Chiefs host, sweep co-ed jamboree

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School's Chief gym was bustling with basketballs, duffle bags and fans Tuesday night during the season opening jamboree hosted by the Chiefs.

Quincy and Eastmont High Schools brought their varsity and junior varsity squads to compete in both boys and girls games during the jamboree.

Each match up consisted of five minute halves and gave each team just enough time to warm up before the games were over.

The first game of the night showcased Moses Lake's girls varsity team taking on Eastmont.

"No 'Lady Chiefs' please, just Chiefs," said head coach Matt Strophy before the game.

Strophy also gave a run down of his team and expectations for the season.

"Right now I'm cautiously optimistic," Strophy said. "Our talent has increased over the years but we are maybe not as deep as we have been in the past."

The Chiefs are looking to make the playoffs this season and are relying on their core leaders to get them there.

"Carrie Sawyer is our senior captain," said Strophy. "Brin Bergeson and Marielle McKean are our juniors. They're the two hardest working kids on the floor."

Strophy characterized the jamboree as a night for the team to get the jitters out and learn to relax in game situations.

The method worked for the Chiefs in the first game. They defeated Eastmont 12-6.

Carly Noyes lead the team with 9 points in the first game.

In the second game for the Chiefs, they defeated Quincy 22-9.

Sawyer and Brianne Roylance each had a three to contribute to the win.

The boys team suited up for the second game of the night, taking on Eastmont and defeating the Wildcats 20-12.

During the second half a controversy erupted when a spectator began shouting, "They have six men on the court!"

Moses Lake had just subbed in two players and during the shuffle six players remained on the court for the following trip down court.

To celebrate the win, the Moses Lake friendly crowd chanted, "Undefeated."

After the game, head coach Brant Mayo discussed his team's performance.

"It's just good to get on the floor and play," said Mayo. "We're progressing OK. We're trying to find our roles and get some team chemistry."

Mayo said he expected that his team captains, Quinn Baker and Mitch Roylance, would continue to lead the team throughout the season.

"I think we'll have different players step up and have great games this season," said Mayo.

In Moses Lake's second game, the Chiefs defeated Quincy 17-10.