Boys Basketball / Jefferson 89, Rainier Beach 80 -- Oregon Powerhouse Tops Beach -- Jefferson Wears Down Vikings In A Shootout

By official standards, last night's basketball game at Rainier Beach High School was just another nonleague boys' contest, another tuneup for each team's conference opponents.

But this was no ordinary game. Bragging rights were at stake. Entire communities with mirroring demographics looked forward to this one.

Forget Jefferson of Portland versus Rainier Beach. This was more like South Seattle against North Portland. Somebody had to win.

The Democrats, Oregon's top-ranked team, which is also rated 25th in the nation in one publication, outlasted the Vikings 89-80 in a shootout. A noisy, trash-talkin', standing-room-only crowd witnessed it all in the Vikings' gym.

"I knew this would be a big test for our team," Rainier Beach Coach Mike Bethea said. "This showed us where we're really at. Even with the mental mistakes and fatigue, I was pretty proud of our guys."

Guard Brandon Brooks was next to unstoppable, pouring in 35 points on 13-of-17 shooting for Jefferson.

John Pete III scored 20 for the Vikings, while Tim Ellis added 17 with four rebounds.

The Vikings matched the Democrats shot for shot much of the game, as both teams did not lead by more than nine points until late in the fourth quarter. But Jefferson's height wore down the weary Vikings down the stretch, as Rainier Beach played its fourth game this week.

"We're trying to build a program in Portland," Jefferson Coach Marshall Haskins said. "Rainier Beach is a quality program and it was a great test for us, a stepping stone for where we want to go as a program."

A technical foul called on Beach's Rodrick Stewart for hanging on the rim with 5:30 left in the game gave Jefferson the boost of momentum it needed to close out the Vikings. Miles' two free throws gave the Democrats a 72-66 lead and the Vikings did not rally.

Rainier Beach led 45-42 at halftime, forcing the game's tempo and creating turnovers with its athleticism, but Jefferson remained composed in a game that saw virtually no halfcourt offense until the closing minutes.