7:24 PM: That of course is what the fireworks are for … Seattle 29, New England 13!

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

7:53 PM: Jim tells us there’s a victory party in The Junction at Walk-all-Ways … when they have the signal! (Added, here’s a screengrab from the California/Alaska traffic camera:)

(And video:)

8:05 PM: For those wondering, KING 5 TV confirms the victory parade will be on 4th Avenue this Wednesday (February 11), northbound from Pioneer Square.

ADDED MONDAY MORNING: The official announcement of a 10 am Wednesday Lumen Field celebration (free tickets required) and 11 am parade on 4th Avenue is here.

As noted earlier this month, the Chief Sealth IHS flag-football team finished third at the district tournament and won a berth at the state championships. Their opening game on Saturday was a tough one – facing top-seeded Lynden in their back yard at Ferndale – and the Seahawks lost 35-0. Congratulations to the team on a great season!

The giant 12 flag is flying tonight at the West Seattle Corporate Center – as it did (after a lot of hoopla) before the Seahawks’ championship win in 2014 – and two of the 11 venues on our Super Bowl party list (for those who haven’t locked in a plan by now) are in line of sight:

OUNCES: The beer garden/taproom at 3809 Delridge Way SW had a Super Bowl party on the calendar even before the Seahawks were locked in for The Big Game – which is probably why their tables are all booked, but they’ve left some space for walk-ins.

THE SKYLARK: Up the block at 3803 Delridge Way SW, The Skylark is opening early for the game, and has announced a special menu. Four screens including the big 120-incher.

The Admiral District has options:

TASTE OF MUMBAI / MUMBAI MOONSHINE: At 2300 California SW, this recently renovated venue will be open at 11 and offering both the family-friendly dining room with “three large TVs” and the 21+ bar as viewing venues.

ADMIRAL PUB: At 2306 California SW, always a popular place to get your sports on. “Two large projector screens”; show up at 1 pm to secure a table.

GOOD SOCIETY: The brewpub at 2701 California SW is offering food and drink specials, from pints to pretzels. Four screens!

On to The Junction:

ALKI MASONIC CENTER: You’re invited to the center’s 2 pm party, with food and drink – they’re off the parking lot at 40th SW and SW Edmunds. Bring $10 donation for the food – or bring an appetizer.

REVELRY ROOM: Open at 1 pm, with food and drink specials. (alley side of 4547 California SW)

POGGIE TAVERN: Watch at West Seattle’s dive bar (4717 California SW)!

CORNER POCKET: 3 pm start. Raffles for Seahawks gear. (California/Alaska)

In Morgan Junction:

BEVERIDGE PLACE PUB: Open at 1 pm with five screens and specials. (6413 California SW)

And on Alki:

SEASIDE GRILL: Noon start for “tailgate party” at 2820 Alki SW, with food and beverage specials.

P,S. Some venues are closing, or closing early, on Sunday; we’ll include the ones we hear about in our Sunday morning event list.

(WSB photo, February 2025 clinic)

Two weeks ago, we told you about tomorrow’s annual skills clinic with West Seattle High School softball-team members mentoring younger players, 7-13. We have an update tonight – it’s on, rain or shine, and the second session has a few openings:

-No rain in the forecast for the morning so far, but since the field is turf, clinic is on, rain or shine!

-Spots still available for the Advanced session starting at 10:15 am. Register online at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/wshs-softball-clinic, or walkups will be accepted if participants can pay via link/QR code or have exact cash.

The clinic’s in the upper field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

Last night was also Senior Night – final home game of the season – at Chief Sealth International High School, whose basketball teams hosted Nathan Hale HS. We weren’t able to get to the girls’ game, which Hale won. Sealth’s senior girls on the roster are Alysse Bland, Mariah Rillo, Dajah Johnson, and Alana Domingo Rago.

