Bonney Lake Washington, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric as the Panthers hosted the Auburn Mountainview Lions in a dazzling opening district tournament playoff clash. The clash pitted the dominant Bonney Lake Panthers, sitting pretty at 12-0 in leagues and 18-2 overall, against the formidable Auburn Mountainview Lions, boasting a respectable 4-1 league record and a 7-6 overall standing. With both teams eyeing postseason glory, the stage was set for a captivating showdown.
The anticipation reached a fever pitch as the spirited fans filled the stands, fueled by the rhythmic beats of the high school band that resonated through the gymnasium, creating an atmosphere that transcended the ordinary. The pregame excitement was palpable, setting the tone for a contest that promised thrills from the opening tipoff.
From the outset, defense took center stage, with both teams displaying tenacity and determination. However, it was the Bonney Lake Panthers who found their rhythm midway through the first quarter, spearheaded by the relentless senior Ava Rice, who ignited the charge with an impressive four steals. The crowd roared to life as the talented freshman Azy Jackson electrified with a clutch 3-point shot, signaling the Panthers' intent to pull away.
Ending the first quarter with a commanding 21-10 lead, the Panthers had Azy Jackson to thank for nine pivotal points. The second quarter witnessed a defensive masterclass from Bonney Lake, stifling the Lions and holding them to a mere two points, both from free throws. Jackson continued to dazzle, treating the crowd to back-to-back blocks that sent the fans into a frenzy. Heading into halftime, the Panthers boasted a comfortable 32-12 advantage.
As the second half unfolded, senior standout Jazmyn Shipp seized control, contributing five of her team-leading 16 points. The Lions, led by the sharpshooting junior Kyra Thomas, found their offensive rhythm with two three-pointers, accounting for six of Thomas's 10 points on the night. Despite the Lions' resurgence, the Panthers maintained a 20-point lead by the end of the third quarter, holding firm at 42-22.
With victory in sight, the Panthers cruised through the final quarter, ultimately securing a decisive 57-33 win as the buzzer signaled the end of the first playoff game of the 2024 girls' basketball season. Jazmyn Shipp led the charge with 16 points, closely followed by Azy Jackson's dynamic performance with 9 points. Ava Rice showcased her all-around skills with 8 points, while Sophia Mackay, Evin Elias, and Izzy Meki each added 7 points to the impressive tally.
With this commanding victory, the Panthers now set their sights on the next round, where they will face off against Auburn, the top seed in the South Puget Sound Cascade league. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the postseason journey as Bonney Lake aims to continue their pursuit of championship glory on Wednesday, February 14th.
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