Big first half propels Moses Lake past Mercer Island

SPOKANE VALLEY — Moses Lake opened up a 40-15 halftime lead over Mercer Island and cruised to a 79-46 win in the first of three games at Central Valley High School.

The Chiefs scored 20 points apiece in the first and second quarter, holding Mercer Island to single digits in each.

It was a blowout from the start as the Chiefs raced to a 13-0 lead; Madisyn Clark and Camille Carpenter combined for nine points during the run. Clark knocked in two 3-pointers in the first quarter, scoring eight of her 14 points over the course of the opening eight minutes. Carpenter’s 15 points led a balanced attack with four players in double figures and everyone on the roster registering at least two points.

Moses Lake continued to pour it on in the second quarter. A Victoria Hernandez made basket pushed the lead over 20 points, 23-11. Clark and Kiera McPartland added consecutive 3-pointers to swell the margin before halftime.

Angelina Barokas scored 22 points to lead Mercer Island. The Islanders played a more even second half, being outscored 39-31, but the first-half deficit was too large to inject any competitiveness in the game.

Moses Lake held multiple 30-point leads in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs play University today, 7:30 p.m., at Central Valley High School.

The Chiefs defeated the Titans 71-60 in last year’s state quarterfinals.

— Staff report

Box score

MI 6 9 17 14 — 46

ML 20 20 20 19 — 79

Moses Lake: Camille Carpenter 15, Madisyn Clark 14, Kiera McPartland 13, Anna Olson 12, Brecka Erdmann 6, Farrya Sandmann 6, Gabi Rios 4, Victoria Hernandez 4, Kendyl Crum 3, Carlie Gregg 2

University: Angelina Barokas 22, Annabelle Gersch 10, Avery Conder 6, Grace Shaddle 6, Lauren Wainright 2