For the boys, who defeated Hale 56-52, seniors on the roster include G’Anthony Nichols, Abdullah’ı Yusuf, Judah Doucettperry, and Calvin Washington Jr.

During the game, Doucettperry, #14, led scoring.

Next was #2, Adnaan Mohamed:

#5, Silas Lee, hit two three-pointers:

Shots like. those of course were crowd-pleasers:

Rebounding leader was Washington, #30:

Here’s Nichols. #4, taking a shot:

And Koby Ioane, #11:

Sealth also celebrated Senior Night for the cheer team:

That included senior cheerleader Joyleah Rodrigues:

Senior cheerleader Lyliann Truong:

Senior cheerleader Kimberly Herrera:

Last night’s games were the last one on the season schedule for both Sealth varsity teams.

Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The West Seattle High School boys and girls basketball squads honored their senior athletes on Friday night, as WSHS hosted Roosevelt for back-to-back home games with a senior ceremony prior to each game.

The girls played first, and the seniors are Jhamae Hidalgo, Izzy Baber, and Lucy Parker:

The WSHS senior boys are Jack Aykens, Esayas Brigham, Sully Pond, Tyce Sayles, Lane Anderson, Owen Merta, and James Ko:

In the girls’ game, the visiting Rough Riders (with a strong 19-2 record on the season) got off to a hot start and took a 50-16 lead into halftime, and kept cruising to earn a 78-38 victory over the Wildcats. WSHS was led in scoring by sophomore Ayla Moore with 13 points, followed by freshmen Ella Brown and Edna Tito with 8 points each. On the Roosevelt side, freshman Molly Kirkland poured in 16 points while junior Audrey Richardson added 12.

The boys’ game was a hard-fought battle, with WSHS having the edge in the first half, leading 20-15 after the first period and 27-16 at halftime. In the second half, though, Roosevelt clawed back and tied the game late in the 3rd quarter, taking a 49-47 lead in the final minutes and holding on to top the Wildcats by a score of 55-52. The Wildcats were led by senior Sully Pond with 17 points and junior Gabe Kearney with 8. For Roosevelt, sophomore Jason Dollar notched 18 points and senior Jake Sprangers added 11, and the Rough Riders have a season record of 7-13 as they prepare to face powerhouse Rainier Beach (which played at WSHS in January, featuring the nation’s top player Tyran Stokes) today.  

This was the final game of the season for the WSHS girls, who finished 5-14 on the year, and the boys are 5-15 with one game remaining — today (Saturday 2/7) at 2:30 PM at home against Garfield. 

Here are some photos of the teams in action, starting with the girls, led by Ayla Moore:

Edna Tito:

Ella Brown:

Junior Seneca Lucas (#10) and senior Lucy Parker (#3):

WSHS girls coach Darnell Taylor and staff:

For the boys, seniors Lane Anderson (#1) and Sully Pond (#2):

Senior Owen Murta:

Junior Tatum Joyner (#5) and Anderson:

Juniors Gabe Kearney (#13) and Tre Samek-Burns (#14):

Senior Esayas Brigham:

WSHS boys coach Rick Ticeson and staff:

At halftime of the girls’ game, the Madison Middle School basketball team (many of which will be future WSHS Wildcats) entertained the crowd with a quick scrimmage:

And the WSHS cheer squad and student section kept the energy high throughout the games:

Another West Seattle show of support for the Seahawks, as they get ready to return to the Super Bowl on Sunday (3:30 pm vs. New England) – thanks to Richard Figgins for sharing the photo of Hope Lutheran School students who formed a giant 12 (updated) on the north-campus patio this afternoon!

Actually it might be colder than -12 where those three posed with Seahawks gear while traveling in Antarctica. The photo was sent by former radio journalist Gregg Hersholt, who included the caption: “Three West Seattle residents cheering on the Seahawks in Antarctica. Yours truly, former KOMO-TV meteorologist Seth Wayne, and my wife Maureen. Now we just need to find a way to watch the game!”

