NC storms back for 3-0 record
North Central girls basketball coach Dave Hall couldn’t remember if the Indians had begun a season 3-0.
They did Friday night with their 56-54 non-league comeback win over visiting Clarkston.
The Indians ran off eight straight points with less than 2 minutes remaining and weathered some anxious moments in the game’s final 26 seconds for the victory.
Back-to-back turnover baskets by Ashlee Michelson and Alie Hansen gave NC its first lead since midway through the first period. A driving layin by Alaina Smith and Shantel Haugen’s two free throws sealed the outcome.
“I have a problem with these so-called non-league games,” said Hall. “But they are big non-counters because they set the tone for the season. So that’s a great win to come from that far back.”
NC had led 9-6 before the Bantams went on a 14-1 tear to go up 20-10 early in the second quarter. It was a lead they stretched to 11 points early in the second half, before the home team clawed back to within 40-38.
Clarkston went back up by six points at the free-throw line and led 51-48 with 2 minutes remaining before NC rallied.
“And we didn’t play as well as we could,” Hall said. “There were some sloppy things we did tonight. But I’m confident the girls are getting better and better. They’ll figure things out as the time comes.”
Michelson, tough around the basket, finished with 15 points. Haugen, who did a little bit of everything on the court, scored 13 and Hansen scored 10.
Clarkston (2-2) is still without injured sophomore standout Misty Atkinson.
University 93, West Valley 38
The Titans (5-0) scored the game’s first 25 points, including two 3-point baskets by Alissa Lanker, to defeat the visiting Eagles (0-3).
U-Hi’s Jami and Angie Bjorklund combined for 39 points. Lanker and Emily Kuipers each added 12.
Central Valley 54, Hanford 53
The Bears (3-1) took advantage of a Falcons mistake to pull out the road win.
The Falcons called a timeout, but didn’t have any. Salena Leavitt made both free throws with 6 seconds remaining to secure the win.
Heidi Heintz scored a season-high 20 points and Kayla Reilly added 14 for CV.
Lewis and Clark 42, Mead 31
The second quarter proved decisive in the host Tigers’ (5-0) victory.
LC’s Briann January totaled 13 points, five rebounds, four steals and two assists. Brittany Kennedy of the Tigers didn’t score, but contributed eight rebounds.
Six-foot sophomore Kelli Valentine led the Panthers (1-2) with 15 points.
Mt. Spokane 57, Shadle Park 38
A fast start and Charlee Jackson’s 19 points lifted the Wildcats (2-1) to a comfortable victory over the host Highlanders (0-3).
Mt. Spokane led 15-6 after one quarter.
East Valley defeats Cheney
The visiting Knights (3-1) defeated the Blackhawks (0-3) by two points. No other details were provided.