Elma brings the defense, moves on to quarterfinals of 1A girls state basketball tournament

“Our press was clicking and got us going,” said Elma coach Lisa Johnson. The Eagles collected 15 steals, including four each from Kali Rambo, who also had 10 rebounds, and Jillian Bieker. They held Overlake to just 18.2 shooting from the field.

The No. 5 Eagles (23-3) broke out to a 12-1 lead after the first eight minutes. They held No. 13 Overlake’s 6-foot-5 center Eliza Friend scoreless from the field and to only two points total.

“We had to make sure to box her out,” said Johnson.

Elma’s own tallest forward, 6-2 Jalyn Sackrider, paced the Eagles with 19 points and 12 rebounds while senior forward Molly Johnston added eight.

“Jalyn struggled with their 6-5 girl a little at first, but our guards started driving and dishing to her and she was able to finish around the rim,” said Johnson.

Sackrider made 9 of her 16 field goal attempts, but the rest of the Eagles were just 7 of 38 as Elma shot 29.6 percent from the field. Friend’s presence inside might have altered some Elma shots — she blocked six — but the Eagles also struggled to shoot during their regional loss to Cashmere on Friday.

In addition they made just 42.1 percent of their free throws against the Owls, 8 of 19.

“We missed a lot of open, easy shots,” Johnson said, also pointing to Elma’s 25 turnovers against Overlake (19-5) as a problem that needs fixing before the Eagles meet No. 3 Lynden Christian (21-3) the defending state champions, Thursday at 12:15 p.m.

“It’s the state tournament,” Johnson said. “All the games will be tough all week.”