EJ girls basketball subdues Seattle Christian 38-33

Rivals earn first win of the season at home

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The East Jefferson Rivals varsity girls basketball team came to play last Monday, defeating the Seattle Christian Warriors 38-33 for their first win of the season.

Aided by EJ junior Addy Asbell’s outstanding defensive performance, the Rivals took control of the game from start to finish, holding the lead throughout.

“I think they just wanted to win and kept playing strong defense,” EJ Head Coach Lorraine Rimson said after the game. “We need to work on the unforced errors that we had … but I think we can tighten that stuff up and keep doing what we’re doing.”

The girls had a hot start from the beginning at Chimacum High’s gymnasium with sophomore guard Kay Botkin netting three baskets in the opening period, along with offensive output from senior guard Maddy Harris, senior forward Alyssa Vandenberg, and sophomore guard Juliette O’Hara.

Asbell and junior forward Abbie Liske kept the Warriors in line on defense, with Asbell’s constant pressure and Liske’s post control keeping Seattle Christian at bay.

The Rivals looked unstoppable as they wrapped up the opening period with a 17-5 lead.

The Warriors found their groove in the second period, cutting EJ’s lead down and finding space on offense. The girls headed to the locker rooms at half with the Rivals holding a slim, 21-15 advantage.

Limited by a roster of eight athletes, EJ’s Harris and Vandenberg were temporarily benched after racking up a handful of fouls.

The Rivals held on to the lead throughout the third period thanks to the continued defensive pressure of Asbell, slick steals from Botkin and O’Hara, and big-time blocks provided by Liske and Vandenberg.

Harris, Botkin, and O’Hara added a bucket each to remain on top, with the rivals holding the 27-21 lead as the fourth period approached.

With late-game urgency, both squads unloaded on offense. Botkin’s passing plays provided ample space for O’Hara and Vandenberg to score, and Botkin added her own points at the free-throw line. Asbell, normally well known for her defensive talents, was vital on the offensive side with a couple layups and a point from a free throw.

The Warriors were pushing for the comeback, but it never arrived. The Rivals rounded out the matchup with a 38-33 victory.

Botkin led EJ in scoring with 10 points, also dishing it out with three assists. Asbell stood out on both sides of the ball, netting nine points and playing a central role for the defense.

O’Hara tallied six points on the night. Liske found her fair share of blocks, smashing down three while gaining three assists and two points.

All in all, EJ showed grit and determination in every period, rising through foul trouble and other adversities to secure the “W.”

“I think they got out to a great start because they made a decision to have a team dinner before the game, which caused me a little concern because I thought they would all have upset stomachs,” Rimson said. “A lot of different players scored and everyone stepped up and participated and had fun, so I think that’s why we did so well against this team.”

Asbell was amazing on defense, shutting down the Warriors in the paint and scoring some points, which typically isn’t her role on the squad, Rimson added.

Adaptability is key for the Rivals, with Rimson’s use of the “Five-Out” motion offense offering a wide variety of roles for her players.

“We run our Five-Out, so any five players can play at the same time … we don’t have to have three guards and two posts,” Rimson said. “They brought great energy and the level of their play has improved from last year significantly.”

Following the home win, the Rivals’ record sits at 1-2 (1-1 conference). EJ was scheduled to face Granite Falls High School at home Wednesday, Dec. 21.