Fabulous Franklin: Brooks scores 38 as Quakers earn 4A boys crown

TACOMA — Even those who have known him longest had trouble remembering a better game.

Aaron Brooks was spectacular last night, ending his high-school career in the most memorable fashion. The Franklin star scored a game-high 38 points and led the Quakers to a 67-55 victory over previously unbeaten Mead in the Class 4A state boys tournament championship at the Tacoma Dome.

"Phenomenal," said teammate Ricky Washington, holding part of the net he had just helped cut down.

"I grew up with him," said junior Lyndale Burleson, shaking his head. "I've never seen a game like this."

Brooks scored seemingly at will and matched Gonzaga-bound Mead star Adam Morrison — widely regarded as the best player in Eastern Washington — basket for basket, point for point.

Morrison finished with 37 points, giving him 127 for the tournament. That total tied the tournament record set by Jeff Brown, also of Mead, in 1989. Morrison also had 11 rebounds.

"It was never personal," said Brooks of his scoring duel with Morrison. "I never had anything against him. He's an outstanding player and I'm a good player, too. We just came out and battled. He battled hard, I just think our bench was a little deeper than theirs."

Franklin (25-2) won the program's fourth state championship and first since 1995 — thanks in large measure to Brooks, a 6-foot McDonald's All-American who will play for Oregon next season.

Mead (28-1), was trying to become the first unbeaten big-school champion since Sehome in 1996.

"I'm really going to miss him," said Mead Coach Glenn Williams of Morrison. "He has (given) a heroic effort. I admire him immensely."

Brooks took the floor with a new haircut last night. It featured a swirl pattern shaved into the left side.

He said he promised his mother he would cut his hair if the team made the championship game, so after Friday night's semifinal win over Kentwood he lived up to his word.

Whatever the style, he impressed Williams plenty.

"He's just deserving of all his accolades," the Mead coach said. "It was impossible for us tonight."

Brooks scored six of the Quakers' first eight points during the spurt, which spanned nearly four minutes and ended with Franklin leading 32-21 and the Seattle school's student section chanting "Double digits! Double digits!"

Mead's Bryan Williams, the coach's son, hit a three-pointer from the right wing just seconds to play before halftime, making the score 32-24 at the break.

Franklin shot 41 percent (14 of 34) in the first half while Mead shot just 24 percent (7 of 29).

The Quakers extended their advantage to 54-40 with an 8-2 run capped by a Brooks layup — which gave him 30 in the game — with just under a minute to play in the third quarter.

The senior guard left the game shortly thereafter, picking up his fourth foul with 48 seconds remaining in the quarter.

He spent most of his time on the bench standing, clapping and gripping anxiously at his shorts, before re-entering with 5:52 to play and Franklin leading 56-47. While he was gone, Franklin's 14-point lead dwindled to nine. Brooks scored five straight Quakers points upon his return, pushing the advantage to 12, 61-49.

Morrison picked up his fourth foul with 4:49 left, but stayed in the game. He scored the Panthers' first 10 points of the fourth quarter.

It wasn't enough, however. Not nearly enough, thanks to Brooks.