Lady Raiders upset Brewster on two-win weekend

In a tremendous upset, the Lady Raiders defeated the top-seeded Brewster Lady Bears Saturday at the District 5-6 2B tournament to clinch a spot in regionals next week. The victory came the day after LR fought through a double-overtime win against Walla Walla Valley Academy.

Facing off against top-seeded Brewster in the district tournament in Granger Feb. 10, the Lady Raiders won 54-48 after coming back from a 10-point first-quarter deficit.

Down 21-11 at the start of the second quarter, the Lady Raiders changed up what they were doing defensively, holding Brewster to five points while scoring 11 themselves.

"From there, the seniors took over and we were able to slow walk the score in our favor," LR's head coach, Wallace Pleasants, said.

The Lady Raiders took a 42-41 lead with 4:03 left in the game. Brewster tied it at 45 with about two minutes left. After LR's Khani Priest hit two free throws, Brewster never caught up.

"Outstanding win for the ladies," Pleasants said. "They've worked extremely hard to get to where we are."

"It was a great feeling and it was fun to see the girls excitement and joy on their faces," said Assistant Coach Matt Pleasants.

Kayla St. Pierre led in scoring, putting up 17 points in addition to her six rebounds, six steals, and five assists. Kelsie Olbricht contributed 10 points, including seven in the second half.

A day earlier, playing against Walla Walla Valley Academy, the Lady Raiders came out on top after two overtimes, winning 48-45.

"It was a game of height versus speed, as they sported three 6-footers along the baseline," Pleasants noted.

Down 15-14 at the half, the Lady Raiders kept the score close, forcing one overtime, and then another, outscoring Walla Walla 6-3 for the win.

"Very good win for the girls," Pleasants said. "They played unbelievably well."

Pleasants commended the performance of his senior players, including St. Pierre, who led with 17 points, six rebounds, six steals, and five assists; and Olivia Ludwig, who pulled down 15 rebounds and added four points.

The Lady Raiders play White Swan on Friday, Feb. 16, in Granger at 5:45 p.m. A win means the girls play the next day at 4 p.m.' a loss would mean playing the next day at 2:15 p.m. against either Mabton or Tri Cities Prep.

Having already qualified for regionals at the Spokane Arena the following weekend, the games will help determine seeding.

Lake Roosevelt 48, Walla Walla Valley Academy 45

Lady Raider Points: St. Pierre 16; Olbricht 10; Reyes 9; Pakootas 7; Priest 6; Edmo 4; Ludwig 2

Lake Roosevelt 54, Brewster 48

Lady Raider Points: St. Pierre 17; Olbricht 6; Priest 6; Clark 6; Reyes 4; Ludwig 4; Pakootas 3; Edmo 2