Walla Walla girls defeat Kamiakin, 68-54

RICHLAND-The Walla Walla Blue Devils girls basketball team traveled to Richland Friday, January 31st in a conference game. The Blue Devils got out to a quick 10-0 lead to start this game. Within the first three and half minutes of the game all five of the Blue Devils starters had scored at least two points to take a 16-4 lead. They would close out the first quarter up 18-8.

In the second quarter, #32 Karyssa Olivares started the scoring for Walla Walla. A few minutes later Kamiakin went on a 15-9 run cutting the Blue Devils' lead to four points at 27-23. Walla Walla would respond with a three-pointer by #22 Emmalyn Ogden, and before the half #21 Kysa Jausoro scored on a layup. They would lead 36-23 at the half as a result of their 9-0 run.

In the second half, Walla Walla maintained their double-digit lead. #23 Rian Clear finished with 22 points for the Blue Devils and #3 Nikole Thomas had 22 for the Braves. Walla Walla would win comfortably 68-54.

For the game, the Blue Devils shot 17-22 from the free-throw line good for a 77 percent shooting. When told her starting five had scored at least two points three and a half minutes in, coach Morgan Jo Poynor had this to say, "I did not know that. That's awesome. We had talks about needing to make sure we came out as a team tonight. That's exciting."

The girls have two conference games remaining in the regular season. They are currently in a tie for the third seed with Pasco, and have Kennewick and Hermiston remaining on their schedule.

1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total

Walla Walla 18 18 22 10 68

Kamiakin 8 15 20 11 54

Scoring

WW: Lauren Bergevin 3, Talia Billingsley 1, Kysa Jausoro 8, Emmalyn Ogden 14, Rian Clear 22, Monica Miller 9, Karyssa Olivares 4, Mia Huxoll 7