WILSON CREEK — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Christian Covenant School Lions (11-7) took to the road and earned a 54-26 victory over the Wilson Creek Devils (12-4) on Thursday evening. The game was a close matchup in the first half, but the Lions found their rhythm to secure the victory. 

“We started slow a little bit offensively tonight, having trouble putting the ball in the hole and couldn’t make the easy ones down low to finish the first half,” said Lions head coach Josh Kast. “Wilson Creek did a good job staying in the game and executing defensively on their end.” 

The game was a competitive showing from tipoff as the Devils gained an early lead over the Lions in the first quarter. Wilson Creek stayed strong throughout the second quarter, but MLCA/CCS rallied to take the lead by the end of the half 22-20. 

The Lions rolled with more momentum in the second half as they put up a strong front on both sides of the ball. MLCA/CCS held Wilson Creek to six points in the second half and while the Devils put up a strong fight, the Lions came out on top with the victory. 

“We talked about slowing the game down a little bit with the girls at halftime, looking for those good scoring opportunities and just being more patient offensively,” said Kast. “We did a lot better job in the second half as far as getting better ball movements in our zone offense.” 

The slow start from the Lions is something he said they will have to learn from, as they will have to play with max intensity at the start of every game moving forward. Staying consistent throughout all four quarters of the game will be key to the success of the team, especially as they begin preparations for postseason play. 

Devils Head Coach Jeff Sackmann said this was a tough physical matchup that was another learning experience for this young Wilson Creek team. 

“We battled pretty well in the first half, we had the lead early, down two at halftime, we were in it,” said Sackmann. “But we kind of ran out of gas and got flustered.” 

Wilson Creek didn’t have time to dwell on things as they immediately went on the road to face Oroville and earned a 36-31 victory Friday evening. The Devils' coach said the game plan remains the same for their remaining matchups as they aim to keep their composure and earn a victory. 

Thursday’s victory puts the Lions in a good spot as the team only has two more league games left in the season, said Kast. The Lions travel to face Soap Lake for the Eagles’ senior night and then conclude the regular season at home against Oroville.  

“Hopefully, we finish out third in the league and go in the districts as the three seed to host the playoff game at home once we get to districts,” said the Lions coach. 

As the Lions head into these final matchups before the playoffs, Kast said it is integral that the team continues fine-tuning things and becomes more polished. 

For the Devils, the road to the playoffs is still in their favor, as Sackmann said they are on track to enter as the fifth seed in the tournament. This would allow the team to host their first game of the playoffs this season as they continue their push with a group without any senior returners. 

“I got a really young, really inexperienced team with a lot to learn and we’re just trying to get better every day,” he said. 

The Devils remain on the road for their next matchup Monday at 5 p.m. against Easton. The Lions head on the road to face Soap Lake on Tuesday at 6 p.m. 

BOX SCORE:  

MLCA: 7-15-12-20: 54
WCRK: 11-9-2-4: 26 

    Lions senior SanTahna Ferguson, left, looks for an opening to get past Devils sophomore Kaydence Leslie during Thursday’s game.
  

    MLCA/CCS senior Brynlynn King shoots a free throw during Thursday’s matchup against Wilson Creek.
  

    Abby Stanley, a junior from the Lions, makes her way down the court after gaining possession of the ball.
  

    Wilson Creek freshman Reece Voss aims to make a free throw during Thursday evening’s game.