by Paul Moseley

It seems like the West Seattle Wildcats have been trying to get comfortable since their last game of the regular season against Franklin. That’s the game where All Metro point guard Gabby Sarver went down with a knee injury, and Metro MVP Lydia Giomi sat out with the flu. Giomi came back two games later to help the Wildcats win the Metro League title, but then West Seattle dropped two games in a row in the District Tournament. The Wildcats were battling additional injuries across the team and seemed to be off balance, trying to figure out how to play what Head Coach Sonya Elliot described as ‘point guard by committee’ to fill the gap left by Sarver.

Tonight, the Wildcats finally got comfortable.

In a loser-out Regional playoff game to earn a spot in the final eight state championship, West Seattle flattened the Sumner Spartans 56-18. After a week of rest and preparation, the Wildcats were noticeably relaxed coming into the game. Sumner, who only had five losses all season and only two losses in District play, were a formidable opponent but had some injury issues of their own. West Seattle came out aggressively and used every weapon on their team. The Wildcats virtually shut down the lane, holding the Spartans to two points in the second quarter and none in the third.

Lexi Ioane was in full form, scoring 13 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Lydia Giomi had 12 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and went 4/4 from the line. The X factor tonight was Annalisa Ursino, who played all night with a sense of urgency. Ursino had 10 points and 5 boards including a coast-to-coast fast break and going 2 for 2 from the line.

While the team was relaxed, Coach Elliott was not. "I was nervous.” said Elliott. "The expectation was that we had the advantage (due to Spartan injuries) and I know they are an awesome team...It’s nerve racking - it’s one and out.” On her team’s ability tonight to harness the energy they had earlier in the season and and pull it all together tonight, Elliot pointed to a goal they have been pursuing all year. "One of the words we use this season a lot is ‘unbridled’. Let it loose and play the way you can. Get out there and play our game.”

The Wildcats were unbridled tonight, and will get a chance to keep the season going as they play as part of the final eight 3A teams in Washington in the state tournament. The Hardwood Class runs from March 5 through 8 and will be held at the Tacoma Dome.

We will post game dates and times when they are published.

High performers tonight for West Seattle:

Lexi Ioane 13 pts, 8 RB 3/5 FT

Lydia Giomi 12pts, 11 RB, 4/4 FT

Annalisa Ursino 10 pts, 5 RB, 2/2 FT

Emily Fiso 10 pts, 8 RB, 2 3PT, 2/4 FT