Todd Beamer’s girls basketball team continued to look every part a state title contender with their huge 67-21 win over Olympia on Saturday in the West Central District tournament.
The two teams met at Auburn Mountainview High School in a winner-to-state game.
Jenna Randich knocked down a 3-pointer just over a minute into the game to give the Bears a 3-0 lead. It was all Titans after that.
The next 27 points belonged to Beamer. They led 26-3 at the end of the first quarter and opened the second with a free throw.
Over their past three games, the Titans have made a habit of dominating their opponents early in the game with their agitating defense. They have outscored Curtis, South Kitsap and Olympia 71-5 in the first quarter during the postseason.
“We’re starting to click at the right time,” Beamer head coach Corey Alexander said. “These girls made a commitment to each other that we’re going to pick it up on defense, and that’s how we win games. If we can play defense like this day-in and day-out, I’ll take it.”
Averie Stock put an end to the scoreless drought for Olympia with just over 6:30 to play in the second quarter. The second quarter would go on to be the best quarter of the night for the Bears, and they were still outscored 19-15.
Nia Alexander once again led the Titans in scoring with 21 points. She was efficient, shooting from all areas of the court and finishing with a field goal percentage over 50 percent.
Bria Rice, who usually assumes the role of a facilitator more than a scorer, also flashed her ability to shoot with a couple of 3-pointers. She finished with 13 points and was the Titans second-leading scorer.
While Beamer’s defense was the highlight of the night, they were also able to showcase their depth.
Every member of the team played and every member of the team took a shot. All but two players scored in the game.
After leading 45-18 at the half, Beamer would hold the Bears to three points in the third quarter and none in the fourth. There was a running clock for most of the fourth quarter as the Titans’ lead climbed to over 40 points.
The Titans forced over 20 turnovers once again.
Makenna Woodfolk and Darion Brown both added eight points for the Titans. Makenzie Bond finished with seven.
“This was one of our better games where we moved the ball a lot,” Corey Alexander said. “Everybody touched the ball. They didn’t come down and shoot the ball immediately. We passed up some good shots for better shots.”
The win means the Titans (21-2) are headed to the state playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. They still have the opportunity to win their second consecutive district title as well.
They defeated Gig Harbor (15-7) 63-40 to reach the district championship game. They will play Kentlake at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Puyallup High School.
Previously, Beamer beat Kentlake 49-44 on Jan. 19. It was the Titans’ smallest margin of victory this season.
Federal Way eliminated from district playoffs
The Eagles’ season came to an end as they fell 47-31 to South Kitsap on Saturday in a loser-out game. Previously the Eagles lost their first round game of districts to Olympia.
Federal Way finished their season with a 6-15 record.
