Renton Girls' Basketball Trophy Honors Inspirational 'Grandma'

Earline Bala has had a courtside seat for the ups and downs of the Renton girls basketball team for decades. As an avid fan and helper behind the bench—the players know her as Grandma—she’s seen the years when they won no games, and the year when they placed second at state in 1987.

On Saturday, the Native American adviser at Renton High School saw something special: both her girls and the boys team placed at the state tournament.

Renton senior Jordan Armstrong said Bala, who joined the Renton School District in 1975 and plans to retire next year, is the motivation to win because she’s always supported the team. For this year’s players, the third place victory was as much a way to honor Bala as it was an accomplishment for the team.

"It's been incredible to watch,” Bala said. “Words cannot describe the feelings. To be able to sit back and watch, especially the boys’ game on the last point on Thursday, it was too much. To have both teams to come to state together. So, I am happy.”

“I have a special relationship with each of them, especially with Armstrong. Grandma's heart was pumping that last nine seconds."

She was referring to Saturday’s game against River Ridge. With nine seconds left in the game and down by 1 point, Renton girls head coach Tim White told the girls in the huddle, "We need to score, you all know what to do." 

White admits there was nothing magical called, just score. 

Taylor Farris took the inbound ball down the far side knowing somehow, someone had to get the ball down the court and make that shot.

"All I remember is losing the ball and then throwing it up only to watch it," she said. In what seemed like a lifetime for the junior, it took three bounces on the rim before going in for the win.

Armstrong, who was later selected to the 2A All-State First Team, praised her teammate. "I didn't want to lose and end my high school career. Taylor made this happen," she said. "Taylor and I have a strong connection on and off the court. She makes it happen."

Armstrong expects to be playing basketball next season at Highline Community College.

By the numbers

Farris led the tournament with 11 blocks.

Armstrong led the tournament with 17 steals, earning 2A All-State first team honors.

Renton scored 97 points in three games, shooting 24.6 percent, or 30/122 from the field (lowest among teams). They shot 15.2 percent from 3-point land (second lowest). They had 111 rebounds, 12 blocks, 10 assists, 37 steals, and made 135 defensive stops (second-highest in tournament).

Kelly Fahie scored 2 points on free throws.

Justice Perry scored 5 points (1FG, 3FTs).

Jordan Armstrong scored 35 points (9FGs, 3-3s, and 8 FTs).

Natajia McMillan scored 11 points (2FGs, 2-3s and 1FT).

Ashtine Stowers scored 7 points (3FGs and 1FT).

Taylor Farris scored 37 points (17FGs and 7FTs).