Lopez basketball off to a good start

Submitted by Gene Helfman

Men and women opened the 2019-2020 season against perennial basketball power Cedar Park Christian on Monday, Dec. 9 at home. The lady Lobos were victorious in the opener and the men were just edged out in the evening’s contest.

The ladies’ game started close and remained so at the half with Lopez ahead, 18 to 14. Coach Shane Patrick emphasized defense during the intermission, and the ladies subsequently neutralized the Lions’ three-point shooting and steadily increased their lead. The game ended Lopez 50, Cedar Park 35. Lopez scoring was led by senior Siri Dye with 25 points, followed by Emma Patrick (11) and Sonnette Roberson (10). Shayna Gruenwald and Sophie Allen also got in on the scoring. Coach Patrick had nothing but compliments for the team’s second half adjustment and for working so well together.

In the men’s match, Lopez jumped out early but Cedar Park came back and steadily increased their lead, the first half ending Cedar 29, Lopez 19. Lopez kept up a fierce tempo throughout the second half and whittled the lead to five points while slowing the Cedar Park offense. Had the game gone another few minutes, Lopez was on track to evening the score. The game ended Lions 42, Lopez 37. Senior Lichen Johnson led Lopez scoring with 19 points, followed by Joshua Kramer (6) and Reese Hamilton (5); Avery Conner and Canyon Hernandez-Doherty also scored. Coach MR Buffum was proud of how the men rallied in the second half to make the game close. He’s optimistic about the season, given the four returning seniors on his squad.

The next home games are Dec. 17 against Tulalip and Jan. 6 against Lummi.