half.
Beach 26, West Valley 23. |
| Posted by Spike at 12:59 PM |
| Rodrick puts on a clinic |
Paul Chapman scored an easy layin off a beautifil pass across the middle for West Valley. Then came the show: Rodrick Stewart skyed through the air and dunked over a defender, causing a thunderous roar from the crowd.
Beach 24, WV 20, 2:13 to play in the second.
Rodrick in foul trouble with two and goes to the bench. |
| Posted by Spike at 12:53 PM |
| Timeout |
Gavin Johnson scores for the Rams. The Stewart brothers have suddenly started shooting long jumpers. West Valley timeout.
Beach 20, West Valley 16, 4:33 left in second. |
| Posted by Spike at 12:48 PM |
| End of first: Beach 14, West Valley 11 |
Andrew Straight hit a short jumper to bring the Rams to within three points.
The Tacoma Dome is packed on both sides of the court. Fans from both sides seem somewhat reserved compared to the enthusiastic Meadowdale crowd from earlier this morning.
Todd Perrault just hit a three for West Valley. Rodrick Stewart scored on a short jumper for Beach.
18-14 Beach with 6:53 to play in the second. |
| Posted by Spike at 12:44 PM |
| Neck and neck |
Lodrick at the line to shoot a pair. Makes first shot, makes second. Brother Rodrick made layin earlier to counter baskets by Paul Chapman and Andrew Strait, which brought the score to 12-9 Beach. Lodrick at the line to shoot two: Makes first, makes second.
Rams are having tough time covering Lodrick Stewart.
Beach 14, West Valley 9, 1:48 to play. |
| Posted by Spike at 12:38 PM |
| Beach gets early lead |
Todd Perrault hit another bucket for the Rams. Beach countered and lead 8-5 with 4:20 left in the first.
The Stewart brothers are skying, with one of them blocking an attempted layin. |
| Posted by Spike at 12:34 PM |
| Rams first on the board |
West Valley's Anthony Perry hits a three-pointer. Lodrick Stewart scores for Beach. Terrence Williams at the free throw line for a 1-and-1. Misses.
3-2 West Valley, 5:41 left in the first. |
| Posted by Spike at 12:31 PM |
| Rainier Beach warmups: Reality check |
No one wants to play Rainier Beach in the opening game of the Class 3A state boys basketball tournament. They move around the court with serious faces and matching orange and white Air Jordan shoes. Beach has averaged 78.8 points per game this season - a mark only bettered by 4A powerhouse Kennedy.
The Stewart brothers (Lodrick and Rodrick) average 20.7 and 16.7 points per game respectively and are looking to finish off No. 3 West Valley of Yakima and advance to the next round.
Rams players look loose and relaxed, lying at the other end of the court stretching and looking over at Beach warming up, perhaps catching a glimpse of the much publicized Stewart brothers and the top-ranked team in the state.
West Valley (21-4) has put together a solid season and will need leading scorer Andrew Strait to have a big game. He's scored over 21 points per game all season long. Todd Perrault isn't far behind with a 15.8 average. |
| Posted by Spike at 12:24 PM |
| Knudtson drives to the basket |
She navigates through defenders, lays the ball in and is fouled on the shot with five seconds remaining.
She makes the first free throw to tie the score. She misses the second. Tie score with two seconds left. Jump ball, ball goes to Issaquah.
Indians call timeout. |
| Posted by Spike at 12:02 PM |
| Final seconds |
Kelsey Burns hits a jumper to give Kennedy the lead. Courtney Gates ties the game for Issy.
"Defense, defense," the Issaquah fans bellow loudly as the final minute of the game ticks away and Kennedy drives down court.
Carly Koebel is fouled and goes to the line witih 15 seconds to play - the third time in the final five minutes Issaquah fans have taken exception to fouls called on their team.
Koebel makes the first shot, misses the second.
Kennedy 49-48 with 11 seconds remaining. Issaquah gets the ball back and calls timeout. |
| Posted by Spike at 11:59 AM |
| Nip and tuck: Knudtson trying to take over |
Carly Koebel added one for Kennedy at the line. Beth Kanudtson layed the ball in after racing around the court trying to get open. Everyone knows Knudtson is going to get the ball. Still, Kennedy players are making it tough for her to get open.
46-46, 1:20 to play. |
| Posted by Spike at 11:53 AM |
| Jordan Eckman ties game |
With a successful 1-and-1 trip to the fould line, Eckman ties the game with three and a half minutes left to play.
Brittany Bowsher answers for Issy.
Kennedy's Carly Koebel makes a bucket.
Kelsey Burns at the line: Misses first shot, makes second
Kennedy 45, Issy 44, 2:21 to play. |
| Posted by Spike at 11:50 AM |
| Five-minute report |
Issy trails by one point with five minutes to play. Beth Knudtson delivers with a bucket. Carly Koebel answers for Kennedy.
