Bjorklunds lead Titans to easy win over Bears
It’s been a while, maybe never before, that a University girls basketball team won a breather in a game against rival Central Valley.
But with a healthy Angie Bjorklund on the court beginning with the season’s opening whistle, it took only two minutes to determine where the game was headed.
The Titans won a 76-48 non-league blowout at CV, Bjorklund scoring 16 of her 18 points in the first half.
CV’s need for a point guard to replace graduated Reagan Pariseau was evident early as the taller, pressuring Titans built a quick 12-0 lead.
It never got any better for the hosts who trailed by 19 points after a quarter and 43-13 near intermission when Angie and her older sister Jami Bjorklund combined on a 13-point run.
“They’re never a breather, even if we’ve got a 12-0 lead,” said coach Mark Stinson following the game. “The girls came out focused.”
Last year Angie Bjorklund missed the early part of the season because of a back injury and never really was healthy throughout her freshman season.
“Last year I was growing so fast and my muscles weren’t strong enough,” she said. “Now, I’m a year older and a lot stronger…er, not a lot stronger, but I’m getting there.”
And she was diligent in her physical therapy to make sure the back remained healthy. Against CV, she rebounded, assisted and generally was a pain for the shorter Bears in the first half of the game.
Jami Bjorklund led all scorers with 21 points, moving her mid-range game outside in the second half for a couple of 3-point baskets. Emily Kuipers had all 10 of her points in the first half, including two 3-point shots.
A couple of role players from a year ago, 6-foot Kayla LaRue and 5-11 Linsey Pavlischak showed promise for the Bears. LaRue had a team high 13 points and Pavlischak added 10.
Lewis and Clark 66, Ferris 39
In other games league co-favorite Lewis and Clark spotted rival Ferris a 13-11 first quarter lead before rolling to a victory.
The Tigers led just 15-14 with two minutes left in the half, then turned on the jets to build a 23-15 lead. A 10-0 run during a 30-point third quarter put the game away.
Briann January scored 17 points, hitting 5 of 9 from the field and going 6 for 6 from the free throw line.
Lexi Lallas also scored 17 to lead the Saxons, but the team was plagued by 40 turnovers.
Mt. Spokane 50, Mead 29
Mt. Spokane made a statement against Mead, the first time the Wildcats have beaten their district rival. Katelan Redmon scored 12 points, had five steals, six assists and 10 rebounds.
Emily Witkopff had 13 points and 10 rebounds, Mt. Spokane outboarding the Panthers 40-18.
North Central 60, Shadle Park 55
NC had three players in double figures during a win over Shadle Park. The Indians bolted to an 18-8 lead, then held off the Highlanders.
Alaina Smith went 6 for 12 from the field to score 13 points, Ashlee Michelson led the team with 16 and Shantel Haugen added 14.
Gonzaga Prep 89, Rogers 34
Gonzaga Prep had its pressure full-court game in full roar during an 89-34 win over Rogers. Shannon Murray’s comeback from injury was a success with 19 points and newcomer Amy Esmay made three 3-point baskets en route 17 points.
Clarkston 57, Cheney 37
Clarkston’s pressure defense forced 30 turnovers in a win over the Blackhawks.
Kathryn DeVleming and Patsy Dodgen-Auer combined for 24 points for the Bantams.
East Valley 49, West Valley 34
EV only led the Eagles 21-20 halfway through their game before going on a 21-2 run. Katie Storey and Eleaya Schuerch combined for 28 points.