Quickness and power on defense fired up the Federal Way girls basketball team to a 70-29 demonstrative demolition of a good Thomas Jefferson team on Thursday.

No. 2 state ranked Federal Way (14-3) improved to a 10-3 second place in the SPSL North Division standings behind unbeaten and state top-ranked Auburn Riverside. Jefferson (6-8, 9-9) fell two games off the fifth and final North Division playoff spot with two games remaining.

For the Eagles it was an impressive demonstration of the adjustments they have made since losing the services of two key players.

"Ever since the two Auburn Riverside games, we knew what we had to practice for," explained a pleased Federal Way head coach Danny Graham. "Defense controlled this game. Even though we're short handed, all the players are stepping up in understanding and executing the defensive philosophy."

Jefferson held its own with Federal Way early in the first quarter, beating the pressure defense to score goals. Unique Taufau'sau and Jada Piper countered the Eagle speed to forge a trio of ties, the last being at 7-7.

After Darah Huertas-Vining and Talia Walton tallied field goals for the Eagles, Taufa'asau countered with a free throw to keep TJ within 11-8. Then came the physically withering defense that stole the game away and ignited the quickly transitioning Federal Way offense.

Talia Walton's jumper followed by a Huertas-Vining free throw stretched the Eagle leverage to 14-8 by the end of the quarter. Chantel Dixon's steal and driving lay up before a Huertas-Vining lay up preceded a Molly Campbell-assisted Huertas-Vining three-pointer to cascade the Federal Way margin to 21-8.

Dixon converted a standard three-point play following an Eagle steal in back court to complete a 13-0 scoring spurt from the last part of the first quarter to the 5:21 mark of the second quarter.

If stealing in basketball was a crime, Federal Way would have been convicted on all charges. Like Kentucky Derby thoroughbreds, the Eagles continually raced until posting a 70-24 margin shortly before the Raiders closed with five consecutive points to end the game.

Following an inspired effort in a close Tuesday loss to Kentwood, this game was quickly out of reach for Jefferson.

"Give them credit," said Raider head coach Jerry Krueger. "Their physicality is at a level above us."

With all Federal Way cylinders clicking, guard Chantel Dixon led the Eagles in scoring for the first time with a game high 18 points from quick drives and outside bombs. She also had five rebounds. Huertas-Vining fired in 16 points, while 6-foot-1 inch Walton had an outstanding all around game on 11 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, five blocked shots and three steals.

Hannah Kiyohara emerged with 10 Raider points.