Lady Tomahawks outlast Mount Vernon

The Tommies got a good start to 2010 with a 54-39 non-conference win over Mount Vernon Jan. 2.

By Travis Sherer • January 5, 2010 1:12 pm
Marysville-Pilchuck junior Morgan Martinis deflects a Mount Vernon pass away from Sheirelyn Santos during the lady Tomahawks’ 54-39 win.
Marysville-Pilchuck junior Morgan Martinis deflects a Mount Vernon pass away from Sheirelyn Santos during the lady Tomahawks’ 54-39 win.

MARYSVILLE — The Tommies got a good start to 2010 with a 54-39 non-conference win over Mount Vernon Jan. 2.

“Our girls got out there and did a great job pressuring them and playing team defense,” said Marysville-Pilchuck girls hoops head coach Julie Martin.

That tough style of play dictated a physical game with the Tomahawks proving to be more skillful team playing with contact.

Marysville led by as many as 15 points in the first half before eventually settling for a 26-14 halftime lead.

The Tomahawks had to adjust to the Bulldogs’ backdoor cuts on the baseline in the second half after Mount Vernon scored three quick baskets to bring the Marysville lead to 27-20. But that would be the closest Mount Vernon would get.

Behind Morgan Martinis’ 11 second-half points, the Lady Tomahawks put together a 14-4 run to pull away.

“Morgan just makes things happen,” Martin said of the junior who is usually the team’s top outside threat but took the ball to the hoop against Mount Vernon. “If she’s off, she works around and continues to look to shoot.”

Martinis scored a game-high 16 points while fellow junior Amy Adams added 15.

Combine high scoring with a defense that forced three consecutive turnovers a few times in the second half alone and the Bulldogs couldn’t make up any ground. Martin decided to pressure full court Mount Vernon all game — a move that had two benefits, with the first limiting shooter Angilica Espinoza a chance to set her shot. Espinoza finished with 10 points and just one three-pointer. Leading the Bulldogs was Mandi Barnett with 15 points.

The second benefit was more for next week.

“We needed to run a lot today because we have two games next week in three days and they’re going to need to have endurance built up,” Martin said.

With just under four minutes remaining, the Tomahawks survived the Bulldogs’ effort to extend the game by making seven consecutive free throws.

Marysville (7-2 overall) will look to continue its success in the Wesco North, where it is undefeated (5-0) with games against Stanwood and the other undefeated team, Monroe.