Basketball Recap: Mariame Bongono's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Federal Way over Decatur

Federal Way played a tough contest on Friday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They came up short against the Decatur Golden Gators, falling 60-38. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Eagles have suffered since December 26, 2024.

Federal Way's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Mariame Bongono, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 17 boards. Bongono is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down nine or more in the last six games she's played. Sierra Vaifale was another key player, putting up 11 points.

Even though they lost, Federal Way smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've posted since the start of last season.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Decatur to victory, but perhaps none more so than Jeralynn Sevaaetasi, who dropped a double-double on 22 points and ten boards. That's the most points Sevaaetasi has posted since back in December of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Iyanna Waltar, who posted 16 points along with seven rebounds and six assists.

Federal Way's defeat was their fourth straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 7-9. As for Decatur, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four games, which provided a massive bump to their 7-9 record this season.

Federal Way has already played their next matchup, a 53-23 loss against Lincoln on the 25th. As for Decatur, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next contest, a 35-25 defeat against Jefferson on the 25th.