Eastlake Lady Wolves end season with loss to Lake Stevens
Eastlake’s girls basketball team lost 80-71 Saturday against Lake Stevens, one of the strongest teams in the state. The loss ended the Lady Wolves’ post-season run.
Kicking off the game at Bellevue High School, Eastlake and Lake Stevens traded baskets throughout a fast-paced first quarter, with both teams pushing the tempo and attacking the rim. Lake Stevens struck first behind strong inside play from Kendel Kuehl and Noelani Tupua, who knocked down midrange shots and finished through contact in the paint. Eastlake’s Megan Roberts added two layups and four free throws, while Brooke McCartney turned three rebounds into second-chance layups and connected on two midrange jumpers.
Lake Stevens answered quickly. Kuehl scored three layups and a free throw, and Tupua knocked down two 3-pointers to keep the Vikings within striking distance. By the end of the quarter, Lake Stevens held a narrow 20-15 lead.
The Wolves opened the second quarter aggressively. Roberts hit a three-pointer and followed with a strong drive to the basket, quickly adding five points. Lake Stevens responded with sharper ball movement and disciplined drives to the rim leading to layups. Tupua took two layups and set up the offense, letting Tessa Anastasi take three layups as the Vikings made the score 29-25 with Eastlake still trailing.
Neither team created much separation afterwards. Eastlake continued to pressure defensively and capitalize in transition, while Lake Stevens found points by attacking the paint and drawing fouls. The consistent rebounds from Eastlake’s McCartney carried through the remainder of the half, and Eastlake entered halftime with a slim 40-38 advantage.
Lake Stevens came out of halftime with renewed energy. Tupua wasted no time, drilling a three-pointer seconds into the third quarter. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams exchanging possession and points.
Eastlake established control inside by setting up screens and finishing at the rim. Ali Boyd converted three layups during the stretch, and McCartney extended the lead with two 3-pointers from beyond the arc. The Wolves appeared poised to pull away, but the Vikings refused to back down.
Lake Stevens relied on smart plays and free throws to stay on Eastlake’s tail. Every player on the floor contributed, attacking gaps in the defense and finishing around the basket. Late in the quarter, Tupua connected on another three-pointer to give the Vikings a 55-52 lead heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter was the turning point for the Vikings. Eastlake’s key scorers shifted focus to defense as the pace intensified. After a timeout, McCartney briefly boosted the Lady Wolves score and morale with a three-pointer, but Lake Stevens maintained composure.
Strong passing from Lake Stevens’ Tupua created open positions, and Kuehl consistently finished in the paint. The Vikings built a nine-point lead, 66-57, midway through the fourth quarter. Eastlake attempted to rally with increased defensive pressure, but the aggressive approach resulted in foul trouble and free-throw opportunities for Lake Stevens.
Fatigue began to show for the Wolves as rebounds became harder to secure. Lake Stevens shifted into a zone defense late, limiting rebound opportunities and forcing contested shots. The Vikings eventually turned the tide with free throws and strong defense, leading to a victory of 80-71.
Lake Stevens will advance to the state tournament in Tacoma.
