For a game that started after 11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, it wasn't too late for the Lynden Christian girls' basketball team to bring its 'A' game.
The Lyncs put on a defensive show in the second half and defeated Bellevue Christian 51-34 in the Class 1A Tri-District championship game at Mountlake Terrace. The tri-district title was the 11th win in a row for the Lyncs (17-8).
Up next for Lynden Christian is a first-round game at the Glacier Peak regional against Rainier on Saturday, Feb. 25. The game is a loser-out contest.
"The girls are working hard and playing their basketball as we head into regionals," Lynden Christian coach Curt DeHaan said in a phone interview.
The game was scheduled to tip off at 9 p.m., but because two earlier games on the court went into double overtime, the Lyncs didn't start their game until two hours later.
Lynden Christian had a 23-18 lead at halftime before holding Bellevue Christian to one field goal in the second half and pulling away.
"The key was our defense," DeHaan said.
Jasmine Hommes led the Lyncs with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Kayla Tiemersma had 12 points and nine rebounds, Demi Luna had nine points on three 3-pointers and Courtney Hollander had four points and nine assits for Lynden Christian.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN 51, BELLEVUE CHRISTIAN 34
LC 15 8 12 16 - 51
BC 12 6 6 10 - 34
Lynden Christian: Makayla Lancaster 4, Demi Luna 9, Alivia Vander Greind, Courtney Hollander 4, Sally Vlas 2, Alexa Vander Greind, Karley De Jager 2, Jasmine Hommes 18, Emily Sytsma, Morgan Van Kooten, Kayla Tiemersma 12, Hannah Wynstra. Team totals: 21-57 6-8 51.
Bellevue Christian: Kara Anderson, Jessica Butler, Noelle Crosby 1, Alison King, Paige Knight 9, Bree Oldham 8, Ashley Osborn 2, Alina Valle 9, Allie Vitalone, Rachel Williams 5. Team totals: 9-41 14-19 34.
3-ptg: LC 3 (Luna 3), BC 2 (Valle 2). Rebounds: LC 32 (Hommes 10), BC 30 (Oldham 7). Assists: LC 16 (Hollander 9), BC 4 (Oldham 2). Fouls: LC 15, BC 8. Turnovers: LC 15, BC 24.
