By Karrington Kincaid, The Seattle Medium
The matchup between the O’Dea Fighting Irish and the Garfield Bulldogs did not disappoint, as the game atmosphere was electric from start to finish. This was the first boys’ basketball state 3A quarterfinal game of the tournament at the Tacoma Dome, setting the tone for excitement.
Both coaches from each bench looked forward to the challenge with the utmost respect for each other before the game, knowing that this one could end their season.
The first quarter started slowly, with both teams missing opportunities to score. Despite these missed chances, Garfield set the tone with guard Legend Smiley scoring a duo of three-pointers to lead the Bulldogs’ attack. The Fighting Irish, trailing 8-6 after the first quarter, found their offense through guards B.J Shannon and Brian Webster, who both scored from the field, and Doni Burkett, who made two free throws.
The second quarter had a similar feel to the first, with both teams playing evenly. O’Dea’s Antone Araujo hit a three-point shot to keep the momentum with the Fighting Irish, while teammate Malcolm Clark knocked down two free throws. The duo combined for 5 out of their team’s total 8 points in the quarter. The outstanding defense of the Fighting Irish made it equally difficult for Garfield to score, totaling just 4 points in the quarter, thanks to Dre Niko and Jamari Harris, ending the half trailing O’Dea 14-12.
The halftime speeches seemed to have an impact as both teams weren’t satisfied with their low-scoring first-half performance. The third quarter was full of fireworks, with players from both teams hitting shots as the pressure mounted.
O’Dea made noise with Brian Webster hitting a couple of two-point shots and a free throw, while Quincy Brown made four free throws to lead the Fighting Irish in the quarter.
The Bulldogs didn’t shy away easily. Ishe Kanhukamwe scored five points, while Jamari Harris and Ayaji Simmons each scored four points in the quarter. The Bulldogs trailed O’Dea 31-28 going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter started with a bang for the Fighting Irish as Malcolm Clark scored 10 points, including four free throws. Guard Levi Orbino also contributed with five points. The Bulldogs fought hard, with Kanhukamwe scoring seven points and Smiley hitting a crucial three-point shot. However, it wasn’t enough as they ultimately fell to O’Dea 48-43.
The O’Dea Fighting Irish advance to the next round and will take on Rainier Beach in the semifinal round of the state 3A Boys basketball tournament.