By Kevin Manning

Unranked Kamiakin’s hot start propels the Braves to a 57-47 consolation-round win over No. 6 Mercer Island in Class 3A girls’ basketball in the Tacoma Dome.

Before the game, Sira Toure said she didn’t want to go home – and when the game started, it was obvious the junior wanted to play into Saturday.

Toure (9-of-17 field goals), who had a game-high 26 points, nailed two quick 3-pointers that got her team rolling. At one point, the Braves led the Islanders by 17 points in the first quarter.

Braves coach Lane Schumacher saw a difference in his team early Friday that wasn’t there in Thursday’s loss to Seattle Prep.

“We came out and Sira (Toure) knocks a (3-pointer) down in the first quarter and we score 25-points,” Schumacher said of the Braves early run. “Whenever you open up like that, ah, that’s going to help get the rest of your players confidence.”

The Braves never trailed in Friday’s victory – they will play for the winner of the Glacier Peak/University game Saturday.