DES MOINES — Lake Stevens senior guard Britney Pahukoa scored 25 points and had five steals to power the Vikings to a win over Kentwood at the Les Schwab Preview.
“That was a career-high in points for Britney,” Vikings head coach Randall Edens said. “She hit some big baskets late, got us quality possessions and worked the shot clock well down the stretch.”
Pahukoa committed just two turnovers, which along with her defensive work helped the Vikings to a 12-23 advantage in turnover margin.
Pahukoa’s twin sister, Brooke, added 17 points and Lake Stevens also received significant contributions from its underclassmen. Sophomore guard Alex Briggs scored 10 points, including a key 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. Junior Kali Long had 11 points and 11 rebounds, and sophomore Emily Vandegrift grabbed 10 boards.
“We were concerned coming in on how we were going to handle Kentwood’s tall frontline,” Edens said. “It was a big thing for us to only be out-rebounded by four.”
Both teams came into Saturday’s game undefeated, and it was Lake Stevens that took control early. The Vikings limited Kentwood to just 5-for-24 shooting from the field in the first half to take a nine-point lead.
The Vikings extended the lead to 13 by halftime before Kentwood rallied in the second half behind Jenny Johnson and Sarah Toeaina. Johnson led the Conquerors with 16 points and Toeaina, a guard who Edens said was comparable to the Pahukoa sisters, scored 15 points.
Kentwood managed to cut the difference to less than 10 points in the fourth quarter, but Briggs’ 3-pointer and two 3-pointers from Britney Pahukoa restored the Vikings’ double-digit advantage.
At Highline C.C.
Lake Stevens16131620—65
Kentwood791813—47
Lake Stevens—Alex Briggs 10, Mallory Gipson 0, Railey Pedersen 0, Ivy Blackmon 0, Brittney Pahukoa 25, Emily Vandegrift 2, Brooke Pahukoa 17, Kali Long 11 11 rebs, Hailey Wilson 0. Kentwood—Kylee Ashley 5, Chante Brooks 0, Jenny Johnson 16, Zaria Jones 2, Ashleigh Key 1, Kate Kramer 8, Sara Roberts 0, Ashley Rolsma 0, Sarah Toeaina 15. 3-point goals—Briggs, Bri. Pahukoa 3. Records—Lake Stevens 3-0 overall. Kentwood 3-1.
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