All season lack of height was perceived as a disadvantage for the Issaquah girls basketball team.
But, time after time, the Eagles overcame the odds using their speed and scrappy defense.
Saturday’s battle with Garfield marked one of the few times Issaquah couldn’t provide a counter punch. The Eagles fell 71-54 to their rival from KingCo, placing sixth in the 4A state tournament.
“Today, the rebounding thing — the lack of size killed us,” head coach Kathy Gibson said.
Garfield, which pulled down 37 boards, earned third place with the victory.
“Certain things had to go our way,” Gibson said. “Most games they did, and some they didn’t. Today and yesterday (Auburn Riverside) were two of those games.”
The Bulldogs led from start to finish, taking an 18-9 lead after the first quarter and a 36-21 halftime advantage.
Issaquah had one less turnover than Garfield at 13, but the Bulldogs capitalized on every Eagle miscue. Garfield scored 24 points off of turnovers, to Issaquah’s 10 points off of 14 Bulldog turnovers.
Despite the large halftime deficit, the Eagles didn’t give in.
Issaquah went on a 9-2 run to start the third quarter, cutting the lead to 38-30. Garfield bumped the lead back to double-digits by the end of the quarter, keeping a comfortable cushion the remainder of the game.
Three Bulldog players scored in double figures, led by De Aundreney Dillard-Brown’s 16. Shaunice Robinson scored 13 and Alyse Harris had 10.
Issaquah was led by junior Maddey Pflaumer’s 20 points. Juniors Mackenzie Schiltz and Brooke Miller scored nine points apiece. Junior Blaire Brady scored six points and grabbed nine rebounds. The lone senior on the team, Domi Mendezona, scored six points and had four assists.
“Sixth place in the state with the group that I have, I’m really proud of them,” Gibson said.
Issaquah, which ended its season with a 23-6 record, has 11 of its 12 players on the state roster returning next season. With seven juniors on this year’s squad, experience won’t be an issue next season.
“We’ve all been playing since fifth grade together so it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Miller said.
TOP EIGHT
1. Auburn Riverside
2. Mead
3. Garfield
4. Bellarmine Prep
5. Edmonds-Woodway
6. Issaquah
7. Chiawana
8. Moses Lake
