Arlington girls defeat MG on the hardcourt

The Arlington Eagles improved their record by defeating the Marysville Getchell Chargers, 61-24, on Dec. 10. Coming off their narrow 45-42 victory against Stanwood Dec. 6, the Eagles claimed their third victory of the season defeating MG.

ARLINGTON — The Arlington Eagles improved their record by defeating the Marysville Getchell Chargers, 61-24, on Dec. 10. Coming off their narrow 45-42 victory against Stanwood Dec. 6, the Eagles claimed their third victory of the season defeating MG.

Much like their first game of the season against Marysville-Pilchuck, the Eagles were quick to shoot and score from the start.

On offense, the Eagles made their way inside the key, scoring on layups, and capitalizing on rebounds. Senior center Lyndsay Leatherman used her height and strength to rebound and tip-in shots. Leatherman was also the highest scoring player for the Eagles, totaling 16 points.

Although Arlington had a clear height advantage, they also included shorter threats in their arsenal. The Eagles’ 5’0” sophomore guard Serafina Balderas also added to Arlington’s offensive drive using her ball-handling skills and speed to get inside the Chargers’ defense.

Sophomore guards Sarah Shortt and Gracie Castaneda showed that they could shoot from afar, both claiming a three-point shot for the night.

On defense, the Eagles guarded their territory with frequent steals, tipped passes and defensive rebounds that had the Chargers doubling back to their side of the court.

The Eagles’ constant offensive presence kept the Chargers on guard through most of the game.

Arlington’s Head Coach Joe Marsh credits the girls’ work ethic for their most recent win. “They love to play defense,” Marsh said. “They’re always scrambling around, and diving on the floor.”

With league opponents coming up, Marsh is preparing his team for the next crucial games. “These are the ones that count,” Marsh said. “These are the ones that determine the playoffs.”

In the first quarter, the Eagles scored 14 unanswered points before the Chargers came up with any points. The Eagles used their range to shoot from afar, as their taller teammates made their way inside. Leatherman and junior Jessica Ludwig were the period’s top scorers. By the end of the first, the Eagles led the Chargers 16-3.

In the second quarter, the Eagles upped its shooting spree, knocking down 20 points, furthering their lead over MG. The ever-present defense on the Eagles’ court held the Chargers to scoring only three points that entire quarter. The Eagles led 36-6 at the half.

After halftime, Eagles cooled down a little on both shooting and defense, scoring 12 points and allowing eight points. Castaneda added to that total by hitting a three-pointer. The Eagles ended the third 48-14.

The game concluded as the Eagles added 13 more points, with Shortt hitting her one and only three-pointer attempt. The game ended with a score of 61-24.