Just when it seemed like Federal Way High’s defensive pressure would eventually come back to bite them, the Eagles got a much-needed lift from their bench.
Reserves Rashawn Goosby and Christian Jones combined for 22 points, and newcomer Adrian Davis had his best game of the season as second-ranked Federal Way gutted out a 70-55 victory over No. 9 Curtis on Tuesday night in an SPSL South battle in University Place.
Four players scored in double figures for Federal Way (5-0, 4-0 SPSL South), as leading scorer Brayon Blake (two points) was in foul trouble.
“Guys came off the bench and did a great job,” Federal Way coach Jerome Collins said.
The Eagles took a 38-27 lead into halftime after Jones banked in a 25-foot 3-pointer to beat the buzzer.
Federal Way pushed the lead to 58-42 after three quarters, but Curtis (2-1 SPSL South) cut the lead to 62-51 with 3 minutes, 55 seconds left after Isom Brown’s tough layup in traffic.
But after Collins called a time out, Malik Montoya (14 points) drilled a baseline jumper on the ensuing possession to push the lead back to 13 points for Federal Way.
“We made shots when we had to,” Collins said. “We ran the offense when we had to. I thought we had defensive stops when we had to.”
After scoring just four points in the first half, Goosby exploded for 10 in the second half.
The 6-foot-5 senior was also a force on defense, grabbing four rebounds and blocking a shot.
“I knew (Collins) would count on me with (Blake) out,” Goosby said. “Not starting gives me the boost to want to go out and do my thing and help us win.
“I just had to come and bring some energy off the bench.”
Davis, who transferred to Federal Way this year from Mount Rainier, added 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, six steals and two blocks before fouling out with 2:53 left.
“I just pressure my man as hard as I can and just get after it,” Davis said. “When (the season) first started, I felt kind of lost but it settled in for me and I got it.
“Everything has started clicking. I came out here and played well today.”
D’Londo Tucker finished with 11 and DeeShawn Tucker added seven for the Eagles.
Curtis hung tough much of the night, but was sloppy with the ball, committing five turnovers in a crucial third quarter.
Senior forward Andre Lewis led the Vikings with 21 points, many coming on tough finishes in the low post.
Junior Rodrick Smith added eight off the bench for the Vikings.
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