BI's All-Americans Dylan Masi (Lehigh) and Bryan Gilbreath (Air Force) both came up huge in the winning effort. Neither team led by more than a goal and there were numerous ties and lead changes until with under 2:00 left Junior Defenseman Dayton Gilbreath started a clear and got a return feed from behind and ripped home a long-pole goal for the final two goal margin. This was one of the best high school games I have ever had the pleasure of watching, with solid execution by both teams, some dazzling individual talent and great ebbs-and-flows to the game's actions. One minute the Mercer Island people were going crazy after another cannon shot from Mahony, then it would be Bainbridge's turn off a Masi dodge and speed move to the cage, and the blue pom-poms would be waving crazily up and down the grandstand. Bainbridge tried a couple hidden-ball tricks, which although not successful were entertaining to watch anyway.
Congrats to Coaches Jack Visco and Dejon Hush and to all the B.I. players and fans!
Photos by Fred Wilmot at WALAX.com. Below, a great match-up of Dayton Gilbreath defending '07 All-America Greg Mahony, who played well despite being hobbled by two sprained ankles.
For more details on the game or on any of the other Washington boys or girls finals, please see:
http://www.walax.com/
