WIAA State Tourney Round 1: Bethel vs. Edmonds-Woodway (5 Takeaways)

Nars Martinez

February 27, 2019 @ 02:07 PM

The second game of the day was between 3A teams (15) Edmonds-Woodway (EW) and (7) Bethel. This game was a loser out situation, so the pressure was high for both teams. Bethel had been on a real hot streak at the end of the season, stringing off 14 straight wins, until their big loss to Mt. Spokane in their regional matchup. EW came into the game coming off a huge win over defending State Champion Gig Harbor in a loser out regional game. EW would go on to victory by a score of 54-45, leading from start to finish. Bethel's season is now over. 1) 2019 6' G Adrienne Poling got out to a hot start! The Edmonds-Woodway senior guard led the way for the Warriors in the first half. She totaled 11 points and also grabbed 5 boards to set the tone for Edmonds-Woodway attack. She ended the game with 15, but her strong start was huge for EW. She is a high IQ basketball player that can do a little bit of everything. She can handle the basketball, distribute and score inside with ease. 2) Bethel is at their best when they are pressing Bethel is known for its fierce defensive pressure and they have good quickness across the board. They got back into this game in the second half due to their on-ball pressure forcing errant passes that they would jump into the lane and steal. When EW was able to set up their half court offense, then Bethel appeared to be at more of a disadvantage. 2020 5'7 G Aj Martineau does a good job of forcing ball handlers to change direction multiple times, while she applies constant pressure. 3) 2020 5'10 G Tiarra Brown is a very good athlete! The junior wing stands out right off the bat. She can impact the game in multiple ways due to her length, jumping ability and body control in the air. She sets the tone for Bethel's athletic group all around. When she is going, they are a tough matchup. 4) Edmonds-Woodway is a well-coached group The Warriors can really execute in the half court. All players are moving without the ball and they space the floor very well. No one player is very ball dominant, thanks to a lot of ball movement player to player. Coach Jon Rasmussen used all of his timeouts wisely, getting his team regrouped when Bethel would go on one of their surges. He stayed confident, positive and upbeat all game long. Impressive work! 5) Edmonds Woodway vs. Prairie will be a fun one! Bethel is the only team in state to defeat Prairie. Edmonds-Woodway has now knocked off Bethel setting up a potentially fun matchup between the two schools. Both teams will be well-coached and prepared for one another. Will Edmonds-Woodway face fatigue, or will they be better prepared than Prairie having played a game in the dome already? We'll find out tomorrow and Prep Girls Hoops Washington will be there!