MLCA boys turn back Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE - Three players scored in double figures to lead the Moses Lake Christian Academy (MLCA) boys basketball team to a 50-41 road win against Soap Lake Tuesday.

Lowell Kirkwood led the way for the Lions with 15 points, 15 rebounds and five assist. Austin Ray added 13 points and Alec Naccaratto finished with 12. The win over the Eagles improves MLCA to 2-0 in league action and 2-2 overall.

"It was a great game for this team," coach Duke Wood said. "We played hard for four quarters, and the team gave every bit of hustle and heart they had for 32 minutes."

Things got off to a slow start for both teams as the Lions took a 12-7 lead at the end of the first eight minutes of play.

But the action heated up in the second quarter as the Lions and Eagles pumped in 16 points each, but Soap Lake still trailed 28-23 at the half.

However, the Eagles got the best of MLCA in the third quarter as the home team overcame the 5-point deficit to take the lead, 36-32.

"Soap Lake come out of halftime with a quick scoring flurry, and we couldn't get in a groove offensively," Wood said. "I reminded the guys at the end of the quarter that we did the same thing last week and lost and that we didn't want to have a repeat.  So we made some adjustments offensively in the fourth quarter, which I felt was the difference in the game."

The adjustment couldn't have worked out any better for the Lions as MLCA drained 18 points to the Eagles 5 to pull out the win.

"This was a big night for us as not many teams are going to come in here and get a win," Wood said. "It took some great shooting from the 3-point and free throw line.  I'm proud of the guys ... they really earned it."

 MLCA is back in action Dec. 18 when the Lions take to the road to face the Thorp Tigers in 1B league play.