The Classic Heard Around Washington, Garfield vs. Rainier Beach
Photo provided by ProofNThePlay
By RayJaun Stelly
The stage is set, Rainier Beach High School tonight at 8:30pm, what’s the occasion? None other than the “Hood Classic” between the Garfield Bulldogs and the Rainier Beach Vikings, one team coached by a staple in the community who has won 8 state championships and counting, coached players such as Jamal Crawford, Dejounte Murray, Kevin Porter Jr, Terrance Williams, Nate Robinson, Lodrick and Rodrick Stewart who goes by the name of Mike Bethea.
On the other side, this team is coached by Bulldog Alum, NBA Rookie of The Year, three time NBA-All Star, won three state championships, also coaching NBA players such as Tari Eason and Michael Porter Jr, none other than Brandon Roy.
What makes this classic and rivalry so special is the location of both schools, with Rainier Beach being in the South Seattle area and Garfield being in the Central District area, neither side wants to lose to one another as bragging rights go for not only the student athletes playing in tonight’s game but also students who go to these respective schools, and to those who grew up on either side or are alumni of either school take this just as serious.
Rainier Beach has a very promising team this season, and seem to be the favorites to win this year’s 3A State Championship as they’re star-studded with talent along with a 8-2 record and undefeated in Metro League play. Leading the charge are seniors Kaden Powers, Jalyen Petty, and Nyale Robinson, followed by class of 2026 Keaundre Morris.
Powers, who announced his commitment to Rutgers University back in October, expressed his mindset going into understanding this will be his last season as a part of the back-and-forth with the Bulldogs.
“The mindset is just to go kill no matter if I’m scoring, rebounding, or just doing the little things, I just want to dominate the game, and win,” said Powers. “It feels crazy this went by fast but I am excited for these last two matchups.”
The Bulldogs, 7-1 overall record, are currently on a five game winning streak after securing the Cactus Jam championship in Phoenix. Hoisting the trophy just two years ago, Garfield is looking to get back to the helm with Jimmie Haywood and Gelonni Ervin leading the way, and sharpshooter Brandon Roy Jr.
This is part one of a two-part showdown set to take place between Rainier Beach and Garfield, those set to watch and be in attendance will get their money’s worth. The game can be watched on NFHS network and tickets can be bought at seattleschools.hometownticketing.com.
