Boys Hoops: Rainier Beach defeats Eastside Catholic, advances in districts
The Rainier Beach boys basketball team defeated Eastside Catholic 80-68 on Feb. 17 in a quick, aggressive and physical district semifinal, pulling away late after three tight quarters. The nation’s top recruit, Tyran Stokes of Rainier Beach, dropped 35 points in the game.
Rainier Beach led 21-17 after the first quarter in a fast start that had constant contact around the rim and heavy rebounding from both sides. Eastside Catholic’s Kevelle Parkman opened with an and-one finish, attacking early. Tytan McNeal of Eastside Catholic followed with a three-pointer and two strong layups, staying active in transition and off rebounds.
Rainier Beach responded through Wesley Armstrong, who scored two early layups and added a blocked shot on the defensive end. Rainier Beach’s Tyran Stokes knocked down a three-pointer to keep the Crusaders out of reach. Both teams were active on second-chance opportunities, with players battling for position and fighting for rebounds throughout the quarter.
In the second quarter, the pace slowed slightly as both teams emphasized creating openings for shots through ball movement and passing in the paint. Trey Garrett III of Rainier Beach connected on a three-pointer, while Armstrong added two more layups by attacking gaps in the defense. Eastside Catholic’s Yabi Aklog answered with tough finishes inside, adding six points to the board and keeping the Crusaders close as both teams battled for control. The Vikings maintained control by finishing around the rim and limiting easy baskets in transition. Rainier Beach carried a 39-33 lead into halftime.
In the third quarter, the contest tightened. Rainier Beach began leaning into long-range shooting, with multiple attempts from behind the three-point arc as they tried to stretch the floor. Eastside Catholic adjusted defensively, contesting layups and forcing difficult shots. With the score around 45-40 midway through the period, Rainier Beach’s Tariq Shabazz stepped into a three-pointer off a screen to widen the deficit.
Rainier Beach’s Micah Ili-Meneese also became more active offensively, using screens and passing in the paint before knocking down a three-pointer to keep the game close. The Crusaders answered by mixing floaters and short-range baskets from players including Yabi Aklog and Parkman, each throwing three layups and helping their team regain rhythm late in the quarter.
The final quarter decided the game. Eastside Catholic closed the gap to 70-68 with Rainier Beach still up, after baskets from Tytan McNeal and Dash Lamebull-Ingram. Rainier Beach responded with tighter on-ball defense, pressuring Eastside Catholic ball handlers and disrupting passing lanes. With the Crusader offense blocked at every turn, the Vikings took the opportunity to make a 10-0 run.
Eastside Catholic tried to catch up in the last two minutes of the game, but no shots were dropping in. The game ended at 80-68.
Rainier Beach continued their perfect season with a 19-0 record after this win, advancing to the district final, while Eastside Catholic will play the runner-up game to contest for third place.
