POULSBO — North Kitsap sophomore Jenna Reed has only played in three varsity games her entire life — but her performance last Friday versus Wilson was anything but what you’d call “inexperienced.”
Reed took down six rebounds, swatted away five blocked shots and scored 16 points — including the game-winning lay-up with three seconds to go — to lead the Lady Vikings basketball team to a 48-46 come-from-behind win.
“We knew she had the capability,” said Coach Dan Weedin. “And when you look at the numbers, she’s pretty darn close to dominant on the night.”
Despite a game of poor shooting by the Vikes, Reed’s play — combined with a scrappy defense and a 15-for-22 performance from the foul line — was able to overcome an off-night shooting for a victory, Weedin said.
“I told the girls there’ll be a few games where free-throws will decide (the outcome),” commented Weedin. “Some days you’re not going to shoot the ball well (outside the line), but if your defense is consistent, you’re going to give yourself a chance to win.”
The first half saw both teams shoot poorly, with the Vikings adding numerous turnovers and going into the half down 5 points, 28-23.
Wilson came out firing in the third, building a strong lead going into the fourth and with only 5:33 left in the game, the Rams were up 45-31.
But some key Wilson turnovers — a steal here, a block there — gave North a chance to come back. The combination of Reed’s blocks, Rachel Kramer’s steals (six on the night) and Jasmine Hill’s rebounds (11 on the night) gave the Vikings a chance on offense.
Katie Swanlund nailed two free-throws with 4:29 to go and Reed quickly scored off a Ram turnover, pulling the Vikes within 6 with three minutes to go. The next possession for the Vikings saw Reed sink a 3-pointer — one of only two out of 16 made on the night for NK — and the Vikings’ crowd erupted with not only the sounds of cheers but also sighs of relief.
Brenda Stice made two of three from the foul line after another Ram turnover and, with 1:33 to go, Hill pulled down a tough rebound to give NK a chance to tie.
Molly McCluskey promptly responded to the challenge nailing a long-two and tying the game.
With 24.8 seconds to go, the Rams passed the ball down low and got a good look at the hoop, but Reed swatted the attempt away and the Lady Vikes had their chance to win.
After a time-out, with 5.5 seconds to go, the Vikings’ Kramer looked to inbound the ball.
“We put Molly (McCluskey) deep and had Jenna (Reed) drive,” Weedin said. “We wanted to get the ball down low.”
And they did: Kramer’s pass hit Reed under the basket for the easy lay-in and a Viking win.
Weedin said a strong crowd in NK’s recently-renovated gym also helped lead the way to a North victory.
“We were really energized by the crowd,” he said. “We really felt a surge from them.”
The Lady Vikings open league play at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 versus Gig Harbor at home.
