George Edgar

(Sports Writer)

TACOMA – For the third time this season, the Bremerton Knights played the Bainbridge Spartans. The two Olympic League foes had split their two regular season meetings; but Friday night at Tacoma’s Foss High School, it was for a spot in the Class 2A West Central District title game but also a berth to the Class 2A state tournament.

Behind a lightning fast start in the first quarter and a defensive stand in the second quarter, the Knights soundly knocked off the Spartans 65-44 in the 2A West Central District playoffs.

With the win, the Knights also assured themselves of a trip back to the Yakima Sun Dome for the Class 2A state tournament in March. They finished in fifth place in state last season.

The Knights came out running against the Spartans from the outset, getting numerous layups on them as they built a 17-5 lead after the first quarter.

In the second, the Knights defense kept the Spartans from launching three-pointers, as they kept building on their lead. Bremerton led 38-16 at halftime, as they connected on three 3-pointers, as opposed to just one for Bainbridge.

“We came in with a proper mindset,” said coach Miah Davis, “walking in and knowing what’s at stake. It comes with that sustainability each night, especially tonight, what could happen, knowing that we are better basketball players than them.”

The Knights had a twenty eight point lead at one point in the third quarter, but didn’t let up defensively om Bainbridge. They limited the Spartans to nine field goal attempts in the quarter, leading 54- 26 after three.

“I told my friend on the sideline,” coach Davis said, “we’re up by thirty, and at six minutes, I still don’t feel comfortable. Right there, I’ve been in those type of situations where you get too comfortable, But I was proud of our defense tonight. I always tell them, it not your offense. What sets you apart is through your defense.”

Their defense limited Bainbridge to 42 percent shooting (18 pf 42), allowing just two 3-pointers made, and kept them out of rhythm throughout the game. Bremerton shot 53 percent (28 of 52) from the floor and made seven 3-pointers.

“Our goal was to take away the three-ball away from them,” coach Davis said. “We learned that from the first time we played them. We did a great job of homing in on that aspect.”

Jalen Davis led all scorers with 32 points, with four 3-pointers, and nine rebounds, and five assists. Though he was the only Knight in double figures, Jalen Davis got his teammates involved in the game.

The Knights (17-5) will now play Franklin Pierce (19-3) from Parkland. The Cardinals defeated Sequim in an earlier semifinal 52-38, in a rugged offensive struggle. A physical contest is expected from the Cardinals

“Its like any teams you play tough,” coach Davis said, “it’s all on the mental side. I’ve been small my whole life, but I was able to play because of my mental, my psyche. It’s your approach to the game, what’s going to happen, what’s not going to happen.”

Bainbridge Spartans - 5 11 10 18 - 44
Bremerton Knights - 17 21 16 11 - 65

J. Davis - 32 pts 9 reb 5 ast 3 stl 2 blk 1 to

J. McWhorter - 9 pts 1 reb 1 ast 2 stl 1 to

F. Allen - 6 pts 7 reb 1 stl 1 to

E. Taylor - 4 pts 2 reb 2 stl 1 to

D. Anderson - 4 pts 2 reb 3 ast 1 to

J. Turner - 2 pts 3 reb 1 ast 1 stl

T. Medina - 2 pts 1 reb

A. Matthews - 2 pts 1 reb 3 ast 1 blk 4 to

M. Lomuda - 1 pt

George Edgar

(Sports Writer)

edgar7892@yahoo.com