Rainier Beach vs. Eastside Catholic (5 Takeaways)
The #1 Rainier Beach Vikings took the court Thursday against #2 Eastside Catholic in which both teams were coming in undefeated. The Beach Boyz were very short handed but still managed to come out with a victory. Rainier Beach didn’t…
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Continue ReadingThe #1 Rainier Beach Vikings took the court Thursday against #2 Eastside Catholic in which both teams were coming in undefeated. The Beach Boyz were very short handed but still managed to come out with a victory. Rainier Beach didn’t have 3 starters with Jaivion Garrett, Jamon Kemp and Kenny Curtis all out. Eastside held a tight lead for majority of the game till midway through the 3rd. Eastside was lead by Shane Nowell who ended with 20 points, Syon Blackmon had a big game chipping in 16 and Jaylahn “JT” Tuimoloau scored 13. It still wasn’t enough to stop Beach. With big performances from Marjon Beauchamp who continued his hot streak with 33 points. Micah Monroe and Naysean Baisey both added 15 and contributed big down the stretch.
5 Takeaways
Beauchamp catching fire.
Marjon has eclipsed the 25point mark in each of the last 5 games and has had 30 plus in 3 of the last 4. Prior to this run, his season high was 23. He is averaging 32.2 points in his last five games, including a 44 point explosion where he barried 10 three pointers. His jumper is falling and he is never lacking swagger but he has an extra swag to his step now-a-days. Even though Beach is undefeated in state this season, this is a great sign for their star SG to be hitting his stride heading into playoffs.
Is Eastside Catholic a real contender this year?
This is the first loss for the Crusaders this season in a game they controlled for majority of the game. The three leading scorers for Eastside ( Shane, Syon, JT) all went cold in the 4th. They combined for just 9 forth quarter points vs. Beauchamp who score 8 points in the 4th. To question the legitimacy of Eastside after a loss to the #1 team would be over critical. This is a team who’s 3 best players are underclassman and have 4 underclassman starters. Maybe it’s premature to consider them favorites but they have earned the title of ‘contender’ with their play thus far. Side Note: Star sophomore point guard Nolan Hickman didn’t play in the first quarter, as he is coming back from a leg injury.
Who is the real MVP?
Marjon made his case for Metro MVP and has been over the last month. If it was in doubt, I think he put them to bed. Shane Nowell, Kyle Luttinen and Paolo Banchero were in the conversation but after out playing Nowell and having the lone undefeated record in the league, it is basically a lock for the 28th ranked junior.
Backup Beach Boyz
With so many injuries and absences on the roster, it forced Coach Bethea to give extended minutes to some unfamiliar faces. While Marjon had a big game, the star from Thursday night was Naysean Baisy. His 15 points and big shot making were critical for Rainier Beach success. We also got a look at sophomores Julien Agusto and Franco Gratten along with others. It’s always impressive to see the talent that is hidden at Rainer Beach. Agusto and Gratten showed potential and great athletic ability but also showed their youth and inexperience. Nonetheless, amazing depth of talent.
Round 2
With round 1 going to the Southside, these teams will be facing each other in the Metro Championship. It will be interesting to see how each team adjust and both teams being healthy will play a factor. Beach showed some zone which they haven’t shown much of this year. Beach will be fully equipped and Eastside will have to go back to the drawing board. Who will be crowned the Metro League champ?