Interesting Quarterfinals in 3A State Hoops
The State 3A hoops tournament started yesterday. All the favored teams won their first round games, setting up some interesting quarterfinal matchups.
Undefeated Renton plays two-time defending champions O'Dea at 3:30 today. O'Dea, with junior guard Jamelle McMillan (son of coach Nate) plays a defensive-minded game. We're hoping for a Renton win, which would set up an run and gun game between the Indians and Rainier Beach. But...
Rainier Beach must first beat 24-1 Lynden. Lynden, ranked #5, is called a potential spoiler by the Seattle Times. But Rainier Beach is Rainier Beach. Their athleticism is unmatched, and they have the best all-around player we've seen this year in Ryan Anderson. Beach demolished Chehalis yesterday--they led 35-9 at half and ended up winning 63-34.
Seattle Prep survived their worst nightmare yesterday--two early fouls to McDonald's All-American center Spencer Hawes--and beat R.A. Long. Today, they face Mark Morris, which probably doesn't have much of a chance.
The other quarterfinal is Mount Si vs. Franklin Pierce.
The first game (Renton/O'Dea) is at 3:30. You can follow the action via the WIAA webcast or Seattle Times state hoops blog. Or just head to the Tacoma Dome. It's $9.
