Cardinals split games with Rams

MEDICAL LAKE – Both games between Medical Lake and Riverside High School on Thursday, Feb. 3, were hard fought battles that came down to the wire. The Cardinal boys beat the Rams 50-43, while the girls team fell short 41-37.

"We were able to get a quality win against Riverside," said Boys Head Coach Jordan Starr. "I am proud of this team's dedication and hard work through the season."

The Cardinals started out with a strong first quarter up 16 -8. The first points on the board came from Eugene Haas who was fouled on a shot from beyond the arc. Haas sank two-of -three attempts from the charity stripe to put the Cardinals up early.

Jordan Nortz drained a three-point shot and Riverside took a 3-2 lead.

Medical Lake then went on a 10-1 run, using effective ball control to go up by double-digits, 13-3.

Riverside found a groove late in the first and into the second quarter and brought the game within two points. But Medical Lake was able to pull away, holding a six-point lead at the half, 27-21.

The Rams battled back to get within four points late in the game, 44-40, but key free throws down the stretch from Oran Rhimer and Tyler Sembly helped preserve the Cardinals win.

Rhimer led Medical Lake with 15 points. Sembly added 14 points. Haas finished with 10.

Riverside's Jacob Graham presented some issues for the Cardinals putting up 14 points and applying defensive pressure for the Rams.

The Medical Lake improved its overall record to 8-9 with the win. Riverside fell to 2-15-2 on the year.

Coach Starr said the team is ready to put extra work in, and hopes for a late post season run.

"We have a group of players and coaches that are motivated and want to extend the season as long as we can," he said. "We are optimistic about the district tournament."

GIRLS

The varsity girls dropped a close 41-37 contest to Riverside.

The game was tight throughout as the Cardinals held an 11-9 lead after the first eight minutes were in the books and Rams taking a 22-21 score into the locker room at the break.

A slow third quarter left Medical Lake trying to figure out a game plan heading into the final eight minutes, down 30-27.

Some key buckets from Ellie Haas and Charde' Luat brought the home crowd to their feet., but the team came up short and Riverside came away with the win.

Medical Lake had a tough time stopping 6' Sam Riggles who led the Rams with 11 points. Her efforts included some late buckets and strong defense that sealed the victory for Riverside.

Luat's 10 points led all Cardinal scorers. Kiyah Hatcher added nine points and turned in a solid defensive effort for Medical Lake.

The victory improved Riverside to 6-10-1 in the standings. The loss dropped Medical Lake to 5-10.