Offense falters for Medical Lake girls in losses

It was an oh-for week for Medical Lake's girls on the basketball court.

And that was not just because they finished last week winless, falling in a pair of Northeast A League games, 60-14 to Lakeside last Tuesday and 45-28 at Riverside Friday. Mixed in was a 30-22 nonleague defeat in the annual Golden Feather Spirit Game last Wednesday to rival Cheney.

The Cardinals found themselves searching for more offense, but not finding it as twice they suffered through being shutout in quarters and the other 10 held to single digits.

"We've got to do a better job being aggressive and attacking the basket on offense," head coach Kyle Lundberg said. "We sometimes pass up good shots trying to make extra passes. We have to recognize when we have a good shot opportunity and take it."

While the two league games were, perhaps, the most important in the big picture of a hopeful return to postseason, there was no overlooking the Golden Feather and all the energy and emotion associated with it.

Regardless, Medical Lake got off to a horrible start, trailing 6-0 after the first quarter, but finding the range to close the gap to 13-12 at the break.

"I think it was a combination of nerves and not taking care of the ball," Lundberg said. "We had too many unforced turnovers. We got a few good stops on defense that allowed us to get the ball up the floor and attack."

They kept it close through much of the fourth quarter, trailing just 26-22 with just over two minutes to play. But Cheney (5-9) free throws down the stretch provided the final margin. Cassidy Hagel led the Cardinals with 10 points, while Kendyl Cone had 11 for Cheney, the only players to crack double figures.

Powerful Lakeside (7-0, 12-1), raced to a 12-4 first quarter lead and added to it in the second, leading at halftime 35-8. The Eagles, led by Jocelyn Cook-Cox's 16 points, continued the rampage that included a 14-0 fourth quarter. Hagel's eight were tops for the Cards.

"Lakeside is a solid and very deep team that plays very aggressive and has great teamwork," Lundberg said. "However every team is beatable."

Riverside (3-4, 4-8) was also quick out of the opening tip and led 14-2 after the first quarter and 24-9 at halftime. Hagel's 12 points again led Medical Lake. Julianna Trepanier led all scorers in the game with 14 points for Riverside.

"We didn't take care of the ball, too many turnovers," Lundberg said in accessing the effort against the Rams. "We also were too passive on offense." 

Medical Lake (3-4 NEA, 3-9 overall) faced Freeman (3-4, 3-9) at home this past Tuesday and host Chewelah (5-2, 6-7) at 5:45 p.m. Friday as the league season enters its second half.

"We need to step up our aggressiveness on both defense and offense," Lundberg said. "Also we have to do a better job not turning the ball over.

Lundberg said he's confident his team is on the right track heading into the final games of the regular season.

"I strongly feel these girls are ready to make a good run second time through," he said.

Paul Delaney can be reached at [email protected].