Bullpups topple Indians

A deep bench was the difference Tuesday as Gonzaga Prep’s girls team handed North Central its first defeat, 60-44, to open the Greater Spokane League basketball season.

When the home-standing Bullpups (6-2, 1-0) sent in their substitutes – Ashley Magee and Laura Christianson in particular – three minutes into the game, they produced a bevy of points during a first-quarter burst that created an 11-point lead the Indians (7-1, 0-1) never dented.

G-Prep’s 15-2 run during a three-minute span was partly the work of Christianson, who scored seven points, and the 5-foot-10 Magee, who used her size advantage for four more on her way to a career-high 17.

Partly it was the fact that for every NC attempt at a rally, there was an Indians turnover to counter it.

“We didn’t play very well in the half court and usually that’s been our strong point,” said Indians coach Dave Hall. “It wasn’t anything they did defensively to us. We just didn’t handle the basketball and didn’t execute.”

Actually, judicious Prep defense, both full- and half-court, was effective at times, although Bullpups coach Mike Arte credited the Indians with forcing them out of their pressure game.

“Dave did a nice job of having Shantel (Haugen) bring the ball up and throwing over the top of us,” he said. “As soon as we went to half court defense it really slowed them down.”

As soon as he went to his bench, including a couple of regulars who hadn’t started because of missed practices for family holiday obligations, the game turned in G-Prep’s favor.

Among them, the non-starters had 23 of the Bullpups’ 33 first-half points, including a combined 17 by Magee and Christianson. They would finish the game with nearly half of Prep’s entire point production.

“I think my size had a lot to do with it,” said Magee of her career night. “It’s not usually easy for me (coming off the bench). I don’t know, I just got out there and made the most of my playing time.”

Christianson scored 11 and received kudos from Bullpups coaches for her defense. Shannon Murray, one of the starters who in this game came off the bench, also scored in double figures with 13. Point guard Corinna O’Brien, said Arte, was her competitive self despite wrenching her back while taking a charge. She had nine assists and five steals.

“I like the fact we have so many girls who can contribute,” he said. “We have 13 girls playing. Developing a lot of kids is good for us.”

G-Preps’s 15-4 start was whittled down to seven by Haugen, who scored twice and assisted on NC’s other three first-quarter baskets. Teammate Ashlee Michelson finished the game with 13 rebounds.

But the Bullpups would lead by as many as 15 points in the second quarter and had a 56-36 advantage midway through the final period.

“We’ll be fine,” said Hall. “I was pleased with the way we broke their press, pleased with the way we ran the floor and hustled back on defense. These games are going to make us better.”

Mead 63, Shadle Park 57

The Highlanders (1-7, 0-1) gave the host Panthers (4-3, 1-0) a start, leading after a quarter. But Mead took command with a 40-27 run through the middle half of the game. Four Panthers finished in double figures, Chelsea Mykines scoring a season-high 20 points and dishing five assists and Kelli Valentine with 18 points and eight rebounds. Shadle’s Lacie Smith and Lexi Bishop combined for six 3-pointers and 36 points.

Central Valley 73, Clarkston 68

Misty Atkinson, back from injury, played her first game this year for Clarkston and scored 22 points. But the Bears’ Heidi Heintz ignited a 15-0 start to the third quarter and a 51-point second half with 19 of her game high 31 points. CV (6-2, 1-0) outscored the host Bantams (4-3, 0-1) 29-8 in the third quarter for a 51-36 lead and weathered Clarkston’s 32-point fourth-quarter explosion with 22 of its own to hang on.

Ferris 53, East Valley 48

The Saxons’ Lexi Lallas continued her stellar play at East Valley, scoring 19 points, including 13 for 17 from the free-throw line. Jenna Galloway added 15 points as Ferris (3-5, 1-0) broke a halftime tie for the road win. The team played without last year’s leading scorer, Stacey Cox. EV (4-4, 0-1) got four 3-pointers and 14 points from Kelsey Hentges.

Mt. Spokane 61, West Valley 37

The Wildcats (7-1, 1-0) won with ease at West Valley. Nine players scored, led by Stephanie Hughes and Leah Pomante, who combined for 22 points. Lisa Stoll scored a dozen for the Eagles (0-8, 0-1).

Lewis and Clark 57, Cheney 28

Three Tigers scored in double figures – Brittany Kennedy and Jade Peone with 11 each – to help visiting LC (8-0, 1-0) win easily against Cheney (2-6, 1-0).

University 82, Rogers 20

The visiting Titans (8-0, 1-0) blanked the Pirates (0-8, 0-1) to lead 24-0 after a quarter and outscored them 50-10 in the second half. Jami Bjorklund and Emily Kuipers combined to score 35 points.