MERCER ISLAND – It didn’t take long for the Bishop Blanchet Braves to confirm the Mount Si Wildcats girls’ basketball squad’s thoughts that its first-round game of the Sea-King 3A District Tournament would be among the toughest of the year.
The Metro League’s No. 4 seed broke out to a commanding 40-18 lead at halftime thanks to the solid shooting of their star, senior Michelle Augustavo. The team then cruised in the second half to a convincing 67-38 win that ended Mount Si’s season.
Augustavo scored 21 points to lead the Braves, while Mount Si senior Karin Brevick and junior Rachel Travis each pitched in seven points to pace the Wildcats.
“They’re a lot better basketball team than we are. [Bishop Blanchet coach Terry Wilkinson] is an awesome coach and it was a pleasure for me to be able to play his team. I mean, he’s been coaching basketball longer than I’ve been alive. I had a lot to learn from him today and he put on a clinic. Our girls played hard; their girls played better,” said Mount Si coach Dirk Hansen.
Players’ opinions about the game were mixed.
Senior post Christie Leatiota was pleased with the effort.
“I thought we played hard. They just knocked down every shot. They were really good shooters but we still kept in it. We gave it our best and I have no regrets,” said Leatiota.
Junior reserve Shannon Posey was more critical.
“We didn’t play with confidence,” said Posey.
Mount Si’s season ended at 14-9, similar to last season.
Next year promises more changes to this Wildcat squad. This year’s fast offense will take on a much different look next season, with the loss of post presence brought to the squad by seniors Brevick and Leatiota, who are graduating.
“We’re excited about next year. We’re going to have a whole different look because we’re going to be a guard-heavy offense. We’re not going to have many post players next year,” said Hansen.
Expected to lead the charge next season will be Beyerlin and Travis once again. As seniors next year, the tandem will be playing their final season of Wildcats basketball. Also expected to step up and make contributions will be Kaycee Crossan, Marie Will and Nicole Remish. Also, look out for the Eddings sisters, Tara and Chelsie, as they both may make varsity next season and be strong contributors.
