Height advantage finally took its toll against a stubborn defense on Saturday, December 12, at the Great Western Lutheran Shootout on the campus of Evergreen Lutheran High School.
Arizona Lutheran Academy took charge in the third quarter, pulling way to a 39-23 girls basketball victory against Evergreen Lutheran in the championship match up.
"When Melanie (Laete) went out (in the third quarter), they got nine unanswered points," declared Eagle head coach Jeff Kurbis. "No one could answer their big girl."
Evergreen Lutheran was hanging close to the taller Coyotes, 16-13, when six-foot Melanie Laete drew her fourth foul as the second half began and had to sit on the bench. With no one taller than 5-8 to contest them, the Coyotes climbed away. Bethany Unkefer drilled a three-point goal followed by three consecutive inside baskets from 6-foot, 3-inch Kristen Schulz as Arizona took a 25-13 command in the third quarter.
Caty Poetter interrupted the surge by running to the boards for a rebound basket. Arizona Lutheran then went on a 4-0 surge to lead 29-13 with one quarter left.
Early in the fourth quarter, the continually battling Eagles closed to 30-20, but the wiley Coyotes pulled away with six consecutive points.
Although Evergreen Lutheran never enjoyed the lead, its hustling defense and driving offense kept Arizona Lutheran off balance. The Poetter sisters rallied the Eagles from a 7-2 deficit in the first quarter. Caty's three-pointer and Megume's free throw flew the Eagles near the Coyotes, 7-6, at the end of one quarter.
Markelle Lance drained a three-pointer from the corner for Evergreen Lutheran's only tie at 9-9 early in the second quarter. Arizona increased its lead to 13-9 and kept a 16-13 halftime margin to set up the deciding third quarter.
"Our defense was incredibly tough," proclaimed Kurbis. "Arizona got most of their points off free throws. I don't give out too many A's, but for this game, I gave our girls an A. We controlled the boards."
Guard Caty Poetter steadily played her way to nine points, 12 rebounds and four steals. Teammate Laete finished with seven points, eight rebounds and three steals. Erika Herman grabbed three steals.
Arizona's Schulz led all scorers with 15 points.
West Lutheran (Minnesota) defeated Nebraska Lutheran for third place while California Lutheran won against Vancouver (Washington) Christian in the consolation game.
