The Bellevue girls basketball team secured its spot in the league tournament courtesy of a 27-24 victory over Mercer Island in a tiebreaker on Feb. 8 at Sammamish High School.
Mercer Island, Bellevue and Interlake all had identical 2-10 league records, with only two spots left in the league tournament. To break the tie, Bellevue would face Mercer Island again for one half, with the winner going into the tournament. The loser of the first game would play Interlake for the final spot later that day.
The Wolverines got the best of their rivals in the tiebreaker, beating the Islanders, 27-24, to make it to the postseason. In the second tiebreaker, the Saints prevailed over the Islanders, sending Interlake into the league tournament.
In their regular-season finale, the Wolverines fell to Mercer Island, 58-49, on Feb. 7 at Mercer Island High School. Bellevue was unable to contain Mercer Island point guard Grace Shaddle, who went off for 30 points, including seven 3-pointers. Bellevue head coach Nick Crossan said Shaddle had an incredible game for the Islanders.
“We lost her probably four or five times and she made us pay for it,” Crossan said. “She outplayed us. We weren’t ready to play and she made us pay for it.”
There was plenty to play for heading into the game on Feb. 7, with spots in the 3A KingCo tournament still in play for both teams. A Bellevue victory would have clinched them a spot in the league tournament, but Crossan said the Islanders played well.
“There was a lot on the line and a lot of credit goes to Mercer Island,” Crossan said. “They were really ready to play.”
Crossan said the Wolverines have a lot of room to grow and they are focused on getting better each day.
“I’m proud of our girls, they never give up, no matter what the situation is,” Crossan said. “They’ll stay together and fight until the end. From there, we’ll keep on growing and getting better.”
Bellevue senior Chloe Friend dribbles the ball during the Wolverines’ game on Feb. 7 at Mercer Island High School. Benjamin Olson/staff photo
