By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
In an emotional night for Rainier Beach, the Chief Sealth Seahawks defeated the Lady Vikings, 42-35, on senior night and the final regular-season game on Jamal Crawford Court. The game not only honored the contributions of Rainier Beach’s two seniors, guard Nayloni Matthews and forward Maty Gomis, but also marked the last regular-season contest played on the historic court before the school transitions to a new building and court.
“It was an honor to be able to play the last regular-season game at Rainier Beach’s historic Crawford Court, and to do so on senior night made the moment even more special, honoring our two seniors, Maty Gomis and Nayloni Mathew,” said Rainier Beach Head Coach Edwina Martin-Arnold after the game.
Eager to close out their regular season on a high note, the Lady Vikings won the tip-off to open the night, and Linda Chollette quickly put Rainier Beach on the board, driving to the hoop for the game’s first points. Both teams took time to feel each other out, resulting in a low-scoring first quarter. Chief Sealth’s Keimani Proctor-Mills tied the game at 2-2 midway through the quarter, and after an exchange of defensive stops, the opening period ended in a 6-6 tie.
The tempo picked up in the second quarter as both teams began to find their offensive rhythm. Chief Sealth’s Presley Williams, Alysse Bland, and Proctor-Mills combined for six quick points, giving the Lady Hawks an early edge. Rainier Beach responded as Ray Brown drained a three-pointer to halt Sealth’s 6-0 run. Rainier Beach followed up with a steal and fast-break layup from Matthews. The Lady Hawks began to build some momentum as Bland added four points, forcing Rainier Beach to call a timeout with 37 seconds left in the half. After the timeout, Matthews knocked down a jump shot to keep the Lady Vikings within striking distance, trailing 19-16 at halftime.
The second half began with Brown sinking a three-pointer to tie the game at 19-19, followed by a jump shot on the next possession to give Rainier Beach a 21-19 lead. However, Chief Sealth quickly responded with an 8-0 run led by Amina Martin and Bland. Both Brown and Martin energized their teams with two three-pointers apiece in the third quarter. Rainier Beach continued to push the pace, moving the ball well but struggling to connect on key shots down the stretch, as they trailed 35-33 entering the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw both teams lock in defensively, as the game reached the four-minute mark before Bland made a jump shot to give Chief Sealth a 37-33 lead. The Lady Hawks intensified their defensive pressure down the stretch, making it difficult for Rainier Beach to get clean looks at the hoop. However, in a final effort, both Chollette and Brown worked hard to narrow the gap. Chollette converted one point from the free-throw line, and Brown added two points off a steal before receiving her fifth and final foul, removing her from the game with 25 seconds remaining. Brown’s foul sent Williams to the line, where she converted one point to give the Lady Hawks a 42-35 victory over the Rainier Beach Lady Vikings.
Martin finished the night with 10 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists, while Bland chipped in 8 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists to lead the Lady Hawks. Brown led Rainier Beach with 18 points, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and 3 rebounds, while Chollette added 9 points, 2 steals, 1 block, and 3 rebounds for the Lady Vikings.
Although the game didn’t work out in their favor, Coach Martin-Arnold said she is happy her team is moving on to the playoffs.
“We didn’t get the win as I had hoped we would, but I am truly proud of the girls’ passion, desire, and energy. On offense, we are learning to be quick but not in a hurry,” said Martin-Arnold after the game. “It was one of those nights that happens every once in a while, where the girls could not hit shots that they usually make. Kudos to Chief Sealth on the win, and I am happy that we are both moving on to the playoffs.”
Source: Seattle Medium
