First quarter action capsulized the content of the entire game as Mount Rainier dominated Graham-Kapowsin, 59-26, in girls basketball action at the ShoWare Shootout presented by Allied Waste on Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Ram freshman Brittany McPhee took charge in the first quarter with 10 Ram points inside while Mount Rainier built a 17-1 lead before settling for a 17-3 margin heading into the second quarter.

"I just try to go hard the whole game and stay intense," explained the 5-foot, 10-inch player of the game. "We worked hard at rebounding."

For the duration, McPhee earned 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Mount Rainier's defense came out trapping to imprison the Eagles in back court while pilfering the ball regularly to set up high percentage shots. Adding control of the backboards, the Rams substituted liberally while cruising to victory.

Joining the outstanding freshman with inside penetration and collection of caroms was senior Kiana Gandy, who scored 10 points and collared eight rebounds. Senior Caroline Codd worked for seven points and six rebounds while Jordan McPhee and MayLynn Mitchell contributed sevent points apiece for Mount Rainier.

Standing at 6-2 overall and 4-2 in the South Puget Sound League North, the Ram debut in Class 4A has begun well.

The Ram losses were against Kentwood (55-50) and Auburn Riverside.(58-54). Mount Rainier led until late in each loss.

With a strong core nucleus returning from last season's Class 3A state squad joined by outstanding younger talent, the Rams are poised for success now and in the near future.

"We were happy to get everyone into the game tonight," stated Mount Rainier head coach Bob Bolam. "We're good where we've gotten so far. With the players back from last year and the addition of freshmen Brittany and Jordan McPhee we've got a good group of talented kids. Some of the talent is still young. They've got great skills and we're still putting it together."