Moses Lake bench provides spark in win over Eastmont

MOSES LAKE — With each passing day, the sophomores that comprise most of Moses Lake’s bench have grown more confident.

Their first varsity game was two months ago, after all.

So, it should come as no surprise when the reserves can pack just as much of a punch as the starters. Moses Lake totaled 24 bench points — led by Madisyn Clark’s seven — and beat Eastmont 65-19 Saturday to improve to 17-0.

“The more experience we gain out of those younger girls, the better they get and I think then the more comfortable the older girls are relying on them,” head coach Matt Strophy said. “So, I think we’re definitely eight strong and even those other girls that swing from JV to varsity ... we can do things. We’re pretty good and I think as that experience comes through with more games, more practices the better they get and it’s really been fun to watch.”

It was the first time Moses Lake had held a team in the teens since allowing 14 points to Walla Walla on Dec. 2.

Emily Dufour, Eastmont’s 6-foot-3 forward, was limited to three points. The Wildcats tried to get Dufour the ball on the game’s first possession, but Abby Rathbun leaped to steal the entry pass.

Clearly, a sign of things to come.

“It felt good, No. 1, to be back at home,” Rathbun said. “We’ve been on the road a lot and so we knew tonight — hey, let’s give the crowd something. Let’s entertain them tonight and have fun and get our mojo going because I know they’re going to come out with fire because they’re not happy about us beating them the last time.”

Moses Lake opened up a 15-point lead after one quarter and never let up.

Jamie Loera, who finished with a game-high 23 points, found her outside shot in the second quarter, making three triples. Loera’s third three-pointer pushed the lead to 25 points.

The second half was no different.

Rathbun finished a lay-up over Dufour for a 30-point lead and a Loera corner three-pointer made the score 54-12, enacting a running clock.

Eastmont was held without a field goal for over seven minutes in the third quarter.

In a preview of next year, Brecka Erdmann rotated for a block, started the fast break and passed ahead to Camille Carpenter for a lay-up.

“Shout out to Brecka,” Rathbun said. “I am extremely proud of her and she’s been fighting all season. For her to come out tonight, in a game like this, and just put out her all just making buckets and Camille and Madi. The season keeps going on and they’re just really molding into their roles. I’m extremely proud of our young girls.”

Score by quarters

ML — 18 19 20 8 65

E — 3 7 4 5 19

Scoring

Jamie Loera 23, Abby Rathbun 14, Madisyn Clark 7, Brecka Erdmann 6, Camille Carpenter 6, Morgan Yamane 4, Farrya Sandmann 3, Kendyl Crum 2

Moses Lake 38, Sunnyside 37

SUNNYSIDE — Jamie Loera sunk two free throws with five seconds left to lift Moses Lake to a thrilling win at Sunnyside 38-37.

Moses Lake overcame a two-point first quarter to remain unbeaten.

Score by quarters

ML — 2 13 10 13 38

SS — 6 8 14 9 37

Scoring

Jamie Loera 18, Ellie Mayo 8, Madisyn Clark 6, Abby Rathbun 4, Morgan Yamane 2