Centralia College women’s basketball overcame an abysmal shooting performance from beyond the arc to come away with a 52-46 comeback victory over Highline on the road Tuesday.
The Blazers fell behind early, facing an 11-2 deficit, then cut the lead to one at the half. Highline responded with an 8-0 run to open the second half, at 29-20, before former W.F. West star Erika Brumfield, along with Allison DeBerry, provided a spark that fueled the come-from-behind victory.
The Blazers were able to hang onto the lead, despite shooting what coach Caleb Sells estimated was about 18% shooting from the 3-point line. The Blazers have been averaging 35-40% from three this season.
DeBerry scored a team-high 12 points and Mallory Williams hauled down a team-high 12 rebounds for the Trailblazers. Brumfield recorded five blocks, most coming in the second half, to help protect the rim.
“The girls found a way to win,” Sells said. “Highline has been a house of horrors for us in the past, but we got out with a win.”
Centralia improves to 2-1 and travels to Tacoma Community College on Tuesday
Centralia College men’s basketball was plagued by some uncharacteristic defensive issues in transition and took a 90-87 loss to Highline on the road Tuesday.
“Offensively, we did fine,” coach Jason Moir said. “We just lost focus defensively in transition.”
The Blazers found their rhythm offensively, Moir said, and had their chances, but missed on a couple big layups that were momentum-killers and resulted in points for Highline on the other end of the floor.
The Blazers will look to turn it around when they host Grays Harbor College on Friday.
“We’re pretty locked in at home,” Moir said. “Hopefully, these guys are ready to bounce back. We’re looking forward to it.”
