After a tough, one-point loss to Meadowdale the day before, the Lynden girls' basketball team came out a little flat in the final day of the Surf 'n Slam Tournament in San Diego on Saturday, Dec. 29. But a couple of key 3-pointers from Stephanie Somers and some strong defensive play in the second half helped the Lions come back to claim a 38-29 victory over St. Stephens (Texas) and claim third place in their bracket.

"After playing three straight days and losing a physical battle, shots we had been making lately, everything starting coming up short," Lynden coach Rob Adams said in a phone interview.

St. Stephens capitalized to build a seven-point lead in the second quarter, but Somers, who finished with a game-high 15 points, hit two quick 3-pointers to help the Lions close within 21-19 by halftime.

"We talked at halftime about not letting our offense deter from us playing defense, and we ended up holding them to four points in the third and four more in the fourth," Adams said.

The Lions (7-4) took the lead early in the fourth quarter and slowly pulled away. Ashlyn Morgan was selected the player of the game after scoring 11 points, while Miriah Brown scored nine and hit a couple of key 3-pointers late.

Lynden celebrated by visiting the Fashion Valley Mall and planned to join the boys' team for a trip to Disneyland on Sunday, Dec. 30, before returning to Whatcom County. The Lions return to Northwest Conference action on Friday, Jan. 4, when they host Anacortes.

LYNDEN 38, ST. STEPHENS 29

Lynden 9 9 6 14 - 38

St. Stephens 8 13 4 4 - 29

Lynden: Mandy Warner 0, Taylor VanDalen 0, Maddi Hommes 3, Ashlyn Morgan 11, Miriah Brown 9, Kelsey Bouwman 0, Tanna Benson 0, Stephanie Somers 15.

St. Stephens: Alex White 3, Caroline Herrera 2, Cali Davis 3, Maddie Almanza 0, Chrissy Durkin 2, Brittany Adams 12, Trejouir Wilson 2, Lauren Gary 7.

3-ptg: Lynden 4 (Somers 2, Brown 2), St. Stephens 1 (Davis). Fouls: Lynden 15, St. Stephens 13.