Walker's score lifts Chiefs over CHS

MOSES LAKE - With the score tied and seconds ticking away, Moses Lake junior guard McKenna Walker spun off her defender and flipped up a shot that rattled through the rim giving the Chiefs the lead for good.

Moses Lake held on to beat Chiawana 67-63 behind 23 points from Walker and 14 points from sophomore guard Jessie Loera.

The Chiefs improved to 2-1 overall and will begin league play Friday when the team travels to Wenatchee.

Moses Lake took an early lead when senior guard Emily Olson poured in eight first quarter points and the Chiefs led 20-12 after one quarter. It took some time for the Riverhawks to become adjusted to the pace of the game as it was the team's first of the season.

Chiawana delayed the start of its basketball season so the student body could support the football team who was making a run through the state tournament. Chiawana's football team won the 4A state championship this past Saturday in Tacoma.

After the first quarter, Chiawana was able to find its legs and opened the second quarter on a 11-3 run to tie the game at 23-23. The Riverhawks eventually overtook the Chiefs and entered halftime leading 30-27.

Loera, who was held scoreless in the first half, bounced back in the second setting up her teammates and penetrating the lane. The Chiefs entered the fourth quarter with a narrow one-point lead, 44-43.

With the score tied at 61-61 late in the fourth Walker hit the go ahead basket with just under a minute remaining and finished an assist from Loera to give the Chiefs a four-point cushion, 65-61.

Chiawana trimmed the lead to two points after a pair of free throws, but wasted too much time before fouling. Loera calmly stepped to the line and buried two free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining to secure the win. A last second heave by Chiawana found only air and Moses Lake celebrated a 67-63 win.

Olson totaled 13 points and senior guard Hailee Bishop added three off the bench.

Moses Lake opens league play Friday when the team travels to Wenatchee.