Despite its sparkling record and No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press state poll, Meadowdale had to accept a No. 2 seed to the Northwest District 3A girls basketball playoffs.
District officials determined prior to the season that the top seed would automatically go to the Northwest 3A League champion.
The Mavericks outlasted Shorecrest 46-41 Feb. 14 at Shorecrest High School to cap an unblemished regular season campaign.
The Western Conference South Division rivals were slated to meet again last night in the opening round of the eight-team, double-elimination district tournament.
Both teams play second round games Feb. 22 at Mount Vernon High School.
“The reality is that more than likely you’ve gotta go through Meadowdale at some point, so you might as well play them in the first game,” Shorecrest coach Don Dalziel said.
No team has pestered Meadowdale (18-0 in the league, 20-0 overall) this year more so than the Scots.
While the Mavericks breezed through the rest of their league schedule with a 30-point average margin of victory, both of their wins over Shorecrest came by single digits.
Meadowdale weathered a fierce Shorecrest comeback for a 57-51 win Jan. 15 and was held under 50 points for just the third time this season in last week’s narrow victory.
In the rematch, the Scots stayed close by sinking 20 of their 26 free throw attempts. The Mavericks got 10 points from freshman Maggie Brewe and nine from Kristine Marte.
The winners and losers between Meadowdale/Shore-crest and Bellingham/Anacortes meet in the second round.
Districts run through March 1 and only the top two finishers advance to the Class 3A state championships.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
