By Paul Marston

Rainier Beach pulled away from West Seattle in the second half for a 117-78 victory at West Seattle High’s gym. Beach was led by 6’7 senior forward Shaqquan Aaron’s 32 points and 6’4 junior guard Dejounte Murray’s 30 points. 6’3 senior guard Deandre Love led West Seattle with 31 points.

Beach led 41-37 late in the first half before ending it on a 12-4 run, capped by a long 3 pointer at the buzzer. Beach left little doubt that it would be victorious by opening the second half on an 18-5 run to lead 71-46 with three minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter.

Beach was relentless from the initial tap to the final buzzer, regardless of the score. Taking full advantage of its superior athleticism and height, Beach continually looked to fast-break as they pushed the ball up the court and pounded the boards. Beach’s unselfishness was also on display with its quick, sharp passing, as players were continually looking for the open man. Shaqquan Aaron dominated in the paint, particularly in the second half, using his obvious skills going to the rim or dishing off to his teammates with decisive interior passes.

West Seattle was game from outset and refused to be intimidated by Beach. Like Beach, they also looked to run at every opportunity and were unfazed by Beach’s pressure defense. Deandre Love’s natural talent kept West Seattle close in the first half as he weaved through Beach’s man-to-man defense, finishing with acrobatic shots or dunking a missed shot. But, in the end, West Seattle was no match for Rainier Beach’s superior talent as they were over-powered by Beach’s unrelenting focus and energy. For West Seattle, senior guard Ruslan Burduzha added 16 points and freshman guard Nate Prior dropped in 13 points.

Rainier Beach remains undefeated at 13-0 overall, 9-0 in Metro League play. Next, Beach hosts O’Dea Saturday night. West Seattle dropped to 4-7 overall, and 1-6 in League play.

Next, West Seattle visits O’Dea Friday night.