U-Hi holds off LC in regional title game

KENNEWICK – Angie Bjorklund’s only basket of the second half – and just the third by University in the final 16 minutes – came at a most opportune time.

She hit a 3-pointer with 21 seconds left in the game and 1 second remaining on the shot clock for a five-point lead and subsequent 43-36 win over Lewis and Clark for the 4A Eastern Regional championship.

Joining them next week in Tacoma for the State 4A tournament is Mead which won twice on Saturday, including 51-40 over Moses Lake in the night’s finale, to complete a Greater Spokane League sweep of all three Eastern Regional berths.

The Titans-Tigers tilt was a grinder of a game, one that U-Hi coach Mark Stinson likened to a chess match.

“We’d hit the timer and eventually make a move,” he said. “Fortunately we outlasted them.”

This was the fourth straight year that the two GSL opponents have played in the regional title game and it was U-Hi’s third straight title. Defense has generally dictated the outcome.

Saturday’s game was no exception. After University’s dynamic duo of Dara Zack and Bjorklund scored all 18 points in the first quarter and the Titans twice led by 10 points, baskets proved hard to come by.

Ula Tauala rallied the Tigers to a 20-20 tie with 2:35 remaining until halftime. Zack then scored inside and Bjorklund put the team up by five points with her third 3-pointer.

“For whatever reason we came out flat,” said LC coach Jim Redmon. “I don’t know if we were afraid or tense, but it was catch-up from there.”

Catch up the Tigers did as five different players scored in the third quarter for a 29-25 lead during a 6-minute U-Hi scoring drought.

The Titans didn’t get their first field goal of the half until the start of the fourth quarter, although they managed to go ahead 36-31, primarily at the free-throw line and mainly by Bjorklund.

The Tigers didn’t help themselves by going scoreless from the field in the game’s final 9:25.

“We had good looks, but didn’t hit them,” said Redmon.

But they only trailed the Titans 38-36 with 50 seconds left, also thanks to free throws, when Bjorklund, desperately seeking an opening, made her move and beat the shot clock.

The ball swished through the net for a 41-36 lead and a desperation LC 3-pointer was off. Bjorklund added a couple of free throws to finish off a 21-point effort.

“That was tough,” she said. “Defensively they were up on us, it was at the end of the shot clock and they went for a steal. I went around her and took the shot.”

Bjorklund said that Lewis and Clark has become a good rivalry over the last four years.

“Maybe this is the last time we play them,” she said. “It’s been fun. Every year it’s our highlight game.”

Mead 51, Moses Lake 40 (winner to state): The game was a struggle from the outset, but the Panthers (21-6) led 6-4 after a quarter and took advantage of 32 turnovers by the Chiefs (22-4) to cling to the advantage. With 5 minutes left in the game they were up 36-26. Moses Lake hit a couple of 3-pointers to close to within six points before Alysha Green scored a driving basket and was among the free-throw scorers down the stretch.

Mead 53, Pasco 45 (loser out): The Panthers stormed to a 16-6 first quarter lead and were never threatened with Jazmine Redmon (14 points) and Kelli Valentine (12 and 10 rebounds) leading the way.

Moses Lake 42, Shadle Park 37 (loser out): A cold start kept the Highlanders (15-10) playing catch-up. Lexi Bishop, who scored a game-high 24 points, put Shadle ahead briefly near the end of the third quarter, but the lead didn’t last.