By Kyle Howard
 
The Nathan Hale Raiders visited the West Seattle Wildcats for a Metro Division matchup Friday night, Jan 13th at West Seattle. Offensive execution would prove be the key for Nathan Hale’s 65-62 victory over West Seattle.
 
The score was tight throughout the game with several lead changes down the stretch but West Seattle just couldn’t get over the hump. West Seattle had several opportunities near the end but just couldn’t pull it off, with several missed three point attempts they weren’t able to pull off the win.
 
Both teams played a clean game, fouls and turnovers were limited, but when it came down to it nearing the end of the game, getting easy shots in the paint and solid defense was the difference for Nathan Hale. Raider sophomore Gadisa Margarsa scored a very impressive game high 34 points. On the other West Seattle’s Troy Lingle scored 21, Vidal Griffin 16 and LeTrey Newsome 11.
 
“We’ve had to learn how to play with each other when it comes down to the wire like that”, said Nathan Hale Head Coach Eric Ensign. “We’ve got a young group of players that’s starting to gain some experience now. Slowing down and controlling the tempo near the end of the game was another big factor their win, that’s not what we’re used to doing, were used to pushing the ball up court, this was a slower pace game than what we’re use to“.
 
West Seattle head coach Don Watts commented after the game, “We didn’t play as well as expected and couldn’t get things rolling. What didn’t go well is we had a couple stretches of not playing together basketball. When we step out there on the court we’ve got to be the hungrier ball club, and be a better prepared ball club”.
 
Nathan Hale is currently in second place in the Metro Valley Division with a 5-3 in league record, 9-4 overall. Their next game is Tuesday, Jan 17th at Cleveland. West Seattle is in last place in the Metro Sound Division with a 2-6 league record, 6-7 overall. West Seattle's next game finds themselves traveling to Lakeside for a game Tuesday, January 17th.