by Kyle Howard

A Metro League matchup between Rainier Beach, ranked No. 3 in the state and Chief Sealth took place Friday night Dec.9 at Chief Sealth High School. The gym was packed and the band was playing loud, creating a great atmosphere for the game. Rainier Beach looked great from the start and did what they’ve done best through the years, win big. Despite it being a close game through the first quarter, Rainier Beach took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring Chief Sealth 23-4, giving them a 49-24 lead going into the half. The Vikings were lead by sophomore guard Naim Ladd, who was the game’s high scorer with 17 points, Junior guard Marquis Davis’s great three point shooting gave him 16 for the game. Three other Vikings scored at least 10 points.

The Vikings high percentage shooting and second chance baskets were the key to their 83-52 victory. Head coach Mike Bethea said, “That was our key, getting the second chance points that our big guys got for us, Fuquan Niles did a great job defensively in the middle for us as well, and Marquis Davis shot the ball very well.” The Vikings racked up over 10 steals for the game as well as several blocked shots and played strong defense in the paint preventing Chief Sealth from penetrating to the basket.

Chief Sealth’s Pepe’ Hernandez had another great game, by leading the Seahawks in scoring with 15, but proved to not be enough. Despite the bad second quarter the game was pretty close the other 3 quarters. Rainier Beach has a big game coming up Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 pm against undefeated O’Dea at Rainier Beach. Chief Sealth will also play Tuesday at Ingraham High School, also at 7:30 pm.