Grace Academy girls can't hold off Kinghts

MARYSVILLE — The Eagles just couldn’t hold on during a hectic fourth quarter.

With more than 20 combined turnovers between Highland Christian and Grace in the final frame, the Knights came away victorious, 27-21, in Northwest 1B girls hoops action at the Marysville Boys & Girls Club.

“We had a little trouble in areas in the second half — we had trouble in the second half with their press — but I’m proud of the girls,” said Grace coach Rick Holt.

The Eagles used their own fullcourt press to build an early lead be up by as many as six, leading 15-9 at halftime.

Also, guard Kristi Thompson provided an offensive spark, scoring all of her team-high 10 points in the first half.

“I thought we did some things in the first half as well, or better, than we’ve done all year,” said Holt. “We had tremendous ball movement and our team defense was really responsive.”

But Highland opened the second half with an 8-0 run to take a 17-15 lead and the Eagles tightened up a little.

The Eagles then applied pressure at the start of the fourth quarter when the Eagles responded with a 6-0 run to make the score 21-18.

But that would be as far as Grace got, as 12 fourth-quarter turnovers kept the Eagles from keeping up with Highland Christian, who scored eight unanswered points to end the game.

The Eagles dropped to 2-8 on the season.

Giving Holt’s girls a boost in the second half was reserve post Barbara Moore, who four points.

“I’d say she played her best game of the season,” said Holt. “She gave us some really good minutes on both sides of the court.”

Grace plays host to Tulalip Heritage at 6:15 p.m on Jan. 14.

Contact Marysville Globe Sports Reporter Travis Sherer at tsherer@marysvilleglobe.com or 360 659-1300 Ext. 5054.

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