By The Seattle Medium
One of the biggest rivalries in Washington high school basketball is set to take center stage tonight as Rainier Beach and Garfield battle in the WIAA 3A state semifinals at the Tacoma Dome. With a trip to the championship on the line, the two Metro League heavyweights will meet for the fourth time this season in what promises to be an intense and highly competitive matchup.
Rainier Beach (22-2), the No. 1 seed, has been a dominant force all season, rebounding from a surprising loss in the regional round with two statement wins to keep their title hopes alive. Garfield (18-6), the No. 3 seed, has been strong defensively throughout the tournament and will be looking to avenge three earlier losses to Beach.
For the past decade, at least one of these two teams has played in the 3A state championship game, making this semifinal feel like a de facto title game. With history, pride, and a championship berth at stake, expect a packed Tacoma Dome and an electrifying atmosphere when these rivals take the court at 9:00 p.m.
A Rivalry Steeped in History
Few matchups in Washington high school sports carry the same weight as Rainier Beach vs. Garfield. The rivalry, often called the Hood Classic, has become a marquee event, drawing alumni, former NBA stars, and the Seattle basketball community to witness two of the state’s most decorated programs battle for supremacy.
Their dominance is undeniable:
• At least one of these teams has played in the last 10 3A state championship games.
• They’ve combined for 16 state titles—Rainier Beach has 9, Garfield has 7.
• Metro League teams have won 10 of the last 12 state titles—a testament to the strength of the league and the relentless competition between these two powerhouses.
This game is not just about advancing—it’s about legacy.
Fourth Matchup of the Season
Rainier Beach holds a 3-0 season series lead over Garfield, but every game has been competitive. Their first two meetings were high-scoring battles (87-81 at Rainier Beach and 68-64 at Garfield), while the Metro League Tournament saw Beach pull away late for an 89-77 victory.
Despite the previous results, beating a team four times in one season is never easy. Garfield will be looking to flip the script, while Rainier Beach aims to continue their dominance and punch their ticket to the finals.
How They Got Here: Paths to the Semifinals
Garfield Bulldogs
Garfield earned its semifinal spot with a gritty 52-37 quarterfinal win over Bellevue, following a 67-55 regional victory over Lincoln. The Bulldogs’ defense has been their calling card, holding both tournament opponents under 40% shooting. The Bulldogs haven’t allowed more than 55 points in the tournament, proving that their defense-first mentality is paying off at the right time.
• BJ Roy Jr. has been a consistent offensive leader, averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds over the last two games.
• D-Jack Jackson has been a key inside presence, averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds in the tournament.
• JuJu Ervin is a versatile playmaker, adding 16 points in Garfield’s regional win and providing strong perimeter defense.
• Tripp Haywood has been a reliable shooter, hitting clutch threes throughout the postseason.
Garfield’s strength lies in their balanced attack and defensive intensity. They’ll need to slow down Rainier Beach’s high-octane offense and find ways to create scoring opportunities against a fast, physical Vikings squad.
Rainier Beach Vikings
Rainier Beach suffered a 66-58 loss to Bellarmine Prep in the regional round, forcing them into an early loser-out game. But instead of crumbling, the Vikings responded like champions, overpowering Eastside Catholic 82-45 before cruising past Seattle Prep 99-75 in the quarterfinals.
• Dre Morris has a hot hand, scoring 25 points in the Vikings quarterfinal matchup against Seattle Prep.
• Jaylen Petty is a two-way force, scoring 20 points per game while bringing defensive intensity.
• Kaden Powers has been dominant inside, averaging 22 points and 8 rebounds over the last two games.
• Micah Ili-Meneese has provided a strong presence in the paint, chipping in 19 points and 7 rebounds against Seattle Prep.
Rainier Beach thrives on high-speed play, transition scoring, and defensive pressure. Their ability to push the tempo and knock down shots from deep will be crucial against Garfield’s defensive schemes – which will be the toughest they’ve faced in the tournament.
Keys to the Game
1. Can Garfield Slow Down Rainier Beach’s Offense?
Rainier Beach has averaged 90.5 points per game in their last two tournament wins. If Garfield wants to win, they’ll need to dictate the pace, force half-court sets, and avoid a track meet. Defensive matchups for Jackson and Cunningham inside will be crucial against Rainier Beach’s bigs.
2. Who Wins the Three-Point Battle?
Both teams have elite perimeter shooters. Dre Morris and Jaylen Petty have been lights out from beyond the arc for Rainier Beach, while BJ Roy Jr. and Tripp Haywood can heat up quickly for Garfield. The team that gets hot from deep first will have a significant advantage.
3. Controlling the Glass
Rebounding could be the X-factor in this game. Rainier Beach’s Micah and Marques Ili-Meneese have dominated the boards, but Garfield’s Jackson and Burkett will need to match their physicality and prevent second-chance points.
4. Who Steps Up in the Clutch?
Big-time players rise to the occasion, and this game will likely come down to who delivers in the final minutes. Will it be Morris and Petty for Rainier Beach, or will Roy Jr. and Ervin take over for Garfield?
What’s at Stake?
The winner will advance to the WIAA 3A State Championship, where they will face the winner of Edmonds-Woodway vs. Mt. Spokane.
For Garfield, it’s a shot at their first state title since 2020, while Rainier Beach is looking to reclaim the crown after falling short in last year’s finals. Both teams have a rich championship history, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Final Thoughts
This is what high school basketball is all about—two legendary programs, battling under the lights of the Tacoma Dome, with everything at stake. The Hood Classic is always a must-watch event, and with a trip to the state championship on the line, expect a high-energy, physical battle. The crowd will be electric, and the game will be intense from tipoff to the final buzzer.
Can Rainier Beach complete the season sweep and advance to the title game? Or will Garfield finally get their revenge when it matters most?
One thing is certain: This will be a game for the ages.
Tipoff: Friday, March 7, 2025, 9:00 p.m. at the Tacoma Dome
