Rainier Beach vs. Bellevue in WIAA State Playoffs Showdown

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The defending 3A state champion and top-seeded Rainier Beach Vikings, led by five-star senior small forward Tyran Stokes, bring a 25-1 record and 20-game winning streak into a Round 2 state playoff clash with eighth-seeded Bellevue at Bill O'Connor Court on the campus of Bellevue College. Bellevue head coach Warren King brings a battle-tested roster capable of making things uncomfortable for the Vikings.

Why it matters

This matchup features two of the top high school basketball programs in Washington, with Rainier Beach looking to defend its state title and Bellevue aiming to pull off the upset. The game will showcase some of the state's top talent, including five-star recruit Tyran Stokes, and the winner will advance to the state quarterfinals.

The details

Rainier Beach, led by head coach Mike Bethea, boasts an all-star roster featuring standouts Kam Babbs, Knowledge Wright, Marques Ili-Menesse and Achilles Reyna, along with freshman phenom JJ Crawford. Bellevue, led by head coach Warren King, returns a deep senior class including Jackson Skaggs, Max Harrity, Eduardo Molina, Kenny Shin, Trevin King and Nick Norrah, complemented by junior Tayten Jones.

• Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. PT on Friday, February 27
• The winner advances to a March 5 state quarterfinal at Tacoma Dome, while the loser faces a March 4 Round of 12 game

What’s next

The winner of the Rainier Beach vs. Bellevue game will advance to a March 5 state quarterfinal at Tacoma Dome, while the loser will face a March 4 Round of 12 game against either Vancouver Mountain View or Auburn Mountainview.