News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area
Finish regular season ranked second
On defense, senior Shantana Pakootas sticks like glue to a Liberty Bell opponent, eventually scoring seven points for the Lady Raiders. Pakootas also had four steals and three assists.
Keeping her eye on the basket, Senior Cassidy Reyes scored 10 points in the Lady Raiders' 51-49 victory over Liberty Bell Friday. Reyes also had eight rebounds, two steals, and two assists in the game. - Scott Hunter photos
The Lady Raiders won three games last week to wrap up their regular season ranked second in the Central Washington 2B league.
Lake Roosevelt hosted and defeated the top-ranked Brewster Lady Bears Jan. 29 by a highly respectable 18 points, 51-33.
Ellie Hansen led the Lady Raiders with 18 points, sinking eight of her nine shots at the basket and making two free throws. She made seven rebounds, as well.
"It is always nice to beat the top team in league," Coach Matt Pleasants said. "The girls came out mentally focused and ready to go, and it showed. I have to give credit to the whole team, as they are making big strides in how they are approaching practices and games. It is a positive sign that we hope to continue."
On Friday, the Lady Raiders hosted and defeated the Liberty Bell Lady Mountain Lions in a real barn burner with a final score of 51-49.
"This was a hard-fought game," Pleasants said. The underclassmen stepped up big time to give the seniors a win that they will not forget."
The victory took place on the Lady Raiders' senior night. The seniors include Cassidy Reyes, Shantana Pakootas, Hannah Wapato, Lilly Clark, Kelsie Olbricht, and Addison Hansen.
Wapato led the Lady Raiders with 11 points.
The next day, the Lady Raiders traveled to meet the Waterville/Mansfield Lady Shockers, defeating them in double overtime 56-54.
"Playing back-to-back games is always tough," Pleasants said. The first half was a bit sluggish but they chipped away at Waterville's lead in the second half, he added.
"Waterville, always a tough opponent, didn't back down and forced double overtime," Pleasants continued. "I have to give kudos to the girls for their composure. Overtime games can go either way, and it generally comes down to who will panic first. The way we executed at the end during those critical moments are always great to see especially with postseason approaching."
Olbricht led the charge against the Shockers with 14 points.
The victories helped the Lady Raiders slide into second place in the league, finishing the regular season with a win-loss record of 13-3 in the league, 13-6 overall, behind only the Brewster Lady Bears (13-2, 14-3) and just ahead of Liberty Bell (12-3, 15-4).
The Lady Raiders are moving onto postseason play on Friday when they play Liberty Christian at Hanford Middle School at 7:45 p.m.
Brewster @ LR
Lady Raiders 51 Lady Bears 33
Lady Raider points: E. Hansen - 18; Wapato - 9; K. Olbricht - 8; Audrey Hansen - 8; Pakootas - 4; Reyes - 4
Liberty Bell @ LR
Lady Raiders 51 - Lady Mountain Lions 49
Lady Raider points - Wapato - 11; Reyes - 10; E. Hansen - 8; Olbricht - 8; Pakootas - 7; Clark - 4; Nomee - 3
LR @ Waterville
Lady Raiders 56 Lady Shockers 54
Lady Raider points - Olbricht - 14; Nomee - 8; Pakootas - 7; Audrey Hansen - 7; E. Hansen - 7; Wapato -6; J. Hansen - 3; Reyes - 2; Addison Hansen - 2
Reader Comments(0)