Knudtson hits a jumper on the next trip down court. Issy gets the ball back with a 42-40 lead now, 4:04 remaining. |
| Posted by Spike at 11:46 AM |
| Anyone's game |
Courtney Gates at the line for Issy. She makes one, misses the other. Issy down by three, 38-35, with six minutes to play. |
| Posted by Spike at 11:42 AM |
| Play for Saturday |
PFS: The initials written in marker on the right shoulder of most Kennedy players. That's their motto here at the state tourney, same as it was last year.
Kelsey Burns just made a big bucket and then stole the ball and converted a lay-in off the fast break.
Beth Knudtson converted the field goal but the Lancers hold a four-point edge at the end of the third period.
The Issy cheer squad just did their cheer on center court and now here come the players.
Kennedy 38, Issy 34. |
| Posted by Spike at 11:37 AM |
| Kennedy: No you don't |
The Lancers took the lead back, thanks in part to a jumper off a penetration dribble by Kelsey Burns.
Kathryn Field scores for Issy.
Kennedy 31, Issy 30, 4:02 to play in the third. |
| Posted by Spike at 11:28 AM |
| Back and forth |
The Lancers went up 27-24 and Brittany Bowsher hit a bucket for Issy.
Beth Knudtson at the line: Hits first shot and the second.
Issy 28, Kennedy 27. |
| Posted by Spike at 11:25 AM |
| Kennedy holding lead |
Kathryn Field hit a bucket for Issy, Kennedy answered to tie the game at 22 with 39 seconds to play in the second.
Karisa Mummert hit a three for Kennedy. Beth Knudtson made a basket for Issy as the final seconds of the second period ticked off the clock. Knudtson is the team's leading scorer with a 13.3 per game average and needs to get going in the second half and help her team. Kennedy so far seems to be guarding her tight.
At the half, Kennedy leads Issy 25-24. |
| Posted by Spike at 11:12 AM |
| Edwards with the swat |
Chelsea Edwards is off to a fine game for Kennedy and just upped the stats with a leaping shot block on the run that drew ahhs from the crowd. Score is tied 17-17 with five minutes left in the second. Both team's defenses are starting to tighten up. Issy just pulled ahead with a basket, 19-17. But Karisa Mummert drained a three to give Kennedy its second lead of the game after starting out with a 2-0 lead.
Issy 19, Kennedy 20.
|
| Posted by Spike at 11:05 AM |
| Kennedy factor: Kelsey Burns |
She just hit a big three-pointer and is starting to take shots, as she should. Burns has averaged 12.5 points per game this season.
End of first period. Issaquah 14-6.
Meadowdale is beating Yelm on the boys court 15-5 with one minute left in the first. |
| Posted by Spike at 10:55 AM |
| Gates gets busy |
Courtney Gates grabbed an offensive rebound and converted the putback to give Issy a 14-6 lead. Kennedy is still trying to find its rhythm.
Timeout Lancers, 1:40 left in first. |
| Posted by Spike at 10:50 AM |
| Issy gains early lead |
Brittany Bowsher just put Issy up 10-6. Now Kathryn Field is at the line after being fouled on a the fast break. She drained both shots.
12-6 Issaquah, 2:33 to play in the first. |
| Posted by Spike at 10:47 AM |
| Kennedy-Issaquah tip off |
Kennedy has averaged 62.5 points per game this season and Kelsey Burns just put them on the board, followed by a steal and lay in by Jordan Eckman.
Kathryn Field answered for Issaquah.
This could be a high-scoring game. The Indians have averaged more than 52 points per game.
The fans in the boys section are hearing introductions for the Yelm-Meadowdale game and going crazy.
Beth Knudtson scored for Issaquah. Kennedy answered.
Score is tied 6-6. |
| Posted by Spike at 10:43 AM |
| Warm ups: Issaquah vs. Kennedy |
No. 3 Kennedy faces off with No. 9 Issaquah in six minutes. Fans are trickling down the long set of stairs from the upper level to get near the basketball court. The Kennedy band is already set up and playing a number. |
| Posted by Spike at 10:32 AM |
| Bellevue edges West Valley 46-29 |
For the Wolverines, Claudia Bishop was at the line several times and played tough on the boards all game. She just grabbed a rebound and dribbled past defenders all the way down court to the basket.
"Defense, defense," chant the Bellevue cheerleaders.
Yes, they've played great defense. With 59 seconds remaining, other Bellevue players got in the game who may not get as much playing time, such as Jayme Estep, Jamie Webber, Annie Davison, Catherine Quehrn, who just took a successful trip to the free throw line.
Game over.
Lauren Shaughnessy and Cassidy Murillo were awarded the sportsmanship medallion.
Leading scorers:
WV Lauren Olander, 12
Bellevue Claudia Bishop 15
Rebounds:
Olander, 8
Emily Shubin 9 |
| Posted by Spike at 10:21 AM |
| Cruise control |
Lauren Shaughnessy picked up her fourth foul of the game and no one even flinched. All the Bellevue players are getting touches. With two players (Megan McIntyre, Annie Davison) over 6 feet tall and several in the high 5-foot range, they are able to keep a balanced rotation so everyone stays fresh.
