Walnut Grove with a statement win over Mount Baker

One of the favourites to win the AAA Provincial Championship, the Walnut Grove Gators were full value in their 102-50 victory over the Mount Baker Wild. Despite an early scare, the Gators showed what makes them such a dangerous team to play against.

Mount Baker likely surprised many people with their start to the game. The Wild scored eight straight points, while the Gators looked a bit sluggish. After that however, Walnut Grove went on a 27-4 run, much of it dictated by the trio of Tavia Rowell, Natalie Rathler, and Jessica Wisotzki. It was much of the same in the second, as Walnut Grove scored 32 points in the quarter to take a 59-26 lead into halftime — despite Mount Baker making a buzzer beating three.

The second half featured more of the same from Walnut Grove, and served as a bit of a preview for potential opposing teams. Rathler continued to dominate glass, while Rowell and Wisotzki’s versatile scoring proved tough to handle. Injuries to two Mount Baker players also left them with just two substitutes for much of the second half.

Walnut Grove’s Jessica Wisotzki finished with 36 points nine rebounds, and five steals on 15 for 26 shooting. Natalie Rather had 24 rebounds and 19 points, and Tavia Rowell had 26 points and 12 rebounds. Rowell appeared to tweak her ankle during the first half, but played much of the second half despite the apparent injury. For Mount Baker, Sydney Marlow had 28 points.

Walnut Grove plays Riverside at 5:00 pm tomorrow. Mount Baker will play Claremont at 10:15 am.

Written By: Nick Bondi

Check out our Instagram for Highlights: @bcsportshub

Subscribe to us on YouTube www.youtube.com/bcsportshub