Lady Cardinals shut down Shadle Park

SPOKANE VALLEY – Tournament play opened up for many high school teams on December 28 at West Valley High School, and the Medical Lake girls' varsity team beat Shadle Park 57-34.

The Cardinals took an early lead behind a steady offensive gameplan that allowed the team to move the ball effectively and create high percentage shots.

The team also utilized a lot of defensive pressure to create offensive fastbreak opportunities as well. Both Ellie Haas and Charde' Luat were ball hawks as perimeter defenders, each player snagging several steals that led to some easy points in transition.

Luat would also lead the Cardinals in scoring with 17 points. Kiyah Hatcher and Sophie Salinas-Sanders joined her in scoring double digits with 10 points each.

The Cardinals were aggressive inside as well, getting to the paint and forcing Shadle Park's defense to commit fouls.

Haas passed the ball well and led the team in assists, setting the pace for the team to find scoring opportunities for eight different players.

Amblessed Okemgbo dominated the boards ripping down a lot of rebounds and getting the ball back to her teammates.

Medical Lake's varsity girls' team improved their record to 5-2 overall and will face off against Colfax on December 30.

The boys' team played Colfax on Dec. 28 at West Valley High School, and lost to the Bulldogs 63-50.

The cardinals had a bit of a slow start in the first quarter, and weren't able to put enough scoring runs together to catch up. Colfax came out strong defensively and was able to hold the Cardinals to only six points in the first quarter.

Three players led the team in scoring with Tyler Sembly, Landon Hall, and Eugene Haas III putting up 11 points each.

Medical lake was able to move the ball well, and everyone in the lineup scored as a result of the efficient passing.

With the loss, Medical Lake falls to 3-5 overall and will face Sandpoint in a non-league game on December 29.

Matthew can be reached at reporter2@cheneyfreepress.com