Stokes, Rainier Beach overwhelm Bellarmine Prep in state semis

Not even Bellarmine Prep’s lockdown defense could overcome the nation’s top recruit.

Five-star forward Tyran Stokes directed the show, Vikings guard Michah Ili-Meneese dropped a career-high 30 points, and No. 1 Rainier Beach toppled the Lions, 71-49, to reach Saturday’s 3A championship game in Tacoma.

It’s no secret that Bellarmine’s Bobby Moorehead has built a winner in the South Sound — the second-year head coach is responsible for putting Lions basketball back on the map. The defense that carried them here was on full display again Friday, forcing the Vikings to wait more than four minutes for their first field goal.

But Stokes and Ili-Meneese quickly recovered from a sluggish first quarter to finish what’s been inevitable this season. No. 1 Rainier Beach (23-0) is one win away from an undefeated season and back-to-back state titles at the Tacoma Dome.

“We’ve got to execute when you need to execute,” Rainier Beach head coach Mike Bethea said. “It’s my job to get them ready for it and have them ready, because we know we’re going to get everybody’s best shot.”

Knotted early, Rainier Beach built a 14-2 run in the second quarter and never looked back. Ili-Meneese thrived with quick cuts to the rim, finishing an impressive 14-of-17 from the field. The Vikings shot a combined 49 percent and piled 22 points in the paint to Bellarmine’s two.

“My defense really woke me up on the offensive side, helping me get into that rhythm,” Ili-Meneese said. “Just being more aggressive.”

Stokes was everywhere, posting 15 points (3-7 FG), six rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block. Vikings guard KJ Hightower had eight points and wing Kam Babbs added seven.

Bellarmine Prep’s Luke Heisel scored a team-high 17 points, but Rainier Beach held standout Lions guard Ronnie Wiggins to three points (10 REB).

Bethea is a nine-time state champion at Rainier Beach. How good would No. 10 feel with a win on Saturday?

“Same as No. 1, man,” Bethea laughed. “They’re all good.”

Rainier Beach meets the winner of No. 7 Lincoln and No. 5 Gonzaga Prep in the 3A bracket’s adjacent semifinal. Saturday’s championship game is set for 7 p.m.