The 2B No. 4 Rainier girls basketball team jumped out to a bit of an early lead, then settled in for a rock fight against Wahkiakum on Wednesday at home, grinding out a 42-35 win over the defending Central 2B League champs.
“We came out strong, we let them get a little momentum into the half,” Rainier coach Brandon Eygabroad said. “They just hung around. They’re a really well-coached team and they’re really aggressive and they like to make it sloppy.”
That slow style saw Rainier hold Wahkiakum to just two points in the opening quarter and 10 in the first half, but the Mountaineers were only able to turn that into a 21-10 lead at the break. Things sped up a bit in the third quarter, and Rainier only managed five points in the fourth, but still was able to close things out on defense.
“We did a really good job on the glass tonight, limiting them to one possession,” Eygabroad said.
Brooklynn Swenson led the Mountaineers with 13 points, but it was a balanced attack overall. Angelica Askey had 11 points, and both Haleigh Hanson and Acacia Murphy pitched in six.
“It’s nice to see some other girls step up and really develop their game,” Eygabroad said. “On the defensive side, holding them to 35 points, Acacia Murphy and Janess Blackburn are playing some really good defense. Brooklynn and Angelica are stepping up offensively.”
Rainier will stay at home for another C2BL showdown Friday, hosting Rainier.
