![Azy Jackson](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/26b07b_b702780c62d94523bbc83afce9efe0b8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_350,h_233,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/26b07b_b702780c62d94523bbc83afce9efe0b8~mv2.jpg)
On a chilly winter night in Bonney Lake, the Panthers took the court against the Spanaway Lake Sentinels in an SPSL 4A league matchup. Sitting in third place with a 7-3 league record, the Panthers looked to keep their momentum rolling after a recent win over Bethel. Spanaway Lake, fresh off a dominant 72-8 victory over Yelm, arrived eager to climb from their 5th-place position.
From the opening tip, it was all Bonney Lake. Izzy Meki wasted no time setting the tone, draining the first three-pointer of the game and sparking a 9-0 Panthers run. The Panthers’ defensive pressure was suffocating, forcing the Sentinels into difficult shots and turnovers. By the end of the first quarter, Bonney Lake had built an 11-2 lead.
![Izzy Meki](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/26b07b_10b598392b4347b0a7b5ebbc2766d7e0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_350,h_233,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/26b07b_10b598392b4347b0a7b5ebbc2766d7e0~mv2.jpg)
The second quarter saw head coach Nick Edens rotate in fresh legs, giving bench players an opportunity to contribute. The Panthers’ depth was on full display as they maintained control on both ends of the floor. Despite a low-scoring quarter, Bonney Lake kept their lead intact, heading into halftime up 19-8.
After the break, Spanaway Lake came out with a renewed energy, ramping up their defensive intensity. The Sentinels finally found some offensive rhythm, putting up 14 points in the third quarter and cutting into the Panthers’ lead. Suddenly, the game was within reach, with Bonney Lake clinging to a 28-22 advantage heading into the fourth.
![Sophia Mackay](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/26b07b_2ae9c0dbbb6a4b21a71613d84ee01c46~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_350,h_233,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/26b07b_2ae9c0dbbb6a4b21a71613d84ee01c46~mv2.jpg)
Just as momentum started to shift, Meki silenced the crowd with another clutch three to open the final frame. The Panthers' defense, led by Azy Jackson, locked in, denying any easy buckets in the paint. With their lead secured, Bonney Lake closed out the game with a strong defensive stand, sealing a 40-28 victory.
Scoring leaders:
Izzy Meki – 13 points
Azy Jackson – 9 points
Sophia Mackay – 8 points
Keira Lonn – 4 points
Salem Baker-Stanhope – 3 points
Bella Fulton – 2 points
Natalie Patton – 1 point
Next up, the Panthers host Graham-Kapowsin on Thursday, January 30th, for Senior Night. With emotions running high in their final home game of the season, this one is a must-watch matchup.