By Gerardo Bolong

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

1A Nisqually League Seattle Christian had just enough quickness and desire to survive a strong, late rally by its SPSL 2A opponent to earn a 68-64 inter league victory at Tyee on Fri., Dec. 20.

The Warriors had just reached their second lead of 10 points at 57-47 early in the fourth quarter after a Jacob Fors bank shot and an AJ Vander Ley runner when the Totems fought their way back one more time with intense defense and a fiery effort. 

Samuel Deressa led a Tyee charge that included his own three-ball to draw Tyee within 62-58 with 2:32 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Tough inside play by Fors kept SC ahead by four at 66-62.

Tyee missed two consecutive lay ups sand an additional inside shot to keep from getting closer until Alex Clear converted two free throws with just more than six seconds left.

Deressa scored the final basket of the game for Tyee. 

With head girls and boys basketball coach Jasen Baskett out with the flu, assistant coach Casey Ribera took the lead reins of the SC boys after Kara Kogle was the primary coach for the girls. 

"It's tough when Jasen is gone, because he's so knowledgeable," said Ribera. "We had some guys that were sick, but they battled. Tyee is much better than last year. They really get after it. Usually our press causes a lot more problem. I'm happy they battled hard from the start." 

The Warriors sprinted to leads that reached eight points at one stretch, but the Totems kept closing the gap.

As a result, they played Seattle Christian virtually evenly until two consecutive three point goals sent the Warriors into a 37-32 halftime edge.

The fast paced game continued until the teams were tied 41-41.

SC then ran away on a Fors rebound basket followed by a pair of three-pointers from Hayden Hochhalter.

Jordan Clark released for a lay up and the Warriors had their first 10-point lead at 51-41 with just less than two minutes left in the third quarter.

The resilient Totems fired back for six consecutive points before a VanderLey basket ended the quarter leading up to the final quarter settlement. 

"We're coming along," said Tyee head coach Rod Curry. "They played like a team. The boys are becoming more coachable and we have a good coaching staff.There were a few lapses on defense, but the kids want to do well. It was a great job." 

Tyee grabbed 50 rebounds, but was undone by 19 turnovers and a low percentage second half shooting from the field plus overall poor shooting (7 of 17) from the free throw line..

Clark was key for the Warriors with 19 big points. Fors was also outstanding for Seattle Christian on a 17 point, eight rebounds and three blocked shots night. Alex Clear registered eight points while dealing out six assists. 

Deressa was constantly helping the Totems stay in contention with inside and outside offensive moves to the tune of 29 points. He also earned seven rebounds.. Mohamid Amin-Ali scored nine points and Ryan Ahmed posted eight points with 12 boards. Abdirahim Mohamed notched five points while hauling in 10 rebounds.