BY GERARDO BOLONG

Contributing Writer

Repeatedly firing away at both ends of the court, the West Seattle High School boys basketball team held off battling Chief Sealth for a 58-52 3A Metro Sound victory in the regular season finale for both squads on Fri., Feb. 2.

After Anthony Giomi's 3-point goal had stretched the West Seattle margin to 54-46 with 2:15 left in the fourth quarter, Chief Sealth ralllied back into contention.

Tyrell Moore was fouled at 3-point ranged and downed the three free throws.

The Seahawks kept fouling until the Wildcats reached the one-and-one with 26.2 seconds showing. Marcus Collins drained the pair of free throws for a 56-49 lead, but CS had one more charge left.

Sealth drew within 56-51 and had a chance to tighten it even more. Euan Canoy had a trio of free throws with 5.5 second to go and Giomi sealed it on two free throws as 2.2 seconds showed.

For the entire game, the squads exchanged evenly until WS appeared secure at 54-46.

West Seattle (8-6 Metro Sound second place, 12-7 overall) heads for the post season on a high note.

"It's always a battle with Sealth," said Wildcat head coach Keffrey Fazio. "The records don't matter. A packed gym. Senior night. High emotions. We were able to get the job done.We moved more on defense and took our time on offense down the stretch."

Sealth head coach Colin Slingsby was also enthusiastic about CS (5-10, 10-12).

Jackson Golgart, Cass Elliot, Nnabu, Green, and Giomi were honored on senior night for the Westsiders.

"We've been up and down," he said. "Our key is better shooting and we've had great games lately. I'm excited for the playoffs."

For West Seattle, Giomi scored 13 of his 16 points in the second half. Collins added 13 points - all in the second half. Abdullahi Mohamed had 11 points and Maar Rambang contributed seven pioints. Riman Barnet (5), Kendall Green (3), Elijah Nnabu (2), and Nuh'Kosi Roberson(2) rounded out the total.

Sadique Calloway scored 18 points to keep Chief Sealth in the hunt. Elijah Jackson was strong with 11 points. Moore had nine while Jauvan Gary-Jones hit for eight. Canoy finished with four and Keandre Young was at two.