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Bellevue Wolverines Shock Mercer Island Islanders
By Colin Caruso 

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Bellevue handed Mercer Island their first loss to a Washington state team on Friday night with a 51-50 shocker at Bellevue High.  This rivalry game had a much slower pace than expected, with full half court sets, good passing, and great offensive execution overall.  Mercer Island took the lead in the first quarter by sinking three contested three-pointers, but this fine shooting did not seem to phase Bellevue.  The Wolverines continued to grind and maintained great defensive intensity.  They cut the five point lead at the end of the first to just one at the half on a great three point bank shot at the buzzer by Michael Carlson.

The third quarter maintained a slower, meticulous basketball pace.  Bellevue continued to execute offensively, while Mercer Island settled for mid-range to deep jump shots, not attacking the hoop like they did in the first half.

Bellevue turned up their defensive intensity in the second half, doing a great job of stepping into passing lanes and converting in transition.  The Wolverines took a one point lead at the end of the third quarter, and maintained that lead deep into the fourth quarter, exchanging baskets with the Islanders.  With 24 seconds left, Bellevue held a one point lead and the Islanders had the ball, shot clock turned off.  The drawn up play seemed to break down via Bellevue’s defensive intensity and the Wolverines forced Mercer Island into a deep three that was right on target, but inches long.

Bellevue sealed the victory, 51-50.

Leading Scorers:
Mercer Island
Kaleb Warner (15)
Nick Nordale (14)

Bellevue
Michael Carlson (12)
Timmy Haehl (11)