The Pe Ell girls basketball team got off to a slow start in its district quarterfinal against Mary M. Knight on Friday, but they kicked it into gear and pulled away for a 55-27 win.
The Trojans had their lowest-scoring output of the quarter in the first, scoring just seven points, but the defense held firm and they actually led 7-3 after one.
“We had to adjust and find other ways to score,” Pe Ell coach Kelsey Lennox said.
The Trojans also had to play less aggressively on defense than what they are used to, as they ran into some early foul trouble.
They adjusted well, scoring 48 points over the final three frames while holding the Owls to just 24.
Emma Kissner had three fouls in the first half and missed some time because of it, but she was still able to finish with a career-high 15 points while hitting six of her nine shots from the floor. She also added six rebounds and three steals.
Karli Phelps finished with a team-high 16 points and four steals, and Peyton Zock battled through double- and triple-teams to finish with 15 points, and 14 rebounds. Eleven of her 15 came after the break.
Brookelynn King, in just her fourth game back from injury, stepped up throughout. She entered the game earlier than usual because of the foul trouble, and she hit a three to help get the offense flowing.
“This is the first game I have felt like she is truly back,” Lennox said. “She stepped up defensively when others couldn’t to help contain their quickest and most aggressive player.”
King finished with four points, five rebounds, two steals, and an assist, and her sister Maisy King added five points, 11 rebounds, and two steals.
With the win, the Trojans (19-0) are now one win away from their second straight trip to the Regional Round of the state tournament and their first district title game appearance since winning at 2B in 2013.
They’ll get that chance on Tuesday against Willapa Valley at Adna High School.
Oakville loses quarterfinal in Menlo
The Oakville girls basketball team battled in Menlo on Friday, but fell short in its quarterfinal in a 42-39 loss to Willapa Valley.
The Acorns (12-9) will now need to win two straight games to make it to state, starting with a matchup against Mary M. Knight on Tuesday in Raymond.