Thanks to the texter who sent the photo of their “12th skeleton.” For anyone who hasn’t locked in where they’re watching the Big Game, we’re making a last-minute list of venues with Super Bowl watch parties – please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Lillie asked us to share this with you:

I am a gymnast at West Seattle High School. We are currently fundraising for new Balance Beam mats, uniforms, and coaching stipends. Here is the Link for our fundraising. If we could get your help I truly believe that we will reach our goal. Any amount of money is really appreciated. GO WILDCATS!

If you heard fireworks a little while ago, they were probably a lot closer than Lumen Field – seen above in Jerry Simmons‘s photo – but same reason: The Seahawks beat the L.A. Rams 31-27 and are headed to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2015 – February 8, 3:30 pm, in Santa Clara, California. Where will you watch? First Super Bowl party announcement we received – even before the Seahawks’ win – is from Ounces in North Delridge (all ages, “well-behaved pups” welcome too). We’ll add all the announcements we receive to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

5:40 PM: Even if you didn’t see the flyover before the Seahawks game, you might have heard the jets (we did). The team says these were two F-15EX Eagle IIs from the 123rd Fighter Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard.

Thanks to Steven Rice for the two photos above, and Jerry Simmons for this one:

The squadron is based in the Portland area.

7:01 PM: The Seahawks won (lots of fireworks as a result) and are headed to the Super Bowl, February 8 vs. the New England Patriots.

6:34 PM: Thanks to Jerry Simmons for the photo of Seahawks spirit across the bay. It’s all in advance of Sunday’s NFC championship game, Seahawks vs. L.A. Rams, 3:30 pm kickoff, with a Super Bowl trip up for grabs. Reminder, the West Seattle Water Taxi has added postgame runs, as mentioned in our morning traffic/weather tracker. And for the ticketless West Seattle fans, any venues planning viewing parties are welcome to email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – so we can add to our Event Calendar.

10:08 PM: More photos, sent by Brittney – above, a wider view of the skyline; below, the building’s property-management crew who she says did the work (with one member who had to be added to the pic because she left before the group shot):

(WSB photo from last year’s clinic)

Once again this year, West Seattle High School softball players plan a clinic to mentor younger players and fundraise for their program, and registration is open now! Here’s the announcement:

West Seattle High School’s softball team is putting on a one-day clinic Sunday, February 8, for girls ages 7–13 at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex upper field, for $25.

Beginner Session 8:30-10:00 am, Advanced Session 10:15-11:45 am

*Check in begins 15 minutes before each session. Each session will cover the skills in the infield, outfield and hitting. No pitching and catching instruction. Players, please bring softball equipment.

The link for registration is: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/wshs-softball-clinic

NCSWAC is at 2801 SW Thistle.

Thanks to the reader who texted that photo from tonight’s Seattle University men’s basketball game vs. Gonzaga, after being surprised to see a halftime performance with West Seattle’s own Rain City Ropeworks jump-rope team. “It was a great show, got the loudest applause of the night,” the texter added. (Seattle U lost the game, 71-50.) Rain City is coached by Rene Bibaud, the West Seattleite who holds multiple jump-rope world championships.

The sunshine reminds us that spring isn’t far. For many families, that means youth-sports seasons are approaching too. This year, two local lacrosse clubs are welcoming prospective players from kindergarten age to high-school age – and offering free drop-in sessions soon. Here’s the invitation sent to us to share with you:

Looking for a fast-paced, team-oriented sport for your child? Try lacrosse!

(Photo by Mike Jacobs)

There are two clubs that serve our area — the Southwest Lacrosse Club (a.k.a. SW Titans) and the West Seattle Lacrosse Club. We would love to meet your family and support your player this spring. Whether your child is brand new to lacrosse or has played before, our spring season is a great way to learn the game, stay active, and have fun with friends.

