MLCA/CCS boys get back in win column, defeat Wilson Creek

MOSES LAKE – Two days after suffering just their second loss of the season, the Lions boys basketball team stepped onto their home floor looking to get back in the win column and wash off Tuesday’s loss to La Salle, defeating Wilson Creek 69-21 to improve to 6-0 in Central Washington 1B games. 

“We were hungry,” head coach Emerson Ferguson said. “We were not happy with that result (against La Salle), so we wanted to come out and reestablish ourselves. Just get back on track.” 

Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School opened the game on a 22-0 run and led 28-5 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, MLCA/CCS was up 46-14. 

Thursday’s start to the game was key to the win, Ferguson said.  

“It was very important, because we’ve had a few games where we did not start – on Tuesday, we did not start the game very well,” Ferguson said. “It was an emphasis to make sure that’s how we did it tonight. We had to start strong, had to start fast. In doing that, that allowed us to build a lead.” 

The start of the game was also a stark contrast to Thursday’s game at 2B La Salle, where the Lions were unable to overcome an early double-digit deficit en route to a 60-53 loss. 

“It was a really slow start,” sophomore Max Gulenko said. “We were down by almost 20 in the first quarter. We couldn’t catch back up.” 

“They jumped on us in the first quarter, and our feet were in concrete,” Ferguson said. “We just weren’t active. They jumped on us in the first quarter; I think we outscored them the rest of the game if you add up the score in the second, third, and fourth (quarters), but that first quarter was too big of a hole to dig out of.” 

Junior Johnny Ferguson, who led the Lions with 29 points in Thursday’s win, scored 14 points in the first quarter. 

“We were pretty upset from that loss,” Johnny said. “We knew that we should have played better, so in practice, we stepped up our defense. That showed today.” 

The Lions dominated on fast breaks as well as on the defensive end in the win over the Devils. MLCA/CCS won the game 69-21. 

“I think our defense really helped with that, and also moving the ball around,” Gulenko said. 

Ferguson’s 29 points were a game-high, followed by Gulenko’s 11 points and nine points from junior Dennis Gulenko. For the Devils, sophomore Landon McMillan led the way with eight points. 

Thursday’s game was the 10th time the Lions have held an opponent to 50 of fewer points in a game this season.  

“We have to take advantage of every opportunity as best we can to perfect our defense as best as possible,” Emerson said. “I always tell the boys, ‘We’re not going to be perfect, but if we strive for perfection, we’ll reach greatness and excellence along the way.’” 

The Lions host Soap Lake in a league contest Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. With just five games remaining in the regular season, playing well on the defensive end will be critical when putting together a late-season run, according to Emerson.  

“If our defense can travel – be it at home or on the road – if our defense can hold up and be at the level it was tonight, then we’ll definitely be successful,” he said.  

Box score 

WLCR: 5-9-5-2 21
Lions: 28-18-15-8 69 

    Wilson Creek senior Owen Lewison attempts a three-pointer in the first quarter against MLCA/CCS on Thursday.
  

    MLCA/CCS junior Dennis Gulenko (32) rises up to lay the ball in for a basket against Wilson Creek on Thursday.
  

    Wilson Creek sophomore Landon McMillan, right, brings the ball up the floor against MLCA/CCS on Thursday night. McMillan led the Devils with eight points.