BY GERARDO BOLONG
Contributing Writer
TACOMA - Outstanding guard play from Manka Montoya coupled with its signature defense pushed Foster past Steilacoom 49-34 at Wilson High School in a loser-out WIAA West Central/Southwest girls basketball 2A match up on Tues., Feb. 13.
The Bulldogs (15-7) continue their quest for a state regional berth on Thurs., Feb. 15, in a 7:45 p.m. loser-out game against Renton. Steilacoom ended its season at 12-11.
In a rematch of a regular season ending game won by Foster, 66-62, the Sentinels were caught off guard completely after closing within 39-32 with 5:10 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Reprising the role it had for much of the game, the Bulldog defense unleashed one final reign of terror that resulted in steals, rebounds and fat break baskets that triggered a 10-0 scoring detonation over nearly five minutes.
Although some overexuberance left some points out there, the total effect was devastating.
Steilacoom scored a last second basket for the final scoring total.
"We watched film and prepared to keep pushing the ball up the court and making their post player run," said Bulldog head coach Eric Smith. "Our guard (Mankanalanii Montoya) was super. We boxed out and had more energy."
Foster of Tukwila pounded away with fierce defense beginning near the end of the first quarter and built leads of up to 12 points three times, including a 39-27 command with just more than six minutes left in regulation play until Steilacoom made its final push ahead of Foster's fiery finish.
Point guard Montoya cleared for eight first quarter points as part of her game-high 17 points while playing superb defense in complete floor game performance. Precious Serafica was saddled with four fouls, but played a with key role in the fourth quarter with five of her 14 points without fouling out. Emolani Morris added seven points and held herself up for excellent rebounding.
Amerie Pastores fired in two important 3-pointers for six points. Diyhani Frazier collected three points while Moeshana Maiava had two.
Kyla Miller led Steilacoom at nine points.
2018 bi-district players for the Bulldogs are Sanela Musinovic, Ameri Pastores, Aanya Havens, Maka Montoya, Monica HwatDawtChin, Diyhana Frazier, Moeshawna Maiava, Precious Serafica, Julianna Dempsey, Cassie Fiapito, Emolani Morris, and Isyss Overton.
La Kesshia Thomas is the assistant coach and Harvard Jones is the athletic director.
