The East Jefferson Rivals girls’ basketball team traveled to face the Tarriers of Charles Wright Academy.
The 4-2 Rivals entered the contest confident of victory …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you had an active account on our previous website, then you have an account here. Simply reset your password to regain access to your account.
If you did not have an account on our previous website, but are a current print subscriber, click here to set up your website account.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
* Having trouble? Call our circulation department at 360-385-2900, or email our support.
Please log in to continue |
|
The East Jefferson Rivals girls’ basketball team traveled to face the Tarriers of Charles Wright Academy.
The 4-2 Rivals entered the contest confident of victory over the 0-6 Tarriers, but EJ came out flat and led by just 16-14 at half.
“We didn’t start off too great,” said senior post Abbie Liske, “but we pulled it together.”
Indeed, EJ dominated the second half to secure a decisive 57-33 win. Sophomore post Penina Vailolo led the Rivals in scoring (19) and rebounds (eight). Guard Dylin Shockley, also a sophomore, scored 10 points.
Liske, junior point guard Kay Botkin, and freshman guard Teri Wiley each contributed six points. In addition, Liske blocked three shots, while Botkin dished four assists and nabbed six steals.
The victory improved EJ’s conference record to 5-2 and lifted the Rivals to fourth place in the nine-team Nisqually League.
EJ’s overall record (5-8) looks less impressive — but looks deceive, because the Rivals intentionally scheduled several formidable non-conference opponents to prepare themselves to compete against the 1A Nisqually League’s toughest teams.
The Rivals played two such non-conference games over winter break. On Dec. 18, EJ visited Sea-Tac League powerhouse Crosspoint Academy in Bremerton. Botkin sank five three-pointers and led the team in scoring with 19 points, followed by Wiley with 15. However, the Warriors beat the Rivals 63-45.
EJ hosted 2A Washougal on Dec. 30 in Chimacum. The Panthers prevailed, 69-29, but the Rivals fought valiantly. Shockley scored a team-leading nine points; Wiley grabbed 10 rebounds; and Vailolo blocked three shots.
Still, the EJ girls’ extraordinary dedication, practicing, and playing tough foes over the winter holidays should pay dividends as the season continues.
