By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
The undefeated Lady Bulldogs of Garfield High School found themselves one win away from becoming back-to-back state champions, but standing in their way was Lake Washington. Two years ago, the Bulldogs beat Lake Washington, but the difference between then and now is their current roster.
With only three players on their current roster from their 2020 championship team, this year’s Lady Bulldogs team looks much different than they did just two years ago. In 2020, Malia Samuels and Imbie Jones were starters for an Eastside Catholic that lost to Lake Washington in the state tournament, and had their title hopes cut short. Katie Fiso and Jayda Lewis were not in high school yet.
Although they’ve won up until this point, Garfield had to play the championship game without Naveah Talbert, who was sidelined with a knee injury. Missing a key piece in Talbert, the Bulldogs had to work with what they had.
Lake Washington, Samuels, and Jones had one thing in common which was avenging losses they endured two years ago, and with a chance to be crowned champions at stake, it was time to play basketball.
Throughout the season Garfield jumped out to early big leads, but that wasn’t the case Saturday. Normally fans are accustomed to the Lady Bulldogs’ shots falling at a high rate, scoring quickly and often. However, on this night the Bulldogs would go 1 for 7 from three-point range for the game, and with their poor shooting from deep range adjustments had to be made.
The Kangaroos of Lake Washington were able to capitalize off of Garfield’s inability hit from distance, as they slowed the game down and kept the score close.
Not shooting well, Garfield was lucky to be leading 26-22 going into halftime. The second half would become a roller coaster for a championship game, because the Bulldogs first half woes had caught up to them at the worst time.
Not only had the momentum shifted to Lake Washington, the Kangaroos took a 38-35 lead with under two minutes left in the game, and Garfield needed to respond before the game would become completely heartbreaking.
With time running out, the intense defense of Garfield would show up at the right time. Samuels would pressure the ball, which resulted in her getting a steal and finishing with a layup, cutting the lead to 38-37.
Down 1, Garfield needed to respond once more and in true Bulldog fashion they did. Following a missed shot by Lake Washington’s Butler Wu, Garfield found Jones on the other end and she scored the go ahead shot which gave them a 39-38 lead.
With the game on the line, the Bulldogs needed another defensive stop to secure their chance to be back-to-back state champions. As time expired, the Bulldogs forced Lake Washington into a difficult shot that hit the top of the backboard to clinch the victory.
The trio of Samuels, Jones, and Fiso scored Garfield’s last six points which helped secure their 39-38 win, and defeating Lake Washington for the second time in a state championship game.
Garfield hoisted the trophy becoming this year’s 3A 2021-22 state champions, winning their second championship in two years. They’ll have an opportunity to three-peat next season.
Samuels finished the game with 15 points, while Jones chipped in 12 to lead the Bulldogs.
Pictorial Highlights of the WIAA Girls 3A Championship Game
Lake Washington vs Garfield
