A week of wining performances was tied up with a bow on Saturday when the Elma girls basketball team won the Seaside Holiday Classic.
Eagles 38, Fishermen 29
SEASIDE, Ore. — Opening the second half with 10 successive points, Elma captured the Seaside Holiday Classic championship with a victory over Astoria on Dec. 16.
Struggling offensively in a physically played contest, the Eagles (9-0) trailed 19-13 at the half. Their defense, however, was solid throughout and the burst to open the second half gave them a lead they never relinquished. Elma shot only 20 percent from the field.
“We had a very off night offensively,” Elma coach Lisa Johnson said. “However, a win is a win and a championship win is even better. This team plays unselfishly and they each bring something special to the team. They don’t ever give up.”
Jalyn Sackrider was Elma’s lone double-figure scorer with 12 points. Kali Rambo added eight for the Eagles.
Sophomore guard Kayli Johnson was selected as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Sackrider and post Molly Johnston also received all-tournament recognition.
Eagles 53, Seagulls 30
SEASIDE, Ore. — On Friday, Dec. 15, Elma won comfortably over host Seaside in the semifinals.
Quin Mikel put up 12 points and had 10 rebounds, leading the Eagles in both categories.
Coach Johnson said defense and timely shots were the difference in the game.
“A foul-fest in the first half really kept us from getting into any flow. We stayed persistent on our defense,” he said. “Kaelyn Burgher and Kayli Johnson each hit a three in the second quarter to lift us.”
Eagles 49, Lions 30
SEASIDE, Ore. — On Thursday, Dec. 14, Elma held Cottage Grove scoreless in the fourth quarter.
Jalyn Sackrider scored 13 points and Johnson 11 for the Eagles (7-0). Sackrider also blocked four shots.
The Eagles led virtually throughout. They owned a 39-30 advantage before pitching the fourth-quarter shutout.
Jillian Bieker came off the bench to contribute five steals and what coach Johnson described as “at least 10 tips.”
“Our bench stepped up big tonight,” Johnson said.
The Eagles returned home Tuesday to face King’s Way Christian in the second half of a co-ed doubleheader. Results of that game were not available when The Vidette went to press.
