3A Boys State Basketball Preview
Published 2:43 pm Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Thursday’s Quarterfinals
Bellevue vs. Kennedy Catholic, 9 a.m.
Stanwood vs. O’Dea, 10:30 a.m.
Lincoln vs. Rainier Beach, 12:15 p.m.
Cleveland vs. Garfield, 2 p.m.
The Favorite
Garfield. The Bulldogs won it all last season and have been No. 1 in the Associated Press poll throughout the season. With five players averaging double figures in scoring, Garfield’s offense is the most potent in the state — a point proven with their 118-80 victory over Wilson in the regional round.
The Dark Horse
O’Dea. The Fighting Irish got a welcome gift when they were placed in the opposite side of the bracket from Rainier Beach and Garfield. In Quin Barnard (16.5 points per game) and Michael Carter (17.1) O’Dea has the offensive firepower to match up with some of the best teams in the state. If the Fighting Irish can get past Stanwood in the first round, they will have to avenge their Feb. 18 loss to Bellevue to advance to the title game, where they likely would face either Garfield or Rainier Beach.
Did you know?
Rainier Beach has played in the 3A state championship game in each of the past four seasons. The Vikings’ run of three consecutive state championships was stopped by Garfield last season. The Bulldogs won the 4A state championship in 2014 before dropping to 3A last year.
Player to watch
Jaylen Nowell, guard, Garfield. Averaging 17.3 points per game, the junior leads five players on the Garfield roster who averaged double figures in scoring. There is no shortage of “players to watch” on the Bulldogs’ roster, but Nowell is the finest of the group.
Game we want to see
Garfield vs. Rainier Beach. Garfield and Rainier Beach battled it out for the 3A state championship last season, with the Bulldogs pulling away late to win the championship. The Bulldogs and Vikings split their two meetings this year and are likely to meet again in Friday’s semifinals, which likely will be the de facto championship game.
Prediction
Garfield beats Rainier Beach for a second straight season to get to the championship game, then defeats second-ranked Bellevue on Saturday night to win back-to-back state championships.
