The Lynden Christian girls' basketball team jumped out to an early lead in its 72-28 win over Squalicum in a Northwest Conference game Tuesday, Jan. 29.

Lynden Christian took a 44-14 lead at halftime.

"LC came in and exerted themselves right from the beginning with their size, strength and athletic ability," said Squalicum coach Mark Wright in a phone interview. "They put their stamp on the game from the get-go, but I was proud of how the girls fought, but they were too good. They crushed us on the boards and got easy baskets."

The Lyncs (16-3, 9-2 NWC) were led by Karley De Jager, who scored 14 points, and Courtney Hollander, who scored 10 and had five assists.

The Storm (4-15, 3-8 NWC) was led by Meghan Lowry, who scored eight points.

"Meghan played with an immense amount of heart and passion," Wright said. "She's the one girl that was able to compete with the physical teams and I was proud of how she played."

Lynden Christian plays its final Northwest Conference regular season game on Friday, Feb. 1, while Squalicum travels to Anacortes on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Lynden Christian qualifies as the top seed in the 1A Northwest District Tournament. Squalicum is still in contention for a postseason spot.

LYNDEN CHRISTIAN 72, SQUALICUM 28

LC 18 26 18 10 - 72

Squalicum 7 7 8 6 - 28

Lynden Christian: Makayla Lancaster 6, Haley Hollander 0, Kara Bajema 4, Courtney Hollander 10, Sally Vlas 8, Kassidy Aldrich 9, Karley De Jager 14, Sara Dougan 2, Emma Stump 2, Carli Tjoelker 2, Kayla Tiemersma 9, Morgan Van Kooten 6. Team totals: 29-62 13-20 72.

Squalicum: Kayla Chang 0, Meghan Lowry 8, Sarah Hulbert 5, Lauren Eckert 5, Jessica Greene 4, Kamea Pino 1, Bailey Molnar 2, Sam Starr 3, Hannah Lewis 0. Team totals: 10-36 6-13 28.

3-ptg: Lynden Christian 1 (Aldrich 1), Squalicum 2 (Eckert, Greene 1). Rebounds: Lynden Christian 47 (Tiemersma 8), Squalicum 23 (Starr 5). Assists: Lynden Christian 15 (C. Hollander 5), Squalicum 6 (Greene, Starr 2). Fouls: Lynden Christian 13 (none), Squalicum 19 (Lowry). Turnovers: Lynden Christian 13, Squalicum 28.