Rivalry games always bring an added layer of intensity, and Tuesday night was no exception as the Bonney Lake Panthers hosted the Sumner Spartans in a cross-divisional SPSL 4A clash. Both teams entered the matchup with something to prove—Sumner seeking to solidify their position as a top team in Washington and Bonney Lake aiming to close the gap in a fierce rivalry.
The atmosphere was electric as both teams dug in defensively in the first quarter. The Panthers matched the Spartans' energy, with each possession contested and every shot hard-earned. At the buzzer, Sumner held a razor-thin 11-10 lead.
But in the second quarter, Sumner showed why they’re ranked 18th in the state. Junior guard Olivia Collins took control, scoring 9 of her 20 points in a dazzling display of speed and precision. The Spartans’ crisp ball movement and relentless pace overwhelmed the Panthers, who struggled to keep up. At halftime, Sumner led 25-16, leaving Bonney Lake searching for answers.
The third quarter saw the Spartans build on their lead, but it also saw the Panthers’ spark reignited by sophomore forward Azy Jackson. Jackson was a force in the paint, pouring in 11 points in the quarter and finishing as the game’s top scorer with 22. Despite her efforts, Sumner's offensive firepower and depth kept them firmly in control, widening the lead to 46-29 by the end of the quarter.
In the final frame, the Spartans maintained their dominance, their defense stifling any chance of a Panthers rally. Collins continued her stellar night, while her teammates capitalized on Bonney Lake’s turnovers. When the final buzzer sounded, Sumner walked away with a convincing 54-38 win, improving to 10-1 on the season and reaffirming their position atop the SPSL 4A North Division.
For the Panthers, it was a night of lessons learned. Jackson shone bright with her 22-point effort, but the team will need a more balanced performance to compete with the league’s elite.
Bonney Lake, now 8-4, will look to regroup as they travel to Puyallup to take on the Vikings on Thursday, January 9th.
Scoring Highlights:
Azy Jackson: 22 points
Keira Lonn: 8 points
Sophia Mackay: 4 points
Natalie Patton: 2 points
Izzy Meki: 2 points
For the Panthers, the rivalry loss stings, but with Jackson’s continued dominance and a talented core, they remain poised for a strong push in the SPSL 4A. The stage is set for a thrilling second half of the season.
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