Defending Class 3A girls basketball champion Kennedy Catholic survived the inspired efforts of East Valley of Spokane to escape with a 61-55 first round victory in opening action of the 2010 state championship tournament at the Tacoma Dome on Wednesday, March 10.

The Lancers (22-3) moved on to a Thursday showdown with third-ranked Mercer Island (21-5).

East Valley's 9-17 record against tough competition encountered mostly in its Greater Spokane 3A/4A League still put its caliber of play in question.

"We underestimated them," admitted senior Yaz Fuller, who scored 14 of her game high 33 points in the fourth quarter to rescue the Lancers. "I'm a senior. I'm not going out with a loss, no way. We were more concerned about what everyone was saying. We weren't focused on what coach tells us, '(Play it) game by game'. We needed to take it to heart."

Kennedy ended on a good note Wednesday thanks greatly to the determination of Fuller.

Fuller scored 11 of Kennedy's last 14 points including the spin around driving layin that
extended the Lancer lead to 57-53 with 1:33 left and the lay up that dropped through with 52.3 seconds remaining after a JFK time out set up the play.

"We called the play and I wanted the ball," said Fuller. "I prayed to God that I would make the shot."

Kennedy coach Tom Mummert labeled the scare as "a real eye opener" that should have gotten his players' full attention.

"They'd better take this game to heart and realize that if we come out like this (Thursday), Mercer Island's just going to run us off the court. Our defense tonight was just atrocious. They got open looks when they wanted them. they got layins when they wanted them."

East Valley trailed most of the way, but with margins of 10 or less. Allie Madison's goal had Kennedy leading 37-32 midway through the third quarter before the Knights pushed back, pulling within 39-36 and then going ahead 41-39 following Jenni White's three-pointer. For Kennedy, Aminah Williams triggered a three-pointer ahead of a Presley Neufeld lefty layup. White countered with a bucket off the offensive boards to narrow the JFK lead to 44-43 at the end of the quarter.

It was an action packed struggle the rest of the way with no team gaining more than a two point edge until Fuller followed through on her driving hoop.

Kennedy owned a 15-9 advantage on points off three-point field goals and outdistanced East Valley 23-7 on points off turnovers.

Williams helped JFK with 12 points, seven rebounds and five steals. Allie Madison added eight points and five steals.

Guard Jenni White led East Valley with 17 points nine rebounds, four assists and five steals. Kimmie Thatcher was 5-of-10 from the field en route to 14 points and Alicia Chrisiansen was 6-of-10 with 12 Knight points.