By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
With the stage set for the WIAA 3A state boys basketball championship game, Rainier Beach, who fought their way through the loser-out portion of the bracket, was hoping to capture their ninth state championship under head coach Mike Bethea. Meanwhile, Auburn, who had defeated two Metro League heavyweights to earn their way into the championship game, was looking to win their first state title in school history.
Although the Vikings culture was accustomed to playing for championships, Auburn didn’t want to let the experience of their opponent dictate how the game would be played.
Rainier Beach would score the game’s first six points thanks to Josh Conerly’s layup, Demar Johnson’s three-pointer, and a free throw by Jeremiah White. But Auburn fought back as Kaden Hansen scored seven of the Trojan’s 14 first quarter points, as Auburn held a 14-9 lead at the end of the quarter.
Opening the second quarter with five quick points courtesy of Hansen and Tre Blassingame, Auburn expanded their lead to 19-9 and forced Rainier Beach to call a timeout. Following the timeout, the Vikings’ Nahmier Robinson began finding his rhythm as he scored seven points in the quarter.
Even with a stellar quarter from Robinson, Auburn was still in complete control of the game. Blassingame’s eight second quarter points kept the Trojans ahead and despite the Vikings’ run they led 29-22 at halftime.
To start the second half, Auburn’s trio of Blassingame, Arington, and Hansen assisted or scored every point in the third quarter. Hansen scored seven points, Arington hit two three-pointers and had two assists, and Blassingame had three assists, as the Trojan’s held a 40-32 and Rainier Beach was in need of another timeout.
Robinson’s scoring from mid-range and Conerly’s scoring in the paint consistently kept Rainier Beach within striking distance considering that momentum was in favor of Auburn. Despite the duo’s effort, the Vikings needed more contributions from everybody if they wanted a chance at winning.
After three quarters Rainier Beach found themselves down 46-36, and with a championship trophy at stake the Vikings made a critical run. Starting the fourth quarter down by 10 points, Robinson and Conerly combined to score a quick six points, within two minutes they were down 46-40 and forced an Auburn timeout. While on their run, the Vikings managed to hold Auburn to zero points for the first four minutes of the quarter.
Even with their empty possessions, Auburn still led and Watson ended the drought by making a pair of free throws. Following the free throws, Blassingame’s scoring in clutch time was crucial from floaters inside the paint to mid-range jumpers that kept the Trojans ahead.
Although it seemed as if Rainier Beach was going to make a run, they couldn’t find a rhythm and with time winding down the Vikings’ empty possessions ultimately hurt them. With a chance to cut the deficit at the free throw line Rainier Beach missed three out of four free throws.
Leading 56-48 with a minute remaining, Blassingame’s free throws sealed the deal and once the final horn sounded Auburn had won 58-48 and was crowned the 2021-22 3A state champions.
Hansen led all scorers with 19 points, Blassingame had 17, Arington poured in 9 as the trio combined for 44 of their teams’ 58 points in their win over Rainier Beach. The Vikings, who placed second, were led by Robinson’s 17 points, Conerly’s 11, and Demar Johnson’s 9 points in the game.
Pictorial Highlights of the WIAA Boys 3A Championship Game
Auburn vs Rainier Beach
