Clinesmith Leads Spokane To Pair Of Aau Victories

Stacy Clinesmith led the Spokane Stars to two girls basketball victories at the U-16 AAU National Tournament on Thursday, 76-65 over New York and 69-61 over Texas.

The second victory avenged Sunday’s one-point loss, in which Texas was erroneously awarded two points scored by Spokane.

The Stars play St. Louis this morning at 8:30 CDT for the consolation championship and can win a medal.

Mead’s Clinesmith led Spokane with 26 points, six rebounds and three assists in Thursday’s win over New York, and Ashley Foianini of Ephrata added 13 points.

All 10 Stars scored in a game that saw Spokane jump to a 41-28 halftime lead, thanks largely to intense defensive pressure. Andee Schmick of St. John-Endicott led the way with four steals.

After a 2-hour break, Spokane got its second chance, eliminating Texas. Clinesmith again led the way, scoring 16 points. Foianini added 14 and Carmel Lampson had 13.

Jennifer Swinton of Ferris topped the Stars with 12 rebounds and Clinesmith had four assists.