Lions take third consecutive district title

SOAP LAKE - Thomas Knopp knocked down 19 points and pulled down nine board to lead Moses Lake Christian Academy (MLCA) to a 63-43 win over Cascade Christian Academy(CCA) last night.

The win meant a third consecutive 1B Central Washington District title for the Lions.

"This was a huge win for us tonight," coach Duke Wood said. "We are now the No. 1 seed for the regional tournament and will play either Valley Christian or Wellpinit on the 24th at Shadle Park High School in Spokane."

The Lions  jumped out to a 7-2 start against the Wolverines, but CCA came storming back to get within a point, 13-12 at the end of the first quarter. MLCA was able to stretch is lead to 23-18 as the team went on a 10-6 run to close out the half.

"I told the kids during the break if we could put together a run to start the second half, it would give us a spark," Wood said. "They came out and went on a 6-0 run and put us up 38-29 to end the third quarter."

The Lions continued to score the basketball in the fourth quarter of play as the topped the Wolverines 25-14 to finish out strong and come away with the win.

"The guys are really gaining confidence with each and every win ... you can just see it in their eyes," Wood said. "The seniors really wanted this game, and now we have put together makes 20 wins in a row and look to keep the momentum going into the regional tournament."

Joe Timofeyev added 15 points, five boards and six assists in the winning effort for the Lions. Lowell Kirkwod added 11 points, while holding the Wolverines leading scorer Christopher Ringering (20 ppg) to seven points.

Alex Allsbrook chipped in seven points and had five rebounds, and Connor Webb finished with seven points and seven boards.

"It was a great effort turned in by all," Wood said. "We are going to have to continue to play well from here on out because its either win or go home now."