Girls hoops: Woodinville thumps Eastlake with state qualification on the line
The Eastlake girls basketball team lost 75-62 against the Woodinville Falcons on Tuesday night. The loss meant the Lady Wolves are not guaranteed state qualification, and have to win two more games in order to qualify. The Falcons maintained a comfortable lead throughout the game, leaving Eastlake chasing.
Eastlake attempted to gain control of the game, scoring quickly after tipoff with Megan Roberts’ layup, but was met with Jazlyn Wilkerson and Sienna Bieler’s triples from Woodinville. Fast drives and passes around the key created many of Woodinville’s chances, limiting the Lady Wolves’ attack. Eastlake went on a scoring run of 10 points consisting of Charli Dolan’s and Brooke McCartney’s triples, Addison Baumgartner’s free throws, and Maggie Bredeweg’s layup, reducing the deficit to three points, before Woodinville’s Bieler scored a double to end the quarter 17-12, Woodinville.
The Falcons kept the gap wide in the second quarter, with Wilkerson starting with a layup. Their offensive tactics were different, as they opted to put their players on the three point line, making space in the middle of the paint for a player to drive and make a layup. 16 points down with four minutes on the clock, Eastlake put their afterburners on. Roberts sank six points, Peyton Riley added two, as McCartney and Baumgartner each scored two. It was not enough, as the quarter ended 37-29, Woodinville.
Brooke McCartney started the second half off for Eastlake, faking her shot at first and scoring. Quick combination plays made by the Lady Wolves allowed them to draw a foul, before outstanding defense led them to go on a quick break, tying the game up 37-37. The Falcons looked unsure on offense, missing attempts from within the paint. They got five free throws, though, scoring all. As the clock ticked, the overall momentum shifted away from Eastlake, as multiple points and fouls were called against them. Woodinville routed the Lady Wolves in the last two minutes, ending the quarter 58-45, Woodinville.
The teams started the last quarter by trading doubles, before McCartney scored a triple from right court. Eastlake still trailed, but gained momentum as Megan Roberts scored in the key, forcing a timeout. Hope for the Lady Wolves completely slipped away as the Falcons’ Bieler scored her pair of free throws, putting them 16 points ahead. Woodinville finished with solid defense, controlling the play and grabbing rebounds. Eastlake scored six points in the last minute, but it was too little too late, ending the game 75-62, Woodinville.
The Lady Wolves will play Mount Si on Thursday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. at Bothell High School. Losing this matchup will mean no participation in the state tournament.
