The Bellingham girls' basketball team overcame an early deficit to get a 56-44 win at Anacortes on Thursday, Nov. 29.

"It was really back and forth in the beginning and Anacortes put a lot of pressure on us that forced a lot of early turnovers," Bellingham coach Brad McKay said in a phone interview. "We started to slow down and execute our offense and did a better job than last game of putting our shots in."

The Red Raiders were led by Ashley Spink with 14 points and Alyssa Porter with 13.

"Ashley really gave us a spark and hit a few big shots for us," McKay said. "Porter did a good job breaking down their defense and guard press. It was really a team effort though and everyone had to be strong. We also got some help off the bench by players like Alicia Romero and Jenn Paul."

Bellingham came back in the second quarter to take a 28-27 lead before halftime.

"We were able to rebound the ball and the defensive end and forced them into some shots that they didn't want," McKay said. "We were able to settle down and be patient. Our shots were quality and were able to play our tempo."

Bellingham improved to 1-1 and will play at Meridian on Monday, Dec. 3, in a non-conference game.

BELLINGHAM 56, ANACORTES 44

Bellingham 11 17 17 11 - 56

Anacortes 15 12 10 7 - 44

Bellingham: Carleen Syth 0, Ashley Spink 14, Jenn Paul 0, Michaela Knutson 4, Alicia Romero 5, Olivia Halverson 8, Alyssa Porter 13, Catrina Mahoney 0, Monica Ziels 0, Joelle Zamora 12. Team totals: 17-25 19-29 56.

Anacortes: Brooke Riordan 3, Jillian Welk 3, Hope Hurtado 0, Mackenzie Wight 4, Melanie Martin 14, Louisa Crowe 0, Tania Daou 9, Autumn Frost 9, Carly Christensen 2, Monica Downs 0. Team totals: 9-17(FT) 44.

3-ptg: Bellingham 1 (Spink 1), Anacortes 4 (Daou, Martin 2). Rebounds: Bellingham 32 (Romero 11), Anacortes 18 (N/A). Assists: Bellingham 6 (Porter 3), Anacortes N/A (N/A). Turnovers: Bellingham 22, Anacortes 16.