TACOMA — The Arlington girls basketball team lost to Bishop Blanchet 67-44 in a quarterfinal game of the 3A state tournament at the Tacoma Dome March 5.
The girls earned their shot at the state title rallying against Shadle Park, 52-35 in the regional tournament in Spokane Feb. 28, but nerves, bad luck and “not getting the ball in basket” resulted in the rout of the Eagles, coach Joe Marsh said..
The Eagles kept turnovers to a minimum, only losing the ball eight times, but scoring was the issue.
“This is two years now where we came into this gym and not knock down shots,” Marsh said.
Sevi Biesler scored a team high 14 points, making four of 12 three-pointers.
“Not much went right tonight,” Marsh said.
Arlington was down 35-15 at halftime. It scored 16 in the final period, but that wasn’t nearly enough.
“We came out with way better energy in the second half. We worked hard, but when you dig yourself in that kind of hole against that good of a team, it’s really difficult to get out of.”
Bishop’s Jaden Bush scored a game high 20 points.
”Coming into this season with our lack of size we knew that going to be an issue,” Marsh said. “We have managed by and large all season to outrebound teams.”
Not against Bishop. Bush rebounded everything, the Lady Eagle coach said.
Arlington’s offense was thwarted by Bishop’s defense, along with their lack of rebounding,Marsh said.
“That’s a bad combination,” Marsh said.
Arlington now plays a consolation game for fourth place against Wilson March 6 at 9 a.m.
“When you get to this point everyone’s good,” Marsh said.
The coach said the team has to rebound emotionally quickly.
“It’s a really tough tournament. It’s hard to do,” Marsh said. “And we’re still going to feel the sting of that game the day before.”
“For us it’s for pride now,” Marsh said.
