WIAA 3A Third Place Game: Garfield vs. Kamiakin (5 Takeaways)
Nars Martinez
The number 3 and 4 seeds squared off in the third place 3A game. Garfield and Kamiakin were both coming off of semi-final losses to the number 1 and 2 seeds. Both of the schools had been ranked in the top 5 all season long and had real championship aspirations. Sometimes consolation games can be a bit lower in energy and intensity, but these girls came out ready to play! The first half was a back and forth battle, but the second half belonged to the Kamiakin Braves. In the loss, Garfield would place 5th and Kamiakin would take third.
<strong>1) Oumou Toure was a mismatch for Garfield </strong>
Not too many teams in the state have an answer for 2019 6'0 SF <strong>Oumou Toure</strong> and Garfield was no exception . The Butler signee played to her strength and attacked the rim with the physicality that she's done for four years. Garfield tried putting their sturdy 5'8 point guard on her, then their 6'4 center and Toure was still able to muscle her way in to score. Toure had 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block.
<strong>2) Kamiakin's Alexa Hazel had quite the career...</strong>
The 5'7 point guard entered into the Braves lineup as an instant impact player her freshman year. She is the ultimate floor general, vocal leader and teammate. Kamiakin placed in the state tournament for three years straight, behind Hazel. She has one of the best mid range pull-ups in the state and showed it off in this game, finishing with 14 points and she grabbed 11 rebounds.
<strong>3) Garfield's scoring was very balanced in this one</strong>
2019 5'8 PG <strong>Faith Brantley </strong>- 10 points
2019 5'7 W <strong>Jayla Howard</strong> - 12 points
2020 6'4 F <strong>Dalayah Daniels</strong> - 10 points
2019 5'7 SG <strong>Samaiyah Tolliver</strong> - 11 points
2020 5'5 G <strong>Sahcari Davis</strong> - 13 points
<strong>4) Garfield wouldn't go down without a fight! </strong>
When Kamiakin's muscle (Toure and Brown) fouled out midway in the fourth quarter, Garfield went on one more spurt and cut the lead down to 2. Kamiakin had a quick answer, but the Lady Bulldogs made them work until the very end. Garfield was known for their pressure all season long and they would do so until the very end.
<strong>5) Garfield will be back next year</strong>
Dalayah Daniels will be back and she is the two-time Metro League MVP. She is the enforcer in the middle for Garfield, as displayed today with 3 blocks and 2 steals. Teams always change year to year and do not be surprised to see some incoming freshman or transfers come in and make an impact for the Lady Bulldogs!
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