Seton Catholic boys beat Meridian to reach first 1A state quarterfinals

YAKIMA – Just find Brady.

When someone’s shot is as hot as Brady Angelo’s was, Seton Catholic had to get him the ball.

Angelo scored 25 points on 9 for 10 shooting as the Cougars beat Meridian 72-60 at the Class 1A boys state basketball tournament Wednesday at the Yakima Valley SunDome.

Angelo hit five 3-pointers, all coming in the first half. His 21 points before halftime saw Seton lead 43-24 at the break.

That hot start gave the Cougars an early swagger that they rode to the program’s first victory in the Round of 12 at the Hardwood Classic.

Just find Brady, indeed.

“It gives us all the confidence,” fellow Seton guard Rico George said. “We can throw it to Brady wherever he is on the court and say ‘go shoot it’ because it’s probably going to go in.”

Now, No. 7 seed Seton Catholic is among the tournament’s big boys. The Cougars face top-seeded Zillah in a quarterfinal clash on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

But against No. 10 Meridian, Seton Catholic was the more aggressive and confident team.

Some of that came from the Cougars being more comfortable in the expansive surroundings of the SunDome. Not only did Seton draw on last year’s state tournament trip but also two games in December at the SunDome Shootout.

“The rims are different, the courts are different, the whole atmosphere is different,” Angelo said. “To get more opportunities like that to come here and play is big.”

One of those December games came against Zillah, which won 73-56. Since then, Seton Catholic (18-6) has won 14 of its last 15 games.

The Cougars are eager for another shot at the top seeded Leopards.

“We know who they have and what they bring to the table,” George said. “We’re not going to shy away from them. We’ll go in and do whatever we can to get a win.”

George finished with 13 points on 5 for 6 shooting from the field. Despite being held to one field goal, Trico League MVP Kaiden Wilson made an impact with 15 points and 14 rebounds.

After shooting 59% from the field in the first half, Seton Catholic cooled off in the second shooting 28%. Trailing 60-39 early in the third quarter, the Trojans trimmed the lead to 65-54 in the final three minutes.

But Seton Catholic buckled down on defense, which was aggressive all game in holding Meridian to 31 percent from the field.

“We knew what we had to do to win this game,” George said. “We knew we had to play physical and push back. They don’t call that much at state. We had to match their energy when they were out here and that’s what we did.”

SETON CATHOLIC 72, MERIDIAN 60

MERIDIAN (13-12) – Talon Jenkins 25, Cohen Fuller 3, Jaeger Fyfe 11, Alex Short 0, Jacob Amundson 9, Canyon James 0, Taran Burks 7, Damion Hayes 0, Pierce Brzozowski 0, Christian Clawson 2, James Hedahl 3, Nate Payne 0. Totals 17-54 (9-31) 17-23 60.

SETON CATHOLIC (18-6) – Tyler Tran 6, Mason Glassmire 4, Brady Angelo 25, Rico George 13, Lance Lee 9, Kaiden Wilson 15. Totals 21-45 (9-18) 21-29 72.

Meridian 13 11 15 21—60

Seton Catholic 22 21 14 15—72