Lions claim CW1B league title, prep for districts

MOSES LAKE – MLCA/CCS’ six-game win streak helped the Lions seal their fourth consecutive Central Washington 1B league championship, posting a 17-2 overall record and an 11-0 mark in league games during the regular season.

“One of the goals that we set out was to win league, so they feel pretty good about that,” head coach Emerson Ferguson said. “Right now, we’re resting up a little bit and healing up, just little nicks and bruises, and trying to really focus on going into playoff mode.” 

After losing 60-53 in a non-league matchup to La Salle on Jan. 21, the Lions defeated Wilson Creek 69-21 on Jan. 23, Soap Lake 67-36 on Jan. 28, Waitsburg 77-41 on Jan. 30, Oroville 68-34 on Jan. 31, Waterville-Mansfield 50-20 and Entiat 71-31 on Feb. 4. 

“We were really able to dominate the games defensively,” Ferguson said. “Getting steals and deflections, forcing other teams into one-and-done – you missed a shot, or you don’t get a shot. It’s a really great defensive effort, and our defense allowed us to turn it into offense.” 

The Lions didn’t allow more than 41 points in a game during their last six outings. 

“The boys take a lot of pride in trying to keep points off the board for our opponent,” Ferguson said. “It’s kind of a goal for them to achieve ... having a goal for them not to score more than. Doing that, that’s something that the boys really work towards.” 

With the regular season in the rearview mirror, MLCA/CCS now looks to capture its fourth consecutive district championship. A roster full of experienced starters will go a long way in that pursuit.  

“The experience of playing in different types of games is probably the biggest thing they are taking away,” Ferguson said. “We’ve had three district championship games the past three years, and they were all very different ... Those guys have been through it all, and they’ve learned how to keep their composure and also how to approach each game as if it is the biggest game of the year.” 

Down the stretch of the regular season, the Lions didn’t just get it done on the defensive end; three Lions had 20-plus point nights. Sophomore Max Gulenko had a 24-point night, junior James Robertson scored 28 points in the regular season finale and junior Johnny Ferguson had two 29-point games as well as a 30-point night.  

Ferguson noted the team showing the ability to step up while junior Dennis Gulenko, a strong presence in the paint, missed three games with an injury. The junior is set to return for the postseason. 

“It’s not even next man up – it's next man’s got your back,” Ferguson said. “Everyone has stepped up, at key points in the game or whatever it is, and it’s been awesome to see the guys take the lead or put the team on their back and allow us to not miss a beat.” 

The Lions have a double bye in the Central Washington 1B district tournament and will play their first game on Monday. It’s a new setup for the district bracket this year, with the top two seeds not seeing the court until the semifinals. 

“It is a little different, it just kind of is what it is,” Ferguson said. “We’re just trying to deal with it the best we can with the big break in between.” 

MLCA/CCS will play either Soap Lake, Wilson Creek or Entiat in their semifinal matchup. The Devils and Tigers play in the first round on Wednesday, and the winner of that game advances to play Soap Lake on Friday. 

    MLCA/CCS junior Dennis Gulenko, in white, lays the ball up for a basket against Wilson Creek. Gulenko is one of several returning starters for the Lions, who are seeking their fourth consecutive district championship.
  

    MLCA/CCS sophomore Max Gulenko passes the ball to a teammate up the floor. Gulenko was one of three Lions to have a 20-plus point game down the stretch of the regular season.
  

    MLCA/CCS junior Johnny Ferguson, in white, drives through the Wilson Creek defense. Ferguson posted two 29-point and a 30-point game down the stretch of the regular season.