La Conner girls fly high, beat Lady Eagles

Some would say the La Conner High School girls’ basketball team has the sport down to a science.

Count veteran head coach Scott Novak among them.

“The chemistry on our team is unbelievable,” Novak insisted to the Weekly News following a convincing 70-29 non-conference home win over 1A Klahowya of Silverdale last Tuesday night, Jan 11.

Indeed, the Lady Braves showcased all the elements of a championship caliber club in easily defeating their fifth larger school foe of the campaign.

Four players, led by junior post Ellie Marble, finished in double-figure scoring and guards Juna Swanson and Josie Harper combined for 13 assists as Novak’s charges continued their trend of making the extra pass to free up open shooters.

Marble was a force in the paint, recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Swanson and Harper, meanwhile, were stellar on the perimeter.

A senior committed to play next season at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., Swanson delivered 17 points and further fueled the attack by dishing off a team-high eight assists.

Harper, a junior and the reigning Skagit County girls’ hoops scoring leader, added 14 points and five assists to go along with five rebounds.

Carroll College signee Rachel Cram chipped in 10 points while versatile Sarah Cook notched eight points.

Ellalee Wortham rounded out the La Conner scoring with three points.

The team expected a battle going into the contest, having scouted a talented Klahowya lineup beforehand.

That battle never materialized. The Lady Braves dominated from the opening tip, building a commanding 23-6 first quarter lead. La Conner extended the margin to 46-14 at the break.

“The girls came out and took care of business against a team that has some skilled players,” Novak said.

Tough defense and selfless play at the offensive end proved to be the winning equation.

“Our girls played great team defense and shared the ball on offense,” said Novak.

La Conner improved to 11-0 overall and 5-0 in NW2B play.

Klahowya, 4-2 in Olympic 1A action, fell to 5-3 in all games.