Third quarter missed opportunities plus turnovers by Kennedy Catholic enabled Edmonds Woodway to break free from a close girls basketball game en route to a 57-40 third place-fourth-place Les Schwab Christmas Classic tournament win at Kennedy High School on Saturday morning, Dec. 29.
"The girls played much better than yesterday," said KC head coach Greg Caldwell. "The first half, especially, was the best defense we've had so far. There was talking on defense, which is what we've stressed for communication."
Kennedy Catholic displayed good, scrappy play with nice ball movement to prevail 13-9 in the first quarter following Miranda Goff's lay up and a Maggie Gallagher short-range jump shot. Edmonds Woodway experienced outside shooting difficulties and rebounding weaknesses, but the Lancers were unable to convert on numerous short range shots.
After trailing 23-18 at halftime, the Lancers closed within 23-21 as a result of Miranda Goff's close-in hoop and a Nikki Miller free throw.
"We learned that teamwork works best and that we have to come ready to play," said the ever hustling Miller, who scored 11 first half points with a trio three-point goals as the prelude to 15 game points and 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Miller also grabbed eight rebounds for the fray.
Edmonds Woodway's Warriors responded with a 7-0 run that Kennedy Catholic countered well. Kelsey Abrejera drained a pair of free throws ahead of a Sam Morrell field goal to get the Lancers close at 30-25 with just more than three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Although the battling Lancers worked for good shot looks, they were unable to transform the looks into points regularly as the Warriors jumped to a 35-25 margin after three quarters and were never threatened the rest of the way.
Scrambling Kennedy Catholic defense was in effect, although the Lancer offense still struggled against back court pressure.
For the game. Edmonds Woodway out rebounded Kennedy Catholic 47-34 with a 15-7 clearance on the offensive boards. Kelsey Abrejera had nine points and six Lancer rebounds.
Miranda Goff scored seven points with six rebounds and was the Kennedy Catholic representative on the all tournament girls squad.
Natalie Kaspar led the Warriors in points with 15 while EW's Mady Burdett earned 11 points. Seyi Olajoyegbe collared 14 rebounds and six Warrior points.
In addition to Goff, other all tournament players were Olajoyegbe (Edmonds Woodway), Shantell Jackson (Auburn Riverside), Deja Strother (Inglemoor) and Kelly Conroy, MVP (Inglemoor).