Shaughnessy is the quarterback, helping to direct matchups on broken plays. |
| Posted by Spike at 10:09 AM |
| Olander factor |
West Valley's Lauren Olander keeps plugging away and just made a bucket that brought the deficit to 10. Bellevue made one of two at the line.
"Higher, higher, score," chants the Bellevue cheer squad. "Wheeew."
Gretchen Buchberger scored again.
With 4:58 to play in the game, Bellevue leads 36-24. |
| Posted by Spike at 10:04 AM |
| Rams mascot down in the dumps |
The West Valley mascot hasn't moved from its front-row spot in the cheering section since the game began. Makes you wonder how things could have been different.
West Valley players and coaches still seem determined and unfazed by a 32-21 deficit as the fourth period begins. |
| Posted by Spike at 09:58 AM |
| Shubin picks up third foul |
Marianne Lombardi missed both free throws. Lauren Olander grabbed the rebound off the second miss, made the shot and was fouled by Claudia Bishop. Olander made both.
31-17 Bellevue, 1:31 left in third. |
| Posted by Spike at 09:54 AM |
| Rams getting a spark |
On the last several possessions the Rams are getting the rebounds, creating steals and setting up plays on offense, which is helping to open some lanes.
West Valley's Jenny Springer has come up with two steals in the past minute and is grabbing rebounds left and right.
But Emily Shubin just made another basket. They need to figure out how to stop her now.
Timeout West Valley.
Bellevue 29, WV 15, 3:31 left in third. |
| Posted by Spike at 09:48 AM |
| Numbers at half |
At the half, Claudia Bishop led all scorers with 10 points. Lauren Olander leads the Rams with four, followed by Bellevue's Emily Shubin with four points as well.
Shubin just made the first bucket of the third period.
Bellevue 27, West Valley 13, 6:28 left in the third. |
| Posted by Spike at 09:44 AM |
| Halftime |
Meghan McIntyre picked up a late score from the line for Bellevue. Then Emily Shubin took a trip to the line.
At the half, Bellevue leads 25-13.
Lauren Shaughnessy picked up her third foul of the game and sat out the final minutes before half.
Once she was out of the game, West Valley was able to put together a fairly effective full-court press.
The Ramettes drill team just provided a performance, followed with a number by the school's band. Now the Bellevue cheer team is at center court, no, not cheering, posing for a a photo as the Bellevue band plays a smooth, jazzy tune. |
| Posted by Spike at 09:36 AM |
| West Valley catching momentum |
Jenny Springer hit a bucket to give the Rams nine points. With Lauren Olander on the bench, Marianne Lombardi is playing tough inside, despite missing a pair of free throws.
Cassidy Murillo just made both free throws.
Bellevue 21, West Valley 11, 57 left seconds to play in the half. |
| Posted by Spike at 09:27 AM |
| And again |
Bellevue ups the score with Leanne Bellar getting her first points of the game. Bellevue recorded its sixth team foul.
Jennifer Espinoza, the Rams' center missed both free throws but Lauren Olander grabbed the rebound and put it in.
Claudia Bishop just hit two buckets in a row, one off an assist from Lauren Shaughnessy.
Shaughnessy is such a factor being on the court that she opens up holes for her teammates. So far she has two steals and several forced turnovers.
Bellevue cheerleaders chanting "Defense, defense."
Wolverines 21-7, 4:52 to play in the second.
Mercy, mercy. |
| Posted by Spike at 09:22 AM |
| Desperate measures |
West Valley is having a difficult time getting the ball inside. The Bellevue defense is moving in swarms, forcing several awkward shots.
Wolverines cheerleaders chant "Bellevue power," as the final seconds of the first period tick off the clock. Now the Bellevue band is taking its turn.
Bellevue 15, West Valley 3. |
| Posted by Spike at 09:16 AM |
| Bellevue quickness |
Right now they have the edge, with Lauren Shaughnessy covering all of the court. Claudia Bishop has stifled the production of 6-1 forward Lauren Olander.
Bellevue 15-3, 2:15 to play in the first |
| Posted by Spike at 09:11 AM |
| Rams on the board first |
Lauren Olander scored first for the Rams. Emily Shubin countered for the Wolverines. She drew the foul but missed the free throw. Claudia Bishop put Bellevue up 4-2. Lauren Shaughnessy hit a jumper off a dribble move to the free throw line. Emily Shubin hit another bucket.
Timeout West Valley.
Wolverines 8, Rams 3. 4:49 remains in the first. |
| Posted by Spike at 09:06 AM |
| Let the games begin |
Out of Yakima, the No. 8 West Valley Rams face off against No. 10 Bellevue in the opening game of the Class 3A girls state tournament. Fans are still streaming into the Tacoma Dome in rain-soaked droves. |
| Posted by Spike at 08:58 AM |
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