(WSHS #24, Abdullahi Mohamed)

The West Seattle High School boys just lost to Eastside Catholic in the regionals, 48-41, but this was NOT a loser-out game, so they’re on to state – next game, 9 pm Wednesday (February 27th) at the Tacoma Dome, vs. Capital. Details and photos from tonight’s game – played at Issaquah HS – when we get back to HQ.

ADDED EARLY SUNDAY: A smothering defense was Eastside Catholic’s hallmark during this game. More than a few times, they all but forced West Seattle players into a crouch to find a way to get a shot out.

But the Crusaders didn’t entirely own the game.

The Wildcats had the early lead. And even late in the game, they had chances to close the gap, but just couldn’t do it.

#22 Nuh’Kosi Roberson (third-leading WSHS scorer with 7 points) shone, seeming more determined than anyone else on the floor to try to overcome the underdog spot the Wildcats had in this matchup. Time and again he pulled down a rebound, clutching the ball like a trophy.

Time and again, the Crusaders took back the ball and slowed things way down, as if they were just killing time right from the start. They were up 12-8 after the first quarter, and built to a double-digit advantage in the second.

The Wildcats worked hard at defense too but somehow, a Crusader would pop up unguarded in a corner and sink a three-pointer. It was just hard to gain ground on Eastside Catholic, which had the rebounding advantage too.

But WSHS tried. EC was out to a 14-point lead with two minutes left in the half, led 26-15 going into the locker room, and at one point in the third quarter pulled ahead by 16. Two in-and-out shots by the Wildcats seemed to exemplify the fact that the breaks just weren’t going their way.

Then #5 Vladimir Salaridze got a three toward the end of the third quarter. Roberson netted one early in the fourth. Hope sprang anew, especially when a Sheikh three cut the Eastside Catholic lead to 7 points with six minutes to go.

Within a minute, though, the Crusaders got one of their own and were back up by 10. WSHS just didn’t give up and managed to halve that margin with three minutes to go.

So close – but Eastside Catholic made no mistakes, and held on for the win. On to Tacoma.

P.S. Congratulations to #3 Sage Nelson, chosen as the WSHS winner of the game’s Sportsmanship Award.