Bullpups girls remain unbeaten in GSL

The girls of Gonzaga Prep showed why they belong atop the Greater Spokane League basketball standings.

In an entertaining nightcap Tuesday against the league’s second-place team, the Bullpups (11-0, 12-1) withstood a late rally, clutch post play from the Central Valley Bears, and a technical foul assessed to one of their own en route to a 65-58 win over CV (8-3, 9-4).

G-Prep looked in control after the first half and went into the locker room with a 33-25 lead. A Madison Hovren 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer was the only thing making the game closer than it was.

But Hovren must have sparked something, because her Bears came out hot in the second half. Four G-Prep turnovers to start the half helped. Senior guard Lauren Simpson scored all of her nine points in the third quarter – all on 3-pointers and all from the same spot along the left wing.

But each time CV threatened, G-Prep responded.

“I was really proud of our girls with withstanding all of their runs,” Bullpups coach Mike Arte said. “We showed a lot of poise and a lot of character.”

CV continued to threaten late in the game when senior Mariah Cunningham completed a three-point play to cut G-Prep’s lead to 55-54. The teams traded baskets the next five possessions. G-Prep made stops to thwart any chance of an upset.

G-Prep combated CV’s post play, even with the Bears’ duo of Cunningham and Hovren finishing with 25 and 17 points, respectively.

“It was a different post at different times,” Arte said. “I thought our girls did a good job of making adjustments. We were getting hurt every time they put the ball on the floor and we were kind of prepared for that. I have some very smart IQ girls and they did a nice job adjusting.”

G-Prep countered with nice post play, with junior Otiona Gildon finishing with 23 points. G-Prep took advantage of its depth, especially with starters Oona Harrington and Lauren Weir getting into foul trouble in the second half.

“Our young kids are coming along wonderfully,” Arte said. “It’s great because once we get to the playoffs, depth is what’s going to matter.”

G-Prep’s Laura Stockton chipped in 14 points, including six down the stretch to ensure the win.

Ferris 64, University 47: The visiting Titans (5-8, 5-6) led 23-20 at halftime, but the Saxons (6-7, 5-6) outscored U-Hi 24-10 in the third quarter to take control. Michele Strauss had a game-high 15 points, Jill Loutian had 14 and 11 rebounds and Bria Bowton had 11 points and nine assists for Ferris. Kaitlin Pannell led U-Hi with 14 points.

Lewis and Clark 70, Shadle Park 53: The Tigers (9-4, 8-3), tied at 23 at halftime, turned up the intensity in the second half against the visiting Highlanders (4-9, 4-7). Riley Lupfer had 14 points and eight rebounds and Michaela Kay had 14 points and five assists to lead LC. Shyla Carr led Shadle with 16 points.

Mead 59, North Central 44: The visiting Panthers (9-4, 8-3) dominated the offensive boards, outrebounding the Indians (2-11, 2-9) 38-7 as they pulled away in the third quarter. Delany Junkermier led Mead with 15 points. Mead held Brianna King, the league’s second-leading scorer (18.2), to four points. Megan Dean had 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Mt. Spokane 59, Rogers 41: Dallas Flager hit four 3-pointers and scored 24 points as the Wildcats (5-8, 4-7) beat the host Pirates (0-13, 0-11). The Pirates started the game 2 for 17 from the field but led in the third quarter.