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| Levander Moore and Kenneth Lui embrace as all of Washington High School rejoice at the moment of victory. (Photo Courtesy of Jessica Lum) |
By: Richard Lee
How serendipitous it was that the teams with the top two records in the AAA square off against each other in one last boxing match for the title. A ceremonious event took place on a Friday night. With a Professional Development day which meant a day off from school for the students, there was no excuse to come out to Kezar Pavilion and support your respective basketball club.
An excellent turnout would come from both sides as the stadium was packed. Traditional customs were followed in where Washington fans claimed one side of the stands while Mission supporters took the other side of the court. Coverage of the match-up tonight was definitely abundant. Reporters, photographers, and journalists from San Fran Preps and Comcast were all gathered to record the championship game.
Needless to say, everybody watching the game witnessed a nail-biter as Mission, who had been trailing for most of the game, would mount up one final comeback attempt but would ultimately fall short as the game was so close that it came down to the final second and shot for the contest to be decided.
“It hurts, we worked hard but we just couldn’t get the job done.” said Mission’s Shaquile Fisher about the outcome of the game.
The champions of the San Francisco Section has been crowned to the Washington Eagles as they were able to edge out the Mission Bears 72-75. Forcing turnovers, the focus of Mission’s year-long game plan was used to the favor of the opposing team as they threw the ball away a staggering 31 times while Washington was able to limit their mistakes to just 21 turnovers.
“We were able to take care of the ball. A couple weeks ago(2-22-11) we just could not take care of the ball, their(Mission) press was just unbelievable but we were able to take care of the ball and make plays down the stretch.” said Washington head coach Jolinko Lassiter about how his team was able to gain the upper hand over Mission following a regular season loss not too long ago.
With the majority of the ball game being Washington leaning on a 5-10 point cushion, Mission would wake up in the final minute of the third quarter. When they were able to close out the third frame on a 6-0 run that would tie the score at 53 a piece.
The fourth period consisted of emotion, cheers, jeers, and most of all pressure. Both sides were going neck-to-neck and the lead was up for grabs by either team.
The Eagles would strike and establish an six-point lead during the last minute of the game. Hope was losing for fans of the Bears and the Eagles fans were starting to celebrate. The Bears however, wouldn’t go down without a fight.
Junior Miles Prescott would grab a missed free-throw attempt and quickly push the ball to make an uncontested lay-up while the Washington defense was still trying to set itself up.
The drama level would elevate when junior guard Algeron Malbrough picked off a Washington pass and quickly dished it off to sophomore guard Antoine Porter for a 3-pointer cutting the score to 75-72.
The intensity would reach its apex when Washington’s leading scorer, Brendon Glapion, missed two consecutive free-throws that wouldn’t made the score a two-possession game.
Despite having the game be in striking distance, the Bears would not be able to convert in tying the game with a 3-point shot. Numerous opportunites were taken from Mission but the final shots would be missed.
The instant the last buzzer rang, the Washington players erupted while the fans watching leaped to the court in absolute joy . Mission on the other hand, would look on with desolation on their faces as they wipe away their tears.
“Our seniors have to keep their heads up. The rest of us on the team are going to come back with a grudge next year.” stated Fisher after taking in the loss.
Both teams aren’t quite finished with basketball yet though.
“Well, we’re(Washington) going to enjoy this win and than… on to Nor Cal.” said Lassiter when asked about what was going to happen next.
Mission, regardless of the aftermath tonight, will still be granted a pass to compete in the Nor Cal tournament.
“We’re going to play hard like we did today.. And we’re going to go as far as we can.” said senior Jaleel Stancil who is in possession of a championship title from the previous year. Stancil, along with Travis Price-Moku, Davonta Gaines, and Alec Tatum are serving their last year with Mission basketball as seniors.
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