By RayJaun Stely, The Seattle Medium
In a championship rematch from just a year ago, the Garfield Lady Bulldogs and Lake Washington High School would come face-to-face yet again with the gold ball trophy in sight. Coming off a performance where she scored 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and disrupted passing lanes with 3 steals, Katie Fiso had an opportunity to lead Garfield in their quest for a three-peat.
Both teams met two weeks ago for the 3A District 2 championship, in which Lake Washington led throughout the game before Garfield mounted a comeback and won 66-55, as the Lady Bulldogs claimed the district championship for the second consecutive year.
The Lady Kangaroos (26-2), who entered the tournament as the number three seed, were led by senior forward Sydney Hani. Standing 6-foot-1, Hani can score from inside and out, which has helped Lake Washington get back to the championship game.
When asking Garfield Assistant Coach Roydell Smiley what was the game plan entering their matchup, he stated, “Be aggressive. When this team is aggressive, they’re dominant and tough to deal with.”
Aggressive were the Bulldogs, but they started the game down 17-8 due to the Lady Kangaroos shooting 44% from three-point range and 100% at the free-throw line, in addition to playing tremendous team defense.
With their opponent off to a hot start, the Lady Bulldogs never lacked confidence as their defense came alive, forcing seven turnovers, including four steals, which helped Garfield get going as Katie Fiso, Imbie Jones, Jayda Lewis, and Rakiyah Jackson began to take over the game, igniting a 9-0 scoring run to tie the game at 17 going into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Garfield would score six straight points as Jackson hit a baseline jump shot, Fiso scored in transition, and Sarah Lessig converted on a putback layup off an offensive rebound.
While Garfield was having success on offense, their defense set the tone for the second quarter as they held Lake Washington to just seven points, which gave them a 32-24 lead going into halftime.
In the third quarter, Fiso’s individual play would carry her team as she was able to make a three-point shot and facilitate the offense to set up Jones and Jackson for critical baskets. Collectively, the Bulldogs’ defense continued their dominance by contesting shots, not allowing second chance opportunities, and forcing consistent turnovers throughout the quarter.
Holding firm with dominance on both ends of the floor, the Lady Bulldogs managed to remain in control down the stretch, and Jackson’s three-pointer in the midst of Lake Washington’s attempted comeback during the fourth quarter was the dagger Garfield needed.
Increasing their lead from 46-34 at the end of the third quarter to 58-49 as the buzzer sounded the Garfield Lady Bulldogs completed their quest for a three-peat.
Garfield was led by Jones, who finished the game with 14 points and 4 rebounds, while Fiso had 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
After the game, Fiso was overwhelmed with emotions, “This is an amazing experience, super blessed, super excited for this team. We went through a lot this year, and to finish it like this is great.”
First-year Head Coach for the Lady Bulldogs Tre Simmons expressed, “I’m super proud of these girls, all the things they’ve been through, from not having a coach to me stepping in and them wanting me to coach. It means a lot to be a part of this program and get that third state title.”
Pictorial Highlights of Garfield vs Lake Washington Girls
Staff Photos/Aaron Allen
Box Score
