Tigers’ streak now 52
It all begins with defense for Lewis and Clark’s girls basketball team. And that was the case at Mead, where the first-place Tigers defeated the Panthers 51-40 in a game between the top two Greater Spokane League teams.
The victory Tuesday left LC (19-0) a win away from a perfect regular season as it ran its winning streak to 52 straight over two-plus seasons. The Tigers are tied for fourth place in state annals with Ritzville (1996-99) and Raymond (1988-90). Three teams are tied at 56, including Central Valley from 2000-03.
The Tigers’ full-court pressure didn’t seem to bother the Panthers (16-3) as much as what they did on defense in the half court. It helped the team control tempo and turned an early 8-1 deficit into an 11-8 lead. LC never trailed again.
“Some of that comes from our defense,” Tigers coach Jim Redmon said. “Ultimately, we have to play defense. If we don’t, something’s wrong. That’s always going to keep us in games.”
On offense, LC stayed patient while Mead tended to hurry and force things. That helped determine the outcome.
Four players scored as the up-tempo Panthers took their seven-point lead 3 minutes into the game. The Tigers forged a tie before Sarah Kliewer hit the first of two set-shot 3-pointers that came at critical junctures of the game.
The Tigers would lead by as many as seven points and as little as two before intermission. Mead had plenty of shots at getting closer, but nothing would fall.
Six straight points to open the third quarter put LC ahead 32-20. Mead rallied to within 33-30 early in the third quarter before Kliewer hit back-to-back baskets, including her second 3-pointer, to bump the lead to 10.
Mary Blevins, who also had two 3-pointers, got her second for a 45-32 lead with 3:52 remaining to play that settled the issue.
“We did a good job of understanding tempo better tonight,” Redmon said. “That falls on Daisy (Burke). We asked her to play point guard and she did a great job tonight.”
He said the fact that the girls have so much talent makes it easy to fall into the motion offense, up-tempo style. He asked them to play with more discipline, and that paid off.
Mead did not make a 3-pointer despite taking plenty and made less than 28 percent of its total attempts. LC converted about 40 percent of its shots.
Anderson finished with 14 points and Kliewer added 13.
The Panthers were paced by Jazmine Redmon with 16 points and Tifa Puletasi with 13. They also combined for 20 rebounds.
The regular season ends Thursday, with the district tournament next week.
“I’m excited,” Redmon said. “There are five really good teams and it’s going to be a dogfight. It’s a shame we only have two regional seeds.”
Central Valley 57, University 48: Three CV freshmen combined for 42 points in their first appearance at the Arena for the Stinky Sneaker spirit game. The Bears (14-5) trailed at half and never led by more than six points until frosh Whitney Black (14 points) hit a 3-pointer with about 5 minutes remaining. A minute later, freshman Brooke Gallaway (16 points) drove to put the Bears up by 10 and they finished the Titans (11-9) off at the free-throw line. Freshman Katie Estey added 12.
Gonzaga Prep 39, Ferris 32: Tia Presley scored 18 points, six late in the fourth quarter, as the host Bullpups (10-9) held off the Saxons (4-15). Presley also had 11 rebounds, including six of G-Prep’s final eight defensive boards.
Mt. Spokane 53, North Central 35: The visiting Wildcats (5-13) pulled away from the Indians (2-17) in the third quarter when Averi Hallman scored six of her eight points. Sammie Peterson led Mt. Spokane with 16 points.
Shadle Park 56, East Valley 39: A quick start and fast finish lifted the host Highlanders (14-5) to a victory over the Knights (9-10). Shadle’s five seniors started and finished the game, accounting for 29 points. Senior Amanda Carlton scored 13, five in the final quarter, and had six deflections on defense. Morgan Manchester of EV led all scorers with 18.