That didn’t take long.
Sequim’s girls basketball squad, the top-seeded team in the West Central District tournament, ended any suspense about their state playoff hopes with a resounding 65-29 win at home over Clover Park on Feb. 14.
The victory assured the Wolves (19-1) a berth in the state 2A tournament, and they’ll play for a spot in the district championship game when they take on fourth-seeded Enumclaw (17-4) on Feb. 16 at Highline High School.
The winner advances to play the winner of the other semifinal match-up between second-seeded White River (17-5) and third-seeded Renton (16-4) on Feb. 18, while the losers of those semifinals play Feb. 18 for third or fourth place; both games will be played at North Mason High School in Belfair.
SHS senior point guard Hannah Bates paced the Wolves to their district tourney opening win over Clover Park, leading the team with 15 points, six steals and three assists.
“Hannah did a great job pressuring the opposing guards and getting to the basket,” Sequim coach Joclin Julmist said.
Sequim led 19-6 after one quarter and 36-17 by halftime.
Jelissa Julmist added 13 points, five rebounds and four steals, and Libby Turella sank three 3-pointers to go with her 13 points.
“Jelissa had another good game tonight; she had a good shooting night and played good defense,” Joclin Julmist said. ” Libby had a really good game on both sides.”
Jolene Vaara, Sequim’s leading scorer during the regular season who missed the past three games because of an ankle injury, returned to score 10 points on five-of-six shooting and had four of Sequim’s 28 steals.
“It was great getting Jolene back on the floor,” Joclin Julmist said.
Bobbi Mixon added eight points, sinking a pair of 3-pointers, and Sammie Bacon had four rebounds and five steals.
“Sammie played good defense and help side defense, and did a good job on the boards,” Joclin Julmist said.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / Sequim’s Jolene Vaara, center, pushes the ball upcourt in the Wolves’ 65-29 win over Clover Park in the West Central District tournament opener on Feb. 14.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / Sequim post Jelissa Julmist looks to score as Clover Park’s Alicia-Ellalynn Soliai defends the basket in Sequim’s 65-29 district tourney win on Feb. 14. Julmist had 13 points, five rebounds and four steals in the victory.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / Sequim guard Bobbi Mixon passes to a teammate in the Wolves’ 65-29 win over Clover Park on Feb. 14.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / Sequim guard Bobbi Mixon puts up a shot in the Wolves’ 65-29 win over Clover Park on Feb. 14. Mixon sank two 3-pointers in the win.
Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen / Sequim guard Taryn Johnson looks to keep possession in the Wolves’ district tourney-opening win over Clover Park at home on Feb. 14.
