LC girls trip up Gonzaga Prep in physical game

There’s no love lost when Lewis and Clark and Gonzaga Prep girls basketball teams square off. It was evident Friday night in the intensity and physicality of their game at LC. There was plenty of bumping that forced players off their shots, and numerous turnovers as a result. There were 44 fouls whistled – 26 on Prep – although the Tigers didn’t truly take full advantage at the free throw line. Many more fouls could have been called. But the contest turned in LC’s favor in the third quarter during their 52-42 triumph. “It’s always that way,” LC coach Jim Redmon said of the donnybrook. He surmises it’s because the girls, most from the South Hill, have battled against each other throughout years of AAU ball. No more than four points separated the cold-shooting teams until three minutes into the third quarter with the Bullpups leading 30-28 on a Cassie Anderson basket. LC scored the final 12 points of the quarter, thanks to the outside shooting of freshman Michaela Kay and rebounding of senior Nakia Arquette. “She’s (Kay) actually been in a shooting slump, so that was nice to see,” Redmon said. “And we need that every game out of Nakia.” Trailing 40-30 entering the final period, the closest Prep would get was to within seven points. But Kay hit her second 3-pointer of the half and the margin remained at 10 for the game’s final 5 minutes, 50 seconds. The Tigers, awarded 28 free throw attempts, made just 57 percent of them. Typically said Redmon, they are 70 percent from the line. Prep made good on 11 of its 17 attempts. Arquette had 13 points and was in double figures for rebounding. Joelle Tampien scored 8 of her 10 points in the first half. Lindsay Stockton and Anderson, both in double figures, combined for 23 points. The loss dropped the Bullpups (5-2, 7-2) into a three-way tie for second place with University (5-2, 7-2) and the Tigers (5-2, 5-4). They are two games behind unbeaten Central Valley. “I felt we needed that game,” said Redmon. “With our slow start, we have to battle every game.” University 52, Mt. Spokane 42: The visiting Titans outscored the Wildcats (2-5, 3-6) 35-19 in the middle two quarters for their win. Hallie Gennett scored 28. Mt. Spokane shot just 28 percent for the game. Mead 63, Ferris 54: The host Panthers (4-3, 4-5) overcame 11 first-half turnovers and a 23-all halftime tie building an 8-point lead in the third quarter to stave off the Saxons (1-6, 3-6). Brittany Johnson scored a game high 17 points for Ferris. Mead had three players in double figures, Jade Redmon and Courtney Hutchinson with 12 apiece. Shadle Park 61, North Central 39: It wasn’t until the Highlanders (4-3, 5-4) outscored the visiting Indians (2-5, 2-7) 22-7 in the fourth quarter that this game was secure. They did so with a balanced attack, Kaycee Hert scoring 13 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Central Valley 69, Rogers 20: The Bears (7-0, 9-0) remained unbeaten with their easy win in the Pirates’ (0-7, 1-7) gym. Ten players shared the scoring wealth.