Bellevue Runs the Table, Hoists 3A Trophy

Bellevue Runs the Table, Hoists 3A Trophy
By Steve Dion

3A Champions – Bellevue Wolverines

Entering the 2015-16 season, Coach Leah Krautter knew she had a talented squad, but didn’t know how all the pieces would fit together. After the first game of the season, she was encouraged this team was special.

After topping Lynnwood on Friday which may have been Bellevue’s toughest test to keep their unbeaten record intact, they entered championship Saturday with the expectation to close the deal and lift the trophy. To do so, they needed to get past Arlington who is no stranger to deep tournament runs. Much like the game played prior to this one between Rainier Beach and O’Dea, Bellevue outmatched Arlington from the early stages of the game and it carried throughout. By halftime, they built a double-digit lead which put the Eagles on the ropes. Gracie Castandea and Serafina Balderas needed to spark the Eagles to climb back into the game after solid contributions in the first two quarters.

The stifling Bellevue defense held Arlington to four points in the pivotal third quarter leading to 19% from the field in the second half. Meanwhile, the Wolverines kept the pedal down as Shelby Cansler and Quinessa Caylao-Do broke the game open as the duo combined for 41 points. The victory against the Royals on day two proved to be the quasi championship game as the vast majority of the second half was simply a wait for the inevitable. Congratulations to Bellevue on going wire to wire from the opening tip of the season.

The Final Score
Bellevue 69, Arlington 40.

Top Performers:
Bellevue
Points
Shelby Cansler – 21 and 8 Rebs
Quinessa Caylao-Do – 20
Ann-Marie Jacobs – 12

Arlington
Points
Gracie Castandea – 12 and 9 Rebs
Serafina Balderas – 11
Sevi Bielser – 5