BY OLY ARCHIBALD
PORT ANGELES — In NWAC basketball action last night, broadcast on KONP Newsradio, the 3rd-ranked Peninsula Pirate women secured a hard-fought 66-62 victory over league rival Skagit Valley.
The Pirates, led by Lexi Mackey’s dominant 33-point performance, overcame the absence of starting point guard Shania Moanunu, who is sidelined for a week with a sore ankle.
Skagit Valley, coached by NWAC veteran Deb Castle, led 16-14 after the first quarter. However, the Pirates controlled the second quarter, outscoring the Cardinals 23-8 to take a 37-24 halftime lead. Skagit Valley rallied late, pulling within one point in the final minutes, but the Pirates held on for the win.
Mackey finished with 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jelissa Julmist contributed 9 points and 5 rebounds, while Makena Patrick added 8 points and 8 rebounds. Ryana Moss hit two three-pointers for 6 points.
Pirate Sophomore Lexie Mackey; from Melbourne, Australia; hit for 33 points and pulled down 15 rebounds against Skagit Valley to give the 3rd ranked Pirates a 66-62 win
The Pirates improved to 5-0 in conference play and 13-2 overall. They host Everett on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
—
The Peninsula Pirate men faced a tough challenge against top-ranked Skagit Valley. For 33 minutes, the Pirates matched the Cardinals shot for shot, but Skagit Valley pulled away late in the second half for a 72-60 victory, improving to 29-1 on the season.
The Pirates led 33-31 at halftime and held the Cardinals to 15 points below their season average, thanks to a stingy defense.
Akeem Sulaiman led the Pirates with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Antonio Odum added 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Isaiah Lopez scored 14 points. Jaiden Blackmon contributed 12 points and 6 rebounds.
The Pirates host Everett on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
Former Pirate Millie Long Returns to Seattle
Former Port Angeles Roughrider and Peninsula Pirate Millie Long will bring the 24th-ranked University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves to Royal Brougham Pavilion tonight to face Seattle Pacific.
Millie Long
The Seawolves are 16-2 overall and 7-0 in GNAC conference play. Long, a starter for the Seawolves, averages 13 points per game. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $8-11, available online or at the venue.
Middle School Basketball Results
In middle school basketball, the Stevens 7th-grade team defeated Neah Bay 40-6. Madi Wright led the Stampeders with 16 points, followed by Skylar Wheeler with 10 points. Mattie Dunning scored 6 points, Kenzie Smith added 4, and Lucy Long and Mila Johnson each scored 2.
The Stevens 8th-grade team fell to Neah Bay 37-25. Pepper McCaslin led with 7 points, Nyah Langdon scored 6, Darcy Ring and Maelyn Benedict each added 5, and Madisyn Wright scored 3.