By Nathan Joyce
MaxPreps.com
With a nearly perfect night, Bainbridge's Steven Gray proved he's the top player in the state - just like his team.
Gray scored 35 points as the No. 2 Bainbridge Spartans edged the top-ranked O'Dea Fighting Irish, 59-58, Saturday in a key Metro League Mountain Division showdown.
Gray came out sizzling hot and never cooled off. The 6-foot-4 Gonzaga-bound guard hit 14 of 16 from the field - including 5 for 5 from the 3-point line.
"We needed that kind of game from him tonight," Bainbridge coach Scott Orness said. "Steven has the tendency to rise to each occasion. Thanks goodness he did tonight."
The only mistake Gray made the entire game was to miss the front end of a 1-and-1 with 12.5 second remaining, and Bainbridge clinging to a one-point lead. O'Dea came up with the loose ball and called a time out with 5.6 seconds left, but the Irish couldn't get off a decent shot on the other end.
Gray scored 10 of the team's 12 points in the fourth quarter.
"In a game like this, you look for your go-to players to stand up and be that guy," O'Dea coach Phil Lumpkin said of Gray. "And he was tonight."
The win put Bainbridge (16-2 overall, 13-1 league) a half game ahead of O'Dea (15-2, 12-1) in the league standings.
The two teams meet again Thursday night on Bainbridge Island with the league title on the line.
O'Dea's highly-touted guard Jamelle McMillan (the son of Portland Trail Blazer coach Nate McMillan who is headed to Arizona State) scored nine points and was in foul trouble much of the second half.
Bowling: Sister Act Prevails at State
Last year, Bremerton's Emmy Thomas won the state bowling title. This year, it was her older sister Kayla's turn. Kayla, a senior, broke the 200-mark in four of the six games to capture the Class 3A/2A title at Lynnwood Lanes. Emmy's repeat bid fell short thanks to an injured left hip.
"I thought my sister was going to get it," Kayla told the Kitsap Sun.
Rachel Kreigbaum of Battle Ground rolled 1,169 to win the Class 4A title. It was the first year the state tournament was divided into two classes. Wilson won the Class 4A team title for a second straight year. Shelton won the Class 3A/2A title.
Hall of Fame: Emtman Highlights Class
High school All-American and 1992 NFL draft top pick Steve Emtman (Cheney) will be inducted into the state high school Hall of Fame, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association announced. The induction is April 18 at the Yakima Convention Center.
The other members of the class are: Mark Hendrickson (Mount Vernon), who played in the NBA and is still pitching in the majors; Chuck Richards (Stadium), an Olympic swimmer; and the Wilson boys swimming team, which won 24 state titles between 1960 and 1983. Wayne Lackman (Gig Harbor), a nationally recognized choral instructor was inducted for fine arts. Coaches Steve Escame (tennis at Foster and Decatur) and Williams "Jake" Maberry who had a 521-118 record as boys basketball coach at Lynden. Official Jack Reynolds and administrators Buddy Lee Gibson (Oakesdale) and Barbara Twardus (Seattle School District) will also be inducted.
Football: Kickoff Classic Field Set
The field for the Emerald City Kickoff Classic, the season-opening football showcase held annually at Qwest Field has been announced.
Here's the schedule for the Sept. 1. event: Royal vs. Eatonville (9:30 a.m.), Selah vs. Franklin Pierce (noon), Gig Harbor vs. Lakes (3 p.m.), Kentridge vs. Inglemoor (5:30 p.m.), Newport vs. Liberty (8 p.m.).
For the second year, there will be an Emerald City Volleyball Invitational. The tourney will be Aug. 31 at Eastlake High is Sammamish. The teams invited are: Eastlake, Eatonville, Eisenhower, Franklin Pierce, Lakes, Libert, Newport and Rainier Christian.
Notes
With national letter of intent signing day coming on Wednesday, several players around the state have made their intentions known. Bilal Liggins, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound offensive lineman from Lakes of Tacoma has committed to Idaho.Eastern Washington landed Steilacoom receiver Eric Ford.Curtis defensive back Josh Garrett (6-3, 205) is headed to Air Force.Moses Lake offensive lineman Casey Secrist (6-3, 280) is headed to Weber State.