Medical Lake in regionals for first time in 20 years
There appears to be a different team lately playing in the uniforms of the Medical Lake High School girls’ basketball team.
It’s one that has won 5 of 7 games since Jan. 24 and collected back-to-back victories over Riverside last week to take a historical trip down the district playoff trail.
Cardinals 2.0 are a much different, and apparently improved version of the team first year head coach Kyle Lundberg started with back in November. That’s helping both the defense and offense.
“We have been playing much more aggressive which gets both our defense and offense rolling,” Lundberg said. “ The girls have really started to believe in each other and playing for one another.”
Medical Lake (8-13) concluded its regular season Feb. 10 with a 46-42 win at home against Riverside (7-13) and then made it two straight over the Rams Feb. 13, also at home, scoring a 48-39 victory on the opening night of District 7 play.
“I was told with that win on Friday was the first district win for the girls program in over 20 years,” Lundberg said. “That’s how special this team is.”
To get to that district game, Medical Lake needed to rally from a 21-15 halftime deficit and win it in the fourth quarter. Cassidy Hagel’s 3-point basket inside the final minute gave the Cardinals the lead and Bradyn Wegner’s free throw with 11 seconds remaining was the insurance.
Hagel had a game-high 23 points with Wegner adding 10 more, making them the only Cardinals in double figures. Julianna Trepanier’s 14 points led the Rams.
“Both Cassidy and Bradyn have been shooting great,” Lundberg said. “With that said, being able to get them open by setting screens and making extra passes is a team effort.”
Friday in their district rematch, the Cardinals pulled away from a slim 18-16 halftime lead with a solid third quarter they won 17-11. Wegner led the way this time with 20 points, followed by the 16 from Hagel. Trepanier’s 10 points led the Rams.
The Riverside loss ended their season while Medical Lake moved on to meet regular season champion Lakeside (19-1) Feb. 17 at West Valley High School in the double elimination tournament.
Medical Lake’s recent success runs deeper than just the offense provided by Hagel and Wegner.
“We have several girls who are doing great things,” Lundberg said. “Just to mention a few I would have to say Glori Cheevers, Maleeka Wagner, and Makayla Geiger.”
Cheevers plays such aggressive defense and has been rebounding really well. “Maleeka does everything (well),” Lundberg said. “She doesn’t turn the ball over and always makes good passes, plays great defense, and rebounds the ball, especially on the defensive side.”
Geiger is just a freshman and “has been unbelievable for us,” Lundberg said. “She plays so aggressive and has done a great job handling the ball for us, which has been key to get Cassidy and Bradyn some open looks.”
Collectively, this group appears to have maybe helped set the foundation for the program, Lundberg said.
“They took the first steps in turning this program around and create a winning tradition,” he said.
Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.
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