For the second game in a row, the fifth-ranked Federal Way Eagles needed a second-half comeback to win a South Puget Sound League South Division opponent.
The Eagles (2-0) trailed 25-21 after the second quarter against Emerald Ridge Tuesday night in Puyallup. But Federal Way outscored the Jaguars 25-13 during the third quarter to pull ahead.
The Eagles were led by the 16 points of freshman DeeShawn Tucker. Senior Jerry Duckworth finished with 14, as did sophomore guard D’Londo Tucker.
Things don’t get any easier for the Eagles. Federal Way will take on the top-ranked Garfield Bulldogs and University of Washington recruit Tony Wroten at 8 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 11) at the Washington Hoop Challenge at Bellevue College.
The game is a rematch of the 2009 Class 4A state championship game, which Federal Way won. It was the program’s first-ever state title.
In other action:
Decatur 72, Beamer 57 — The Gators dominated the Titans in the second half during a non-league game at Decatur Tuesday night. The Gators outscored Beamer, 44-27, during the third and fourth quarters to get the victory.
Decatur (2-1) was led by the 27 points of Jerron Smith and 23 from Dom Hunter. The Gators also got 12 points from Abraham Logan-Ferrell and 10 from Austen Wilson. It was the third time this year that Decatur has had only four players score.
Beamer (1-2) was led by the 15 points of Anthony Moore and also got 12 from Mac Gridley.
Kent-Meridian 71, Jefferson 63 — The Raiders fell to 0-2 in the SPSL North with the loss to the Royals Monday night in Kent. Kent-Meridian outscored TJ, 29-16, in the fourth quarter to get the win.
The Raiders jumped out to a 22-15 lead after the first quarter and were led by the 17 points of Deontae Davis. Jefferson (2-2 overall) also picked up 12 from Daryon James.
Girls basketball
Federal Way 70, Emerald Ridge 61 — The top-ranked Eagles (2-0) got a big win Tuesday night over the Jaguars, who were predicted by many to be the second-best team in the SPSL South this season behind Federal Way.
The Eagles got a pair of double-doubles from Raven Benton and senior Talia Walton. Benton finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds and Walton, a University of Washington signee, had 17 points and 11 rebounds for Federal Way. Darah Huertas-Vining also finished with 18 points for the Eagles.
Federal Way jumped out to a 15-11 lead after the first quarter and led 36-19 at halftime.
Jefferson 48, Kent-Meridian 40 — The Raiders remained unbeaten on the season with the win over the Royals Tuesday at home. Jefferson (3-0) outscored Kent-Meridian 23-5 in the first and third quarters.
The Raiders were led by 17 points from Christy Kullberg and 15 from Jada Piper.
Beamer 64, Decatur 33 — The Titans blew away the Gators in a non-league game Tuesday night at Decatur. Beamer (1-1) had 10 different players score during the game and were led by the 18 points of Shyla Akins. Meghan Graf finished with 14 points and Megan Huff chipped in 10.
The Titans raced out to a 26-9 lead at halftime and led 44-19 after the third quarter. Decatur (1-2) was led by the 18 points of Kayla Lipston.
Wrestling
Rogers 48, Beamer 21 — In a matchup of two of the better wrestling teams in the SPSL, the Rams got the best of the Titans Wednesday night. Rogers won nine of the 13 matches contested and also picked up a forfeit at 103 pounds. Beamer picked up three pins, including a 1:00 fall from Tre Uson at 119 pounds.
But the best wrestling of the day came at 130 pounds in a rematch of last year’s 119-pound state championship bout between Beamer’s Ares Carpio and Rogers’ Joey Palmer. Carpio downed Palmer inside the Tacoma at the Mat Classic to snag the state title.
But it was Palmer’s turn on Wednesday. The Rogers junior won a decision over Carpio, 6-4.
Decatur 54, Lakes 15 — The Gators dominated the Lancers Wednesday night in Lakewood. Decatur collected seven pins during the contest.
Bethel 59, Federal Way 24 — The Braves won their SPSL South opener over the Eagles Wednesday. Federal Way’s wins came from Maria Manzueta at 130 pounds, Joseph Coronell at 160 and Jessy Leifi at 285. Matthew Chun won by forfeit at 130.
