By Jacoby Sampson
The Seattle Medium
The Chief Sealth Seahawks came up with a clutch fourth quarter performance to get past the Cleveland Eagles in a closely contested Metro League matchup last Friday night.
Seahawks guard Simone Lieberman had seven first quarter points, that included a three-point shot from the wing, as Chief Sealth held a 12-8 lead at the end of the quarter. Cleveland was able to keep the game within reach as Jade Cannon made her presence felt in the post as she poured in four points and grabbed four rebounds in the opening frame.
Chief Sealth took control of the second quarter early as they started the period with an 8-1 run as they increased their lead to 20-9. Intense defense played a key role in the run as the Seahawks had three steals, including two by guard Miqueen Gaines, that led to transition layups for Chief Sealth.
After a strategic time out by the Eagles, Cleveland started a run of their own and climbed their way back into the game. With multiple three-point shots and trips to the free throw line, the Seahawks lead was in trouble as they fell into foul trouble. The Eagles were able to cut the lead to four points with 2:30 left in the half, but the Seahawks survived the surge and ended the first half with a 27-20 lead.
Lieberman led the way for the Seahawks with 13 first half points, while the Eagles were paced by the eight points of Jade Cannon.
The third quarter was the most exciting period of the game as both teams battled back and forth, and the fans from both sides got involved and began yelling chants in support their respective teams.
As the crowd got more involved the Eagles went on a 6-0 run. Cleveland threatened to make it a on possession game early in the quarter, but a charging call stopped the Eagles run, as both teams battled back and forth throughout the quarter.
With time running out in the third quarter, Cannon came up big for the Eagles as she grabbed three straight offensive rebounds and was fouled as she made a basket. Cannon converted her free throw attempt to pull the Eagles to within one-point, at 34-33, heading into the fourth quarter.
The Seahawks started the final quarter on a 6-0 run as Berlyn Martinez hit two big three-point shots to give the Seahawks an early seven-point lead. As the quarter progressed, Lieberman continued to put on a scoring clinic for the Seahawks as they built a 12-point lead.
Cleveland showed the competitive spirit as they fought their way back to make it a four-point game with 10 seconds left, but it wasn’t enough as the Seahawks escaped with a 54-50 victory on the road over the Eagles.
Chief Sealth Assistant Coach J’Quai Holiday praised his teams’ effort in the win.
“My girls came out and went after it,” said Holiday. “They played hard all 32 minutes.”
Chief Sealth’s Simone Lieberman left her imprint on the game, as she led all scorers with 24 points.
Pictorial Highlights of Chief Sealth vs Cleveland Girls Basketball Game
Photo/Johns Saunders
check us out on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seattlemediumnews/
