Girls- Bellevue tops Franklin, advance to state

Girls- Bellevue tops Franklin, advance to state
By Colin Caruso 

Bellevue faced off against Franklin at Bellevue College, with the winner receiving an automatic trip to state.  Bellevue turned the ball over nine times in the first quarter but was still able to maintain the lead behind six points from freshman Shelby Cansler.  Franklin senior Raven Burleson kept them in the contest with two three pointers in the first to cut the Wolverine lead to two, 12-10.

In the second quarter, the Wolverines were able to control the interior, led by freshman Mackenzie Keeter with six points.  The Wolverine defense forced six Quaker turnovers and only allowed seven points in the second quarter.  Bellevue extended their lead to 28-17 at the half.

Bellevue’s defense was again stifling in the third, allowing only eight points and forcing six more turnovers.  Five Wolverines scored in the quarter to extend their lead to 40-25 at the end of the third.

The offenses for both teams took over in the fourth quarter, with both teams exploding for a combined 41 points in the period.  Bellevue never let the game get closer than 15 points in the fourth, holding on to the lead they built in the first three quarters.  Seven Wolverines scored in the fourth as Bellevue won 62-44.

Bellevue will now face Seattle Prep at Bellevue College on Thursday at 4:45 pm.  Franklin will face Holy Names in a loser out game on Friday at Bellevue College at 4:45 pm.

Leading Scorers:
Bellevue
Mandy Steward (16)
Shelby Cansler (14, 6 steals)

Franklin
Jazmin Horne (14)
Raven Burleson (13)