Seattle Christian School ran off to quick early lead to leave Bellevue Christian in its tracks en route to a 39-16 Nisqually 1A boys basketball home win on Friday, Jan. 18.
"The last time we played them, it was close (in a 53-45 Warrior win)," said an astonished SCS head coach Shaun De Yager. "We focused really hard the last couple of days. Our idea was to take away their shooters. We smothered them when they had the ball and tried to keep their big kid (six-foot, nine-inch Jake VanDenBrink) away from the basket. It was a chance to rest our players for the Saturday game at (first place and undefeated) Cedar Park Christian (Bothell)."
Like a boxer catching an opponent before the foe gets warmed up, the Warriors landed the knock out punch early.
Seattle Christian's spectacular transition offense was made possible by clinging defense plus Bellevue Christian's poor shooting from the field as the Warriors sprinted to an 11-0 lead after one quarter.
Whether it was the in your face SCS defense rushing the BCS shooters or the Vikings missing shots of their own volition, Bellevue Christian was unable to convert shots, thereby unleashing the Warriors to run the floor for high percentage shot opportunities.
Seattle Christian pitched a shut out for nearly 14 minutes from the start of the game.
With 2:07 left in the first half, Bellevue Christian made a free throw to trail 16-1.
First half shooting from the field showed the Vikings with a 2-for-19 10.5 percent effort on the way to 4-for-25 by the end of the game compared to the final game 8-for-26 by the Warriors.
Tightly grasping an 18-6 first half lead, the Warriors braced themselves for a Viking rally that never materialized.
Utilizing its half court offense to set up easy shot chances and run off clock time, Seattle Christian held on to double-digit leads the rest of the way, extending the difference to 23 points twice, including the final score
Spread out scoring by Seattle Christian highlighted the unselfish team play and the opportunity to rest starters.
Cody Miller led the way with eight points and nine rebounds while a trio of players were close behind. Cody Gunhus added seven points and four assists while Shane Pierotti had seven point and six rebounds. Another seven point scorer was Josh Perkinson, who also grabbed six boards. Shawn Abe corralled nine caroms.
Kemper McQuaid notched seven points for Bellevue Christian.
Prior to the start of the game, ceremonies to honor the No. 3 jersey of Katie Collier were held. It was only the third jersey number retired in the history of Seattle Christain. Watch for an upcoming article that details the ceremony.
Despite a mighty effort on Saturday, Seattle Christian was edged out, 64-61, in overtime at Cedar Park Christian to end the week at 7-5 league and 9-7. Cedar Park was at 10-0 and 14-0.
The entire game was battled evenly with a 9-9 first quarter draw followed by a 25-24 SCS halftime lead. Cedar Park took a 38-37 lead after three quarters before the teams fought to a 57-57 stand off after four quarters.
Cody Miller's 21 points lead a foursome of Warrior double figures scorers. The threesome of Spencer Eble, Josh Perkinson and Shane Pierotti earned 10 points each.
Nate Lundberg (18), Trey Drechsel (16), and Luke Sauferer (11) paced Cedar Park Christian.
