BY GERARDO BOLONG
Contributing Writer

It was remarkable rally that nearly reached victory.

Pulling out all stops after trailing by 14 points in the first quarter, the Seattle Christian girls took the lead in a scintillating fourth quarter only to fall, 40-38, against visiting Bellevue Christian in Nisqually 1A girls basketball action on Fri., Jan. 23.

Tied at 38-38, Seattle Christian was whistled for a foul near half court, giving Kathleen Crosby the double bonus free throws that she converted with 1.7 seconds left.

Following a time out, the Warriors inbounded from backcourt and Madelyn Weber could only fling a blind shot.

"I give them credit for working so hard, especially after four concussions (during the season) and finals week. I'm thrilled with effort against a well coached team. We just dug ourselves into a big hole in the first quarter."

Until then, the Warriors had successfully rallied back from an excruciatingly horrendous first quarter.
Bellevue Christian's good shooting, rebounding and ball control was in marked contrast to Seattle Christian's mistake prone execution.

Only Madelyn Weber's free throw interrupted 7-0 and 8-0 Viking runs that shoved the Warriors into a deep pit of a 15-1 deficit late in the first quarter. Makenzie May scored a late basket to make the score 15-3 after the first quarter.

Alex Ellis, just returned from inactivity due to a concussion, converted 6 of 6 free throws within a two minute period to bring the Warriors within 17-9 as three minutes remained in the first half. Bellevue Christian stretched its margin to 13 points before a Kelli Ronish assist to Weber and an Abby Louie 3-pointer got Seattle Christian within 22-14 at the half.

During halftime, the Warrior band performed "Don't Stop Believing" made famous by the group Journey as a possible attitude suggestion for the Seattle Christian faithful.

In the locker room, coach Jansen was doing his part to keep the momentum going.

"The girls wanted to win so badly, that they were almost too ready," he said. "They started out tight and we talked about doing what the Seahawks example. Do what you're coached to do. Once they relaxed, they started playing well."

Buoyed by positive thinking, the Warriors continued their enthusiasm from the second quarter.

Nine consecutive points behind the combined efforts of Abby Louie, Kelli Ronish and Weber gave SC a brief 23-22 lead three minutes into the second half.

The Vikings broke out to a 28-23 lead and went into the final frame with a 30-26 lead.

Bellevue led by as much as seven points before the hearts and spirits of the Seattle Christian squad mustered up a gallant rally.

Trailing 36-31 with 3:24 left, the Warriors began with Taelor Willhoite's pump fake and swirling layup.
Skirmishes with no scoring ensued until Weber made a free throw. Ellis made a back court steal on the way to a layup and converted free throw for Seattle Christian 37-36 lead at the 1:08 mark.

Just more than 40 seconds remained when Sperry McQuaid scored her only goal for a Viking 38-37 margin.

With 14.8 second on the clock, Ellis dropped home the first of two free throw chances to tie the game and set up the finale.

Louie used three treys as part of her 11 Warrior points. Weber worked hard for 10 points and nine rebounds while Ellis scored 10 points while dealing out four assists.

"I'm a little rusty with my dribbling and 3-point shooting," Ellis said about her 28 minutes of floor time.

"Otherwise, everything is good."

Rachel Berg and Crosby each had 11 points for Bellevue Christian.

Despite the pulsating rally, the Seattle Christian (1-3 Nisqually League) playoff prospects pose perilous predicaments en route to the third and final league spot to district.

The remaining schedule shows SC hosting Vashon (Jan. 27) and Cascade Christian (Jan. 30) before finishing on the road at Charles wright (Feb. 3) and Bellevue Christian (Feb 10). The Warriors need to win three out of these remaining four games.

Seattle Christian defeated Vashon 42-31 on Jan.9 before losing to CCHS 47-28 on Jan. 13. CW won a 44-35 encounter at SC on Jan.16.