MI girls basketball advance to SeaKing district tourney

The Mercer Island girls varsity basketball team lost 43-53 to the Juanita Rebels this past Wednesday to take fourth place in the KingCo 3A tournament. The Islanders (7-12 overall) have lost in all three meetings this season versus the Rebels (13-9 overall). At the end of the first quarter Juanita led the Islanders by two points. In the second quarter, freshman Annabelle Gersch put up nine to keep the Islanders within three with a score of 22-25 at the half. But the Islanders lagged in the third quarter gaining only seven points to the Rebels 15. Senior captain, Hannah Kleppe lead the way with six, to increase the Juanita lead to nine. The Islanders gave a final push in the fourth quarter with senior captain, Claire Mansfield draining a three point shot, Gersch adding three from the free throw line and junior, Angelina Barokas adding eight, including two three point baskets. The Rebels responded with 15 points of their own, eight from junior, Lexi Intong.

The loss leaves Mercer Island with a fourth place finish in the KingCo 3A tournament and gives them a #11 seed to the SeaKing district tournament. The Islanders will face #6 West Seattle (17-5 overall) in a first-round, loser-out game to take place Saturday, February 10th at 3:00PM at West Seattle High School. Wednesday's win gives Juanita a third place finish in the KingCo 3A tournament as they enter SeaKing districts as the #9 seed taking on #8 Bishop Blanchet (13-8 overall) at 7PM Saturday, February 10th at 7PM at Bishop Blanchet High School.

Final: Mercer Island 43, Juanita 53

Mercer Island: Annabelle Gersch 18, Angelina Barokas 11, Claire Mansfield 8, Grace Shaddle 5, Joy Franke 1

Juanita: Taylor Byrne 12, Hannah Kleppe 10, Jayla Kidd 9, Lexi Intong 8, Kiersten Casper 5, Hannah Huff 5, Brandi White 4

**After the contest, KingCo 3A league awards were given out. Congratulations to Claire Mansfield (2nd team,) Annabelle Gersch and Grace Shaddle (honorable mention.)**

Follow SeaKing District tournament here: http://www.metroleaguewa.org/t...