Monroe girls beat Lake Stevens, advance to state regionals

EVERETT — With a 15-point lead and two minutes left in the third quarter, it looked like smooth sailing for the Monroe girls basketball team.

As it turned out, the game’s final 10 minutes were anything but smooth for the Bearcats.

Monroe managed just four points in the midst of a game-ending scoring drought, but it was just enough to hold off hard-closing Lake Stevens, 46-45, in the runner-up game of the District 1 tournament at Everett Community College.

After taking a 42-27 lead with 2:05 remaining in the third period, the Bearcats had just one field goal the rest of the way. Meanwhile, Monroe’s aggressive defense was putting Lake Stevens on the free throw line and the Vikings converted 13 attempts in that same stretch, though they also had eight costly misses.

In the late seconds, Lake Stevens had two chances for the lead and perhaps the win. One came from about 15 feet left of the key and the other was a desperation heave at the final buzzer, but both missed.

“In this situation,” said Matt Chalfant, Monroe’s greatly relieved coach, “a win’s a win.”

The victory clinched a spot in the state regional round for the Bearcats, who raised their season record to 18-7.

After losing to Western Conference North rival Snohomish earlier in the tournament, Monroe had to win three consecutive loser-out games. The Bearcats responded by beating Kamiak, Jackson and then Lake Stevens.

Following the Snohomish defeat, “these girls were devastated,” Chalfant said. “I just challenged them. I said, ‘If we’re going to go down, we’re going to go down swinging.’ And they have absolutely proven to me how much they want this. They truly have, in my opinion, the heart of a champion.”

Against Lake Stevens, the Bearcats had two players foul out while others had to sit out for stretches because of foul trouble. Going to his bench, Chalfant got important contributions from three players who have seen spot duty this season — guard Corrina Roppo, and forwards Chelsea Santjer and Loryn Moore.

“Those three had to come in and play some significant minutes,” Chalfant said. “They got some big rebounds and made some big shots, so I’m real proud of those three.”

Center Amber Van Brunt led Monroe with 17 points.

Lake Stevens, meanwhile, saw a promising season come to an abrupt and painful close. The Vikings needed one win in their final two games to reach the regional round, but instead lost to Snohomish and Monroe.

“We gave away some easy opportunities and some free throws, especially in the fourth quarter,” said coach Randall Edens. “Obviously in a close game like that you’ve got to have those little opportunities.

“We had to keep grinding to give ourselves a chance late,” he added. “And if we could’ve just had the ball bounce a couple of different ways, it would’ve been good.”

At Everett CC

Monroe 18 11 13 4 —46

Lake Stevens 8 10 16 11 —45

Monroe—Kylee Ferreira 8, Corrina Roppo 0, Emily Donnelly 6, Hannah Drivstuen 7, Alex Alexander 6, Chelsea Santjer 2, Amber Van Brunt 17, Loryn Moore 0. Lake Stevens—Alex Briggs 9, Emma Smith 3, Kristen Glick 0, Anna Lundquist 0, Marissa Walton 3, Emily Vandegrift 15, Kylee Griffen 10, Hailey Wilson 5. 3-point goals—Kylee Ferreira 2, Hannah Drivstuen 1, Amber Van Brunt 1, Alex Briggs 2, Emma Smith 1. Records—Monroe 18-7, Lake Stevens 18-5.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, March 18

Prep roundup for Monday, March 18: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.