Kentlake comeback falls short in season-ending 51-49 loss to Lewis and Clark

Jada Leonard dribbled left, created space and fired what could have completed a Kentlake comeback.

It fell short, Lewis and Clark secured the rebound and the final buzzer of the Falcons season sounded about a half-second later in a 51-49 loss in the first round of consolations in the 4A state girls basketball tournament Friday at the Tacoma Dome.

But here’s the thing – no player on the floor for Kentlake for that final play was a senior. So there’s no reason to believe the Falcons won’t spend this offseason planning for a return run.

“They competed, and this experience is going to make them better,” Kentlake coach GC Hillburn said.

Lewis and Clark advances to play Moses Lake for the state fourth- or sixth-place trophy.

It led Kentlake 47-34 near the end of the third quarter.

But the Falcons allowed just two points in the fourth quarter. Kylee Johnson powered to the basket to cap an 11-0 run, trimming the lead to 49-46 in the fourth quarter.

Lewis and Clark’s Riley Lupfer scored 14 points, but missed the front-end of a one-and one free throw. That after LC had called a timeout, allowing Hillburn to set up a play for the other end.

“George (Pfeifer) called that time out and I actually was kind of like, ‘Oh, perfect,’” Hillburn said.

Kentlake Sydney Peterson drove right, and kicked out to Leonard, who took the final shot.

“I was fine with that possession,” Hillburn said. “We got what we needed.

“I’m just glad we were in a position like this in the Tacoma Dome … if anything, they are going to get better for that.”

Aniston Denckla led Kentlake for the second consecutive day with 11 points and Sydney Peterson added 10.

This was Kentlake’s first trip to the Dome since 2007.

But the pieces are in place for the Falcons to find their way back next year.

“We were down and our kids really fought through it,” Hillburn said. “I’m so proud of our kids for fighting through that. They’ve done so much this year to improve their mindset and what we wanted them to do and most of all their character.

“My kids didn’t quit. They should be very proud of that.”

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Kentlake comeback falls short in season-ending 51-49 loss to Lewis and Clark."