Titans walk away in Sneaker
Unlike last year, University had no problems finding its shot Friday night in front of a capacity Stinky Sneaker house during a convincing 68-44 victory over rival Central Valley in Greater Spokane League play.
The Titans hit 68 percent of their first-half attempts, five of them 3-pointers. They parlayed six successive turnovers into points for a 16-2 lead midway through the first quarter.
By halftime, the lead was 24 points, and from there it was smooth sailing. U-Hi led by as many as 32 points, 64-32, with 5 1/2 minutes left.
The win kept U-Hi (11-0, 4-0) tied with Lewis and Clark and Mt. Spokane for first place in the GSL. CV (8-3, 3-1) dropped a game back, tied with Gonzaga Prep for fourth.
“Things are a lot easier when your shots go in,” said Titans coach Mark Stinson. “We have four seniors and a lot of girls who have played in it (the spirit game) three years now. Experience is always a cliché, but I think it’s apropos.”
Besides the hot shooting – U-Hi finished 27 for 42 with 8 for 14 from 3-point range – Stinson said the defensive rotation was as good as it has been all year and that rebounding was critical.
The Titans limited the Bears to one offensive rebound until mop-up time in the final quarter.
“If you keep them from more than one shot at a time, you’re probably going to win,” said Stinson.
Alissa Lanker began U-Hi’s torrid shooting with a 3-pointer and finished 4 for 4 from beyond the arc.
Four other players hit from long range, including the Bjorklund sisters, Jami and Angie. Between them, the GSL’s top two scorers combined for 42 points to go with Lanker’s dozen.
CV junior forward Heidi Heintz scored 15.
West Valley 45, Cheney 44
The Eagles (1-10, 1-3) ended a 19-game losing streak on a free throw with time expired against the host Blackhawks (2-9, 0-4). Jackie Rouse led WV with 14 points. Cheney’s Cailynee Oyolokor and Meghan Cogley combined for 25 in a game that was close throughout.
Gonzaga Prep 60, Ferris 45
A balanced attack, led by Corinna O’Brien’s 13 points, and 20-for-28 free-throw shooting kept the Bullpups (8-3, 3-1) surging at home against the Saxons (3-8, 1-3). Ahead by four points at halftime, Prep went on a 17-8 run to get away. Stacey Cox scored 24 for Ferris.
Lewis and Clark 45, Mead 30
In a defensive game, the Tigers (11-0, 4-0) led 17-15 at half. But Briann January (15 points) spurred a big second half for the win at Mead (5-5, 2-2), keeping LC tied for first place. Megan Thigpen had seven rebounds for the Panthers.
Mt. Spokane 54, East Valley 44
The host Wildcats (10-1, 4-0) got a combined 42 points and 14 rebounds from Emily Witkopff and Katelan Redmon as they continued to build on the best start in school history. Leah Pomante added six assists and four steals. Katie Storey led EV (6-5, 2-2) in scoring with 14.
Shadle Park 40, Rogers 26
Free throws were the difference for the visiting Highlanders (2-9, 1-3) against Rogers (0-11, 0-4). Shadle made 16 in 24 attempts, while the Pirates were 3 for 8. Shadle’s Lexi Bishop and Jackie Gabriel combined for 24 points. Denisha Whitehead led Rogers with 14 points.