Our youth teams (K-8) welcome players from West Seattle, White Center, South Park, Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac, Normandy Park, and Des Moines. High school teams welcome any West Seattle High School, Chief Sealth International High School, or private high-school student who lives in the West Seattle or Highline School District reference area.

Registration for our co-ed player development program (K-2), girls and boys youth teams (3-8), and girls and boys high-school teams is open now! K-2 clinic starts in April (Sundays) with two weekend game jamborees planned in May. Grades 3-8 practices begin in February (two nights per week), and weekend games run from mid-March through the end of May.

Register for the K-2 Development team or Boys Youth Teams through the SW Titans: swlacrosseclub.org/registration

Register for Girls Youth Teams, Girls High School Team, or Boys High School Team through West Seattle Lacrosse: https://www.westseattlelaxclub.org/home

Interested in the sport, but want to try it out before you commit? We’ve got you covered! Join our FREE drop-in sessions for new players in 2nd to 8th grade. Saturday mornings (February 1, 8, and 22; March 1) from 9-10 am at Hiawatha Playfield. No RSVP or equipment necessary, just show up and play!

We believe lacrosse should be accessible to everyone. Both clubs offer full and partial scholarships, loaner equipment, and a great community of players and families. If you have questions, please email us at swlctitans@gmail.com or westseattlelax@gmail.com with any questions.

National #1 basketball prospect Tyran Stokes

Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

“Welcome to the show!”

That enthusiastic greeting from a fellow standing-room-only sideline spectator summed up the high-energy environment in the West Seattle High School gym on Friday night, as the boys’ basketball squad hosted defending 3A state champion Rainier Beach. 

The excitement was focused on Rainier Beach senior Tyran Stokes, the top-ranked high school basketball recruit in the country, who along with freshman phenom JJ Crawford — son of Seattle basketball legend Jamal Crawford, who also serves as an assistant coach for Rainier Beach — powered the visiting Vikings to a 101-54 win over the Wildcats. Rainer Beach is ranked as one of the top 2 teams in Washington state, and in the top 30 nationally. 

Stokes put on a show with 30 points — many of them coming on high-flying dunks — and Crawford added 21 points. WSHS was led by senior Sully Pond with 14 points. 

Here’s a highlight-worthy alley-oop pass and slam dunk from Crawford to Stokes that drew a particularly loud roar from the crowd:

We arrived at the game midway through the 3rd quarter (after covering the Sealth girls’ basketball home game and “Regina Rogers-Wright Day” ceremony), at which point Rainer Beach had built a comfortable lead. However, we were told by the staff at the scoring table that the Wildcats made it a hard-fought low-scoring affair early in the game, with strong support from the home-gym crowd, before the Vikings’ star power took full control.

WSHS principal Brian Vance told us that the gym’s capacity is approximately 1,500, and it was filled to the brim on Friday night (which we’re told is a common spectacle for Rainier Beach’s games this season), with tickets sold in advance: 

Stokes transferred to Rainier Beach in November from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, to join a perennially strong Vikings squad that’s been coached by Michael Bethea for more than 30 years. Stokes is generally regarded to be projected #1 pick in the 2027 NBA draft, and for 2026 has reportedly narrowed his prospective colleges to Kansas, Kentucky (he was born in Louisville) and Oregon. 

Rainier Beach freshman JJ Crawford (#11) has rightfully drawn his fair share of attention as well:

After the final whistle as the crowd cleared, we spotted Seattle District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka (who, like us, started the evening at Sealth IHS before hustling cross-town, and was still wearing his Regina Rogers-Wright pin) and his council colleague Eddie Lin who represents the Rainier Beach neighborhood: 

West Seattle, led by head coach Rick Ticeson who took the varsity reins this season after leading the school’s freshman team for several years, is now 3-7 for the season, and plays on the road tonight (Saturday January 10th) at Silas High School (Tacoma) at 7:30 pm. 

Rainier Beach plays at Bishop Blanchet on Monday January 12th at 7:30 pm.