By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
The Garfield Lady Bulldogs captured their fourth state 3A basketball title with a thrilling 62-59 victory over the Mead Panthers.
Despite not winning the opening possession, the Bulldogs embarked on a 4-0 run. Mead’s Teryn Gardner scored two points to end Garfield’s early momentum. The quarter was marked by a back-and-forth battle, with Gardner giving Mead the largest lead of the game by completing a three-point play after being fouled by Katie Fiso, making it 19-16 in favor of Mead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw continued close competition, with neither team gaining more than a two-point lead. Fiso scored 8 points for the Bulldogs, while Mead’s Addison Wells-Morrison tied the game at 32 with a late three-pointer, setting the stage for a tense second half.
After halftime, Gardner was sent to the free-throw line by a foul on Garfield’s Maya Davis, making both shots to put the Panthers ahead. Garfield’s Sarah Lessig and Fiso quickly responded with four points, regaining a narrow lead for the Bulldogs. Fiso then intercepted a pass intended for Wells-Morrison and assisted Jayda Lewis for a layup.
With four minutes left in the third quarter, the Bulldogs initiated a 5-0 run, halted by Mead’s Caroline Spink. Fiso continued her impressive performance, scoring four unanswered points and making a key block. However, a foul on Devyn Hall sent Mead’s Shalya Melendez to the line, where she made one free throw. The Bulldogs extended their lead to 47-41 after a 9-3 run.
Entering the final quarter, Garfield led 49-44 despite foul trouble for Star Smiley and Fiso.
In the fourth quarter, Mead’s Reese Frederick and Gardner scored 8 points together. A technical foul on Lewis sent Gardner to the line, where she reduced the Bulldogs’ lead to 3. Fiso’s fourth personal foul allowed Wells-Morrison to tie the game at 56 from the free-throw line.
For two intense minutes, the game remained tied at 56, with both teams showcasing strong defense. Fiso then took control, sinking two critical three-pointers, one just before the shot clock expired, creating a 6-point lead for Garfield. Mead’s Gracie Wenkheimer responded with a three-pointer, leaving the Panthers trailing by 3 with 47 seconds left.
In the game’s final moments, the Bulldogs managed to maintain their lead. Gardner’s last-second three-point attempt fell short, and Lewis secured the rebound, sealing the win for Garfield.
With this victory, the Lady Bulldogs have secured their fourth consecutive WIAA State 3A Girls Basketball Championship title, continuing the winning legacy of the Garfield High School Girls Basketball Program.