Lions punch ticket to state with third place finish in districts

WENATCHEE — After a tough back-and-forth battle, the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions earned a 42-36 victory over the Wilson Creek Devils on Saturday afternoon in the District 5 finals. This victory earned the Lions third in districts and sent the team to state. 

“We’re excited,” said Lions head coach Josh Kast. “Two years ago, we only won three games. It took some big steps last year, winning 13 games, but this was a big step for us.” 

The Lions got off to a hot start, taking a five-point lead over the Devils by the end of the first quarter. Wilson Creek closed the gap in the second quarter and held MLCA/CCS to their lowest scoring quarter to end the half 24-23 in favor of the Lions.  

The third quarter had a momentum shift as the Devils gained the lead and proceeded to keep pressure on the Lions. Kast said that with MLCA/CCS trailing by two by the end of the quarter, the girls had to make the final eight minutes count to move on to state.  

“We had to dig in defensively and get some stops and limit them to one shot,” he said. “We had to create second chance opportunities for ourselves as far as just out hustling and executing it on the offensive end.” 

As MLCA/CCS increased their pressure in the fourth quarter and with a combined offensive effort from Shay Kast and Taylor Starnes, once again claimed the lead. The Devils ran into foul trouble early in the final quarter, which ultimately shifted the game back in the Lions’ favor to give Moses Lake the victory. 

Shay led the Lions offensively throughout the game, scoring 24 of the team’s 42 points. Wilson Creek’s Kaydence Leslie had a similarly successful offensive performance, scoring 23 points, with four three-pointers made in the matchup. 

Kast said the victory came from the combined efforts of Shay, Starnes and Abby Stanley in the second half, where they each dug in and hit key points to stay in the game while Wilson Creek had a strong run in the third quarter. 

Despite coming up short of the state, the Devils still finished fourth in districts and had a strong and successful season. Devils Head Coach Jeff Sackmann said the young team outpaced expectations and showed off the players’ skills. 

“I was really proud of how hard my girls played and how they battled,” he said.  

The Devils coach said there is a lot to be happy about in terms of growth that was seen by the girls this season. In just a three-month span, the players developed their knowledge of the game to be strong enough to outpace more experienced teams throughout the season and fight all the way into the district finals for a chance at state. 

The Devils should be returning a full roster next year with Riley Larsen and Lila Sackmann entering their senior seasons. The Devils coach said he expects the two girls to improve their skills into the offseason and will expand their leadership roles in the next season. 

“There’s so much to be happy about and proud of and I’m excited for the future with everybody coming back potentially next year,” said Coach Sackmann. 

Once again, Wilson Creek’s coach thanked the community for coming out to support the basketball team this season and showing up to Wenatchee Saturday to support both the girls and boys teams in the district finals. 

“We had a great crowd there for us being such a small school and small community,” said Coach Sackmann. “The community really came out and supported us and that was great. It really has been a heck of a season, been a lot of fun and a lot to celebrate and be proud of.” 

Following their close victory over the Devils, Kast said the main focus of the girls as they get ready for the first round of state playoffs is to play solid defense. Going into state play, putting pressure on the opponent and maintaining control of the ball will give the Lions the best opportunity to carry themselves forward in the state tournament. 

With MLCA/CCS achieving their goal set at the start of the season of earning the third-place slot in District 5, the Lions coach said the next step in their journey is to clean up their game and be prepared to play at their best at State. 

“We knew we had an opportunity to get that three seed out of our district and that was our number one goal on the season,” said Kast. “To accomplish that and get there, that’s step one, but (the girls are) definitely not satisfied, they definitely want to push for another win.” 

The Lions are heading on the road for the first game of the state tournament to play Valley Christian on Tuesday at 7 p.m. 

BOX SCORE 

WCRK: 12-11-11-2: 36 

MLCA: 19-5-8-10: 42

    Wilson Creek sophomore Kaydence Leslie runs toward the hoop during a game against MLCA/CCS earlier in the season. Leslie shot four three-pointers and led the Devils offensively with a total of 23 points scored Saturday.
  

    Lions junior Taylor Starnes runs down the side of the court during a previous home game this season.
  

    Devils junior Lila Sackman outmaneuvers Lions junior Amelia Shopbell during an earlier encounter between the two teams this season.
  

    Abby Stanley, a junior from the Lions, marches along the side of the court after gaining possession of the ball earlier this season.
  

    Riley Larsen, a Devils junior, shoots for three during a game against the Lions earlier this season.