Jason Kerr, one of the most successful high school boys’ basketball coaches in Washington the past two decades at Franklin High School, resigned Monday, citing the need to spend more time with his family.

In his 14 seasons, he won 271 games. During that span, the Quakers made 10 trips to the state championships – earning state trophies eight times, including Class 4A titles in 2003 and 2006, and a 3A championship in 2009.

Kerr is one of 10 coaches in state history to win three or more 4A or 3A titles, joining Mike Bethea (Rainier Beach), Dave Denny (Mark …

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By Todd Milles

Once again, senior Tre’Shaun Fletcher got it all rolling for the Abes, giving a master performance in his final game – 31 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocked shots – as the Narrows 3A and West Central District champions claimed third place with a 77-69 victory over Franklin at the state basketball championships Saturday.

“It’s the best finish for a Tacoma (public) school in 11 years, so there’s a lot to be proud of,” Lincoln coach Aubrey Shelton said.

And against the ninth-ranked Quakers (18-11), Fletcher attacked the inside at will. All five of his made …

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By Mike Curto

Defending Class 3A state boys’ basketball champion Rainier Beach is going for a repeat.

The Vikings advanced to the title by defeating Metro League rival Franklin in the semifinal on Friday night, 73-59.

Rainier Beach (24-4) was 4-0 against Franklin this season, with all four meetings coming in the last 10 games.

Senior guard Will Dorsey led the way for the Vikings, pouring in 21 points while dishing our four assists. Dorsey scored most of his points on layups coming off dribble penetration.

“It just came,” said Dorsey. “I tried to get my guys the ball, but …

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Franklin’s Qiara Norwood has never considered herself a top scoring threat. Instead she’s
been content to let her older teammates find the basket while she’s done the dirty work on
the boards.

On Thursday in the quarterfinal round of the 3A state girls’ basketball tournament the
junior forward added a little polished chrome to that lunch pail image.

Norwood scored a career-high 27 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to help No. 3
Franklin to a 64-51 win over undefeated No. 2 Kamiakin. The Quakers jumped out to a
21-5 lead after the first quarter, and then weathered a few rallies by the Braves to advance
to the semifinal.

“Usually I’m happy to let our seniors do the scoring, but I knew I was going to have to
step up,” Norwood said. “It was time. We couldn’t lose this one.”
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STARTING FIVE
G Khadidja Toure, Kamiakin, Sr., 5-9
Set school record for points in a game with 48 this season

G Heather Corral, Prairie, Sr., 6-1
UW recruit will play at state for first time since a freshman

C Michaela Carew, Seattle Prep, Jr., 6-2
Averages a double-double (12 ppg, 10 rpg)

G Bri Lasconia, Shorecrest, Sr., 5-9
Dynamite scorer averages 17.4 ppg

G Patrice Toston, Franklin, Sr., 5-8
Quakers’ leading scorer helped team to 18-game win streak

POWER RANKINGS

1. Prairie (24-1)
Making its 15th straight trip state tournament– the Falcons have three titles and seven finals appearances in that span – coach Al Aldridge’s team is loaded for a run at another championship. Prairie reached the title game last year without Washington-bound guard Heather Corral, but the senior is healthy and gives the balanced Falcons’ title hopes a boost. Guards Megan Lindsley, Cori Woodward and Jackie Lanz all average double-figures in scoring.
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