by James Tate
Championship game
(1) Lone Peak 64
(2) Skyridge 49
First half
The Knights started the game off on an 8-0 run behind scores from a three-point basket by Naia Tanuvasa and layups by Kailey Woolston and Makeili Ika. The Falcons would respond with a 9-2 run with layups from Ellah Oeser, Shae Toole, Donya Perkins, and a three-pointer by Cambree Blackham. The first quarter ends with a 16-14 score in favor of the Knights.
The Falcons applied full-court pressure in the second quarter to slow down the Knight’s potent offense. The Knights committed ten turnovers in the first half. Perkins led the Falcons in scoring with eight first-half points. Woolston led the Knights with ten first-half points. Blackham was a defensive force with five steals in the first half. The halftime score was 25-22, with the Falcons ahead of the #1 seed Knights.
photo of Knight’s Naia Tanuvasa
Second half
The Knights came out in the third quarter and quickly to the lead on baskets by Shawnee Nordstrom and Tanuvasa, 26-25. At the 5:25 mark, the Falcons held a 33-30 lead after Perkins made a jump shot. The Knight’s point guard Ika would keep them close with nine points in the third quarter, including a three-pointer at the buzzer. The Falcons held a three-point lead, 43-40.
The fourth quarter was all Knights as they outscored the Falcons 24-6. The Knights converted on 13 of 16 free throws in the second half to seal the victory. The leading scorer for the Knights was Woolston, with 18 points, and she added ten rebounds. Next in scoring for the Knights were Ika (15), Tanuvasa (12), and Nordstrom (10) points.
The Knights scored the final 14 points and held the Falcons scoreless for the last 3:09.
The Falcons saw an outstanding performance from Blackham, scoring a team-high 18 points. Perkins was next in scoring for the Falcons with 15 points.
photo courtesy James Tate