The Rainier Beach varsity basketball team (Seattle, WA) is set to play a home conference game against Garfield (Seattle, WA) today at 8 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Garfield vs Rainier Beach
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 8:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Garfield vs Rainier Beach

The Washington high school basketball scene has been energized this season by two powerhouse teams in the Seattle area—Garfield and Rainier Beach. Both schools have had impressive records so far, but the matchup between these two rivals has been especially intense, showcasing their strengths and unique playing styles. Let’s dive into how these teams have fared this season and their head-to-head matchups.

Garfield High School Basketball Overview

Garfield has been strong this season with an overall record of 16-5, finishing with a solid .762 win percentage. Their district performance was also commendable with an 11-5 record. Garfield’s home game advantage has been notable, boasting a 7-3 record, while they’ve also managed a solid 8-2 mark on the road. The team’s offensive capabilities have been impressive, averaging 77.2 points per game. They’ve been effective in certain quarters, with a particularly strong third quarter average of 37 points, although their scoring tends to dip in the second quarter, where they only average 12 points.

The team’s defense has allowed 1,490 points throughout the season, resulting in a points-against average of about 80 points per game. While their defensive strategies may need improvement, Garfield’s offense has been the driving force behind many of their wins.

Rainier Beach High School Basketball Overview

Rainier Beach, on the other hand, has been a juggernaut this season, boasting a remarkable 20-2 overall record. With a flawless 14-0 district record, they’ve been dominant in their league, and their win percentage stands at an impressive .909. Rainier Beach has not only excelled at home, going 10-2, but their away record has also been flawless with a perfect 7-0 on the road. Rainier Beach is a high-scoring team, averaging 90.1 points per game, with a particularly strong fourth quarter performance, scoring an average of 24 points.

Defensively, Rainier Beach has allowed 1,435 points, averaging about 63 points per game allowed. This means they’ve been able to consistently shut down opposing offenses, a testament to their defensive discipline and athleticism. Their high-scoring offense combined with a stifling defense has been a formula for success this season.

Head-to-Head Results

Garfield and Rainier Beach have faced off twice this season, with Rainier Beach emerging victorious in both games. On January 3, 2025, the teams met at Rainier Beach, where Rainier Beach claimed an 81-71 win. Then, on January 27, 2025, the two teams faced off again, this time at Garfield, with Rainier Beach securing a 68-64 victory. In both games, Rainier Beach showcased their offensive firepower and ability to close out games in key moments.

Common Opponents Breakdown

Looking at common opponents, both teams have had strong performances, but Rainier Beach has managed to stay undefeated against these rivals. For example, both teams defeated West Seattle, but Rainier Beach did so by a more commanding score of 86-45, while Garfield won 64-56. Against Eastside Catholic, Garfield suffered a loss (61-52), but Rainier Beach secured a dominant 99-72 win. These results show Rainier Beach’s ability to dominate their competition more consistently across the board.

Additionally, when both teams squared off against Roosevelt, Garfield maintained a strong record, winning 84-50, 72-49, and 76-51 in their matchups, while Rainier Beach also secured victories by sizable margins, including a 86-71 win.

Looking Ahead

Both teams have their sights set on continued success, but Rainier Beach currently holds the edge in head-to-head matchups. With the next game between Garfield and Rainier Beach slated for later in February, it will be an exciting contest to see if Garfield can finally break through or if Rainier Beach will continue their dominance.

While Garfield’s balanced scoring approach gives them a fighting chance, Rainier Beach’s fast-paced, high-scoring game combined with strong defense has made them the team to watch this season. Both teams have shown they can win against top competition, but with their current records and past head-to-head results, Rainier Beach has proven to be a formidable opponent.

As both teams move forward into the second half of their schedules and beyond, their rivalry will continue to captivate fans and showcase the best of Washington high school basketball.