Vashon girls lose three straight, post-season play now out of reach

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, January 30, 2019

The Pirates began the week with aspirations of getting back in the winning column, hosting three games in a busy week.

The week started on the MLK holiday with Vashon taking on Chimacum in a non-league matchup. From the start of the game the Pirates seemed disjointed and unable to get much momentum which continued for the duration of the game. The lack of energy came on both offense and defense as Chimacum pounded the ball inside, and was scoring fairly easily.

Offensively the ball stopped moving, and shots were hard to come by as the Pirates turned it over which led to easy transition baskets the other way. The Pirates tried to comeback but ultimately didn’t have enough to make it all the way, losing 42 to 33.

Liv Larson led the Pirates with 9 points, while the team only shot 27 percent overall from the field.

There was a quick turnaround, which saw Vashon hosting undefeated Bellevue Christian last Wednesday. The Pirates started out the game struggling to score as they found themselves already down 12 to 2 after the 1 st quarter.

VHS made a great run in the second quarter, bringing the gap to 20 – 15 at halftime. But the Pirates only scored 7 points in the entire second half, and ultimately fell to Bellevue Christian 44 to 22.

Wrapping up the week, Vashon hosted Seattle Christian last Friday night and had a chance to move up in league standings — and a slim chance to make it to districts.

The Pirates started out aggressive and moved the ball well on offense, getting open looks and knocking down some 3-pointers early. The energy and excitement from a full crowd of students really drove the team as it was playing great defense and sharing the ball on offense.

Leading for most of the game, the Pirates found themselves up by 3 points heading into the final quarter. But Vashon was just not able to stop Seattle Christian, who ended up scoring 21 points in the quarter and winning 49 to 39.

Coach Rob Kearns was proud of the effort given despite the loss. Chloe Kuyper led the scoring for the Pirates with 13 points, while Ella Wheeler played great defense and finished with 10 rebounds.

After a great start, the Pirates now find themselves last in the league, heading into the final three games of the season. The team will traveled to Annie Wright on Jan. 29 and plays Cascade Christian on Feb. 1.

— Chris Koebelin is the parent of a Pirates basketball player