The Pirates played Seattle Christian on Feb. 2 and disarmed the Warriors 59-41.

From the opening jump ball, the Pirates were first with points on the board and never relinquished the lead for the game.

Passing was a bit errant with three turnovers by the Pirates, but the defense was in full force.

No less than 10 turnovers were forced by shadow guarding, poor attempts at the basket, shots blocked by John Gage and Seattle Christian passes that never reached their mark.

The usual clinging defense all over Gage had him at the foul line bringing home free throw points. His game average was an outstanding 84 percent. For the season, Gage is shooting 73 percent.

The quarter ended with Alex Wegner dropping a 25-foot, three-point shot — all net — at the sound of the horn, leaving the score at Vashon 13, Seattle Christian 6.

Five minutes into the second quarter, with not much happening, Coach Andy Sears called a timeout.

Things changed quickly, with Matt Kerns in for an easy lay-up, Gage a power dunk, Wegner a lay-up and more defense prompting Warrior turnovers. At the half the Pirates were up 26-10.

The Pirates seem to really get their halftime messages, making needed adjustments and taking new performance opportunities.

Gage put on a shot-blocking show. Kerns had a steal and lay-up for two. Elias Weston made a superb drive to the hoop for two. Matt Amick, flying about 10 feet through the air, made a two-point lay-up. Tyler Stoffer ended the quarter with a two-point rebound off the glass.

The Pirates were doing everything right — that is what a championship teams looks like. At the end of the third, Vashon had 46 points to Seattle Christian’s 21.

With a lead of 25 points, Sears began active replacement of his starters.

With Corey Williamson in the game, fans witnessed a great pass from Williamson to Gage.

Both were under the basket — Williamson with the ball, but well defended. Somehow he slipped a pass to Gage, and the Pirates added two more points on the scoreboard, resulting in the largest lead of the game: 29 points.

At the three-minute mark, Sears had his starters on the bench, as seasoned substitutes put in quality play.

Amick scored; Christian Hasson tormented Warrior ball handlers with near steals.

Still, the Warriors did manage to assemble their best scoring quarter with 20 points versus the Pirates’ 13. The final score stood at Vashon 59, Seattle Christian 41.

Pirate points for the game were: Gage 27, Kerns 9, Wegner 8, Weston 6, Amick 5, Stoffer 2, Holert 2, Griffin, Hasson, Hazzard, Lofland, Williamson.

The final conference game of the season is Senior Night at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, against Life Christian. Fans should attend and express appreciation for the seniors who have delivered some of Vashon’s best basketball ever: Quinn Holert, Elias Weston, Matt Kerns, Christian Hasson, Matt Amick, John Gage and Corey Williamson.

— Don Olson is the grandfather of Pirates Gregor Davidheiser and Jeff Rauma.