Tigers, Saxons in semis

TACOMA – Lewis and Clark’s latest trip to the State 4A girls basketball semifinals was a product of many things.

But in the end it was the availability of junior Jeneva Anderson that put the 55-47 victory over friendly foe Snohomish on ice.

Anderson scored eight of her team-high 12 points in the game’s final 1 minute, 18 seconds Thursday to thwart the Panthers’ comeback try in quarterfinal play at the Tacoma Dome.

The Tigers (27-0), champions in 2006 and 2007, consistently led by four to nine points after finishing the first quarter with a 10-3 flourish.

Their biggest lead was 10 points after the third quarter.

But Snohomish (20-6), capitalizing on LC turnovers and missed free throws, trailed just 47-45 with 1:46 remaining.

Brittany Kennedy drove the key and dished to Anderson for a basket and free throw.

Anderson soon had a defensive rebound and got open thanks to some great corner passing for another easy basket.

She finished off the win with three free throws.

“We played as a team, passed well at the end and luckily I was on the receiving end,” Anderson said.

With the victory, the Tigers moved on to the anticipated game against Prairie today. Game time is 7 p.m. in the match between tournament favorites.

“I love state,” Anderson said. “I had no idea we’d be back (in the semifinals), but you hope for it to be.”

The Tigers led early, but fell behind 9-8 on the scoring of Snohomish’s 6-foot-1 Katie Benson, inside and out.

By quarter’s end it was 18-12 LC as Emily Travis converted two of her three 3-pointers for the game.

The lead stretched to 27-18 midway through the second period as Sarah Kliewer hit a 3-pointer.

By halftime, however, Snohomish cut the deficit to 32-28 behind Benson’s 11 points.

Kennedy’s basket and free throw put the Tigers back up by nine points. LC’s edge stayed at five points for 3 minutes of the fourth quarter before Snohomish pared it to a basket.

“We had three possessions where we could have (scored) and missed,” said Panthers coach Ken Roberts. “Jeneva stepped up and Brittany (who totaled 11 points and five assists) is so good. They are a good team. We don’t get outrebounded very often, but they outrebounded us.”

It assured LC a state trophy and shot at a third consecutive state title game in their sixth straight state appearance.

“It’s a blessing to be back,” Anderson said.