BY GERARDO BOLONG
Contributing Writer
The themes of run Warriors, run and please release me ran rampant in SeaTac on Tues., Jan.30.
Seattle Christian (6-1 league, 15-2 overall) neared the Nisqually 1A league girls basketball title with a strongly sustained effort that derricked visiting Charles Wright Academy 76-43 in SeaTac.
"We're feeling good about the way we're defending and sharing the ball," said SC head coach Jasen Baskett. "As I've been saying all year, when we hit our shots, we're tough to beat. I'm looking forward to the playoffs."
Due to a previous loss to Cascade Christian (4-2, 11-7), the Warriors will need to defeat the Cougars in Puyallup for the No. 1 spot on Tues., Feb. 6, provided that CC beats Vashon Island on Fri., Feb. 2.
An excellent example of sharing the ball came from Olivia Clark's 13-point, 14-assist night plus four steals.
"I don't see everything," she said. "But I just do it naturally."
The Warriors framed the winning images by running the court quickly with defensive stops and rebounding that allowed the Seattle Christian players to constantly release for breakaway lay ups and clear away for 3-pointers in the first quarter.
Seri Anderson 3-point goals from all angles plus good offensive and defensive work by Olivia Clark and Alex Ellis ignited a 14-0 scoring eruption for a 16-4 first quarter lead.
"You can't make them all," said Anderson, "I was clear and shots early."
Anderson made six 3-pointers on the way to a game-high 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
As the game progressed, the pattern continued with the Warriors posting the biggest difference at 61-25 after three quarters.
"I feel great about how we're playing," said Ellis, who closed out with 23 points and four assists.
Center Julia Seibel scored 10 points and secured eight rebounds. Anna Whitten added four SC points. Emma Baskett contributed six assists.
The Warriors shot 22-of-37 (59.5 percent) after a 10-of -15 first half from 2-point field goal range.
Seniors Madisen Fors, Jennifer Hoag, Ellis, Whitten, and Seibel were honored in their final regular season home game.
Ruby Joy Pikes hustled for 19 points and a game-high 18 rebounds for the Tarriers.
