by Paul Moseley

The Wildcat Girls Basketball team ended their season today with a one-point loss to the Arlington Eagles in the consolation round of the Hardwood Classic WIAA State basketball tournament. The game to determine the 5th and 6th place finishes among Washington 3A schools may not have been for a championship, but both teams threw their back into it, trying to finish the season with a win in Tacoma.

In a close game from start to finish, the two teams swapped leads seven times as each side got hot on offense or defense at different points in the contest. West Seattle came out on top in the first half, going into the break up 21-18. The first quarter was punctuated by aggressive offense and accurate shooting, but both the second and third quarters were defensive battles. In the two middle quarters, West Seattle scored 12 to Arlington’s 11 points.

West Seattle’s defensive duo today was Metro MVP Lydia Giomi and All Metro Charli Elliott. Giomi dominated the offensive paint with 11 rebounds and added two more boards plus three blocked shots on defense. Elliott delivered the best all-around defensive performance, grabbing four defensive rebounds (plus five offensive boards) and making five steals. Converting was the Wildcat’s biggest issue. Going into the fourth quarter up by two, they were unable to get the extra buckets needed to pass the aggressive pressing game of the Eagles. The Eagles spread the ball around and were effective. Kayla Russ and Serafina Balderas combined for 22 points as Arlington's two top scorers, but their starting five all contributed on offense. The Wildcats had the last chance with the ball. Down by three, Giomi got a last second rebound and coverted for two, but it was not enough.

For the game, Emily Fiso was the lead scorer with 16 points, followed by Lydia Giomi and Eagle Serafina Balderas with 12 points each.

Despite the loss, most will agree it’s been a great year for Wildcat girls basketball. They were undefeated in Metro League play during the regular season and took home the Metro League tournament championship.

For the graduating seniors, it was a season to remember. Annalisa Ursino found her voice on the court and became the critical factor in several games late in the season. All Metro Charli Elliott established herself as a defensive predator while becoming a league leader in steals, and she demonstrated a beautiful jumper when it was needed. All Metro Emily Fiso became ‘Dr. Clutch’, wanting, getting and draining the ball when things got tense.

The 2015-2016 team will no doubt set lofty goals. They have Metro MVP Lydia Giomi returning. They will also get back injured All Metro guard Gabby Sarver who is among the best at bringing the ball up the court in a high-pressing league. Lani Taylor will return with her acrobatic drives into the lane, and current Sophomore Izzy Turk will be back out there draining the threes. And what about the opportunity to check the box on a District championship next year? "Definitely the girls can do it.” said Head Coach Sonya Elliott. "And there are girls coming in that can do it”.

Next year will be an exciting year to watch.

Special thanks to Miana Coleman and Erica Bowers for all the help with stats.

High Performers for Arlington:

Jalya Russ 12 points, 3 Three-pointers, 4 Rebounds

Serafina Balderas, 10 points, 3 Three-pointers, 6 Rebounds

High Performers for West Seattle:

Emily Fiso 16 Points, 4 Three-pointers, 5 Rebounds

Lydia Giomi 12 Points, 13 Rebounds, 3 Blocked Shots

Lexi Ioane 8 Points, 7 Rebounds

Charli Elliott 2 Points, 9 Reounds, 5 Steals