BY GERARDO BOLONG

Contributing Writer

West Seattle prepared for girls 3A post season basketball action with an emphatic 76-51 win, outgunning Chief Sealth in a Metro-Sound and regular season ending home encounter on Fri., Feb. 2.

The state-rated No. 2 Wildcats (15-0 Sound, 17-3 overall) have adjusted to the Jan. 5 season-ending injury to Jenna McPhee and look forward to the challenge of district play on Feb. 7 at Seattle Pacific University.

"I like the way we're playing, now," said Wildcat head coach Darnell Taylor. "We're pulling together at the right time and executing well after working out some kinks."

West Seattle seized control of the Friday fray by utilizing a 21-0 scoring surge from 2:30 to halftime until four minutes into the second half for a 46-23 lead and never looking back.

Leading only 25-23, the No. 2 state rated Wildcats began to wear out the Seahawks with their customary storming of the court on offense and defense.

Grace Sarver released for a breakaway lay up ahead of Kelsey Lenzie's 3-point goal. Anissa Babitu's lay up continued the trend as WS flowed into its 21-point salute that hailed leads of high double digits until a game high 30-point near the end.

Normally non-starting seniors played most of the first quarter for the Wildcats and much of the fourth quarter with other reserves.

"Our team is really getting together at the right time," said Sarver, who accumulated 21 points. "We're ready for the playoffs."

Rilcy Newsome, Rosa Grossing, Hanna Yasmin and Kathryn Anawalt were honored on Wildcat senior night.

Chief Sealth had only six players available, but led at 6-0 and 11-5 before West Seattle starters began entering the game.

Even so, the Seahawks kept the Wildcats in range until the 25-23 score was attained.                              

Chief Sealth finished its season at 4-11, 5-14 , while building improvements in a true transition season of learning a new system with new head coaches.

"Our team has improved in every facet of the game," said current Seahawk head coach Richard Washington. "Our coaching staff is working well together."

Meghan Fido scored 14 WS points. Tied at seven were Jasmine Gayles and Newsome. Julianna Horne and Anissa Babitu each scored six. Kelsey Lenzie was at five with Braedon Swanson, Yasmin and Anawalt each notching two. Kaiya Mar closed at one.

Celia LaGuardia and Jasmine Smith were at 24 and 13, respectively for Chief Sealth. Kamryn Thomas posted six with Aundra Tauscher at five. Camaree McGhee scored three.