WILSON CREEK — The Wilson Creek Devils are entering the third-place game for districts this weekend after earning a 51-32 home victory over Entiat on Tuesday evening. The young Devils team battled hard throughout this season, and Head Coach Jeff Sackmann said the team has proven themselves in these last few games. 

“It feels like we’re peaking at the right time,” said Sackmann. “I’ve got a really young team, no seniors, a lot of girls with not a lot of experience, but we’ve managed to make it fun enough that they keep showing up and working hard in practice. We just try to get better every day.” 

The Devils took an early 15-0 lead in the first quarter. Their opposition chipped away at the lead in the second quarter, but at halftime Wilson Creek remained ahead by eight points.

At halftime, Sackmann told his team to keep battling for rebounds and maintaining their high intensity on defense.  

As the game continued, Wilson Creek extended its lead to win by 19 and move on to the third-place round of districts.  

“The girls played great,” Sackmann said. “I really challenged them to get out to a fast start, really fly around on defense especially and be aggressive, and they did." 

Lila Sackmann was the top scorer for the Devils, adding 23 points to the scoreboard. Kaydence Leslie was not too far behind as she scored 19 points that evening. 

The athletic abilities of this young Devils team have grown exponentially as the girls have begun to really understand the game, said the coach. With this, the girls have really come together on the team whether they’re on the court or sitting on the sideline. 

“They’re involved, they’re loud, they’re vocal and supportive and they’re really playing hard in practice, which helps us,” he said. “Everybody is coming together and having fun. They’re a fun group to coach.” 

Sackmann said the greatest strength that the Devils have shown all season is their resilience as they have made strong pushes to win close games both in the regular and postseasons. Each of the girls put in her full effort to play in each 32-minute game despite the various injuries they have faced. 

This resilience is something that the coach said he wants Wilson Creek to carry into the district finals as they make one last push toward state. Being both physically and mentally tough will be the key to victory. 

With the district finals on the horizon, Sackmann said he has appreciated both the hard work of his players and the dedication from the Wilson Creek community this season. 

“The support from the community at Wilson Creek and both (boys and girls) teams cheering for each other,” he said. “Even when there’s only been a girls' game, a number of the boys’ parents are coming and watching and supporting us. The support of the community has been really awesome.” 

The Devils are heading to Wenatchee to face the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School Lions for a chance to move on to state. Tipoff is Saturday at 11 a.m. 

BOX SCORE:  

ENTT: 3-15-9-5: 32 

WCRK: 15-11-14-11: 51 

    Devils sophomore Kaydence Leslie moves the ball down the court during a home game earlier this season. Leslie shot 19 points Tuesday.
  

    Ady Leslie, a Wilson Creek freshman, stops to find an open teammate to pass to during a previous home matchup. The Devils prepare for their third encounter with Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School.