Tide Comeback Falls Short

TacomaTideSports.com - For the first time in the regular season, Tide fans got to watch the yellow and blue play at their new home: Curtis High School. Fans were not disappointed by the show that exhibited sharp shooting, blocked shots, dunks, and a thrilling comeback finish. Unfortunately for the Tide, the late rally fell short of a complete turnaround as they fell to the Yamhill Highflyers 124 to 111. The Tacoma Tide trailed by over 20 points in the 4th quarter, but behind multiple 3 point shots from Jameel "Quick" Shareef, and devastating penetration from Antwan Williams, they got within reach of a the lead but could not pull out the victory.

The first ever meeting between the Yamhill Highflyers and the Tacoma Tide had an intensity level that felt like the two teams have been rivals for years. Each team scratched and clawed like two teams that were coming off loses, and at times the battle boiled over. Two players from Yamhill were ejected on the night and two players for the Tide received technical fouls during related action.

Despite the physical nature of the contest, talent was certainly the main attraction. Antwan Williams diced up the Yamhill defense while guards like Lorenzo Rollins knocked down the jumpers. The Tide started aggressively and led the game multiple times in the first half as each team mounted spurts. Yamhill’s multiple threats all pitched in to extend a sizeable lead at the end of the half and go into the interval with momentum. Cheyenne Moore and Curtis Nash got their inside and outside game going while their point guard, Nate Bowie, lit up the court from 3-point range. Each time the Tide would rally, these 3 players would answer.

In the second half, Yamhill did more than just answer; they posed questions to the Tide in the form of trapping defense, and controlled offense. The lead seemed too daunting for the Tide. However, like the fighting team has shown in the past, Tacoma was not going to lie down and die. The effort level rose back up and execution came together for the Tide to score 10 points, unanswered. After a few free throws from Yamhill, the run continued. With the crowd getting behind the Tide and pushing the momentum further, Williams and company pushed the deficit smaller and smaller until the final two minutes. A couple key turnovers, timely shots from Nash and Moore, and possibly the fatigue factor catching up with the Tide gave the win to Yamhill.

The Tide will head back on the road next week to take on the Edmonton Energy in Canada. After the 3 game series in Alberta, the Tide will return home to Curtis HS for 7 straight home games. The first game coming against Bellingham on May 20. Tickets are available online or at the door for $10-adults and $5-students.

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