Mercer Island beats Bellevue to end 31-game winning streak | Prep girls basketball

By Joseph Livarchik • December 13, 2016 12:55 pm
Mercer Island’s Anna Luce shoots over Bellevue’s Kathryn Roberts (11) Monday at Mercer Island High School. The Islanders beat the Wolverines 67-44. Photo courtesy of Willy Paine.
Mercer Island’s Anna Luce shoots over Bellevue’s Kathryn Roberts (11) Monday at Mercer Island High School. The Islanders beat the Wolverines 67-44. Photo courtesy of Willy Paine.

March 7, 2015. That was the last time the Bellevue girls basketball team lost a game, in the consolation bracket of the 2015 3A state tournament.

Mercer Island ended a 31-game Wolverine winning streak that dated back to last season, beating the defending 3A state champions 67-44 Monday night at Mercer Island High School.

Senior post player Anna Luce led the Islanders (3-0, 2-0 in KingCo) with 35 points and seven rebounds. Luce connected on 11 of 17 shots, was a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line and knocked down a 3-pointer to help the Islanders remain undefeated on the young season.

The game remained close through the first half, tied 11-11 after the opening quarter and with Mercer Island ahead 33-29 at the half. The Islanders broke the game open in the third quarter, limiting the Wolverines (2-1, 1-1) to eight points and claiming a 52-37 advantage at the quarter’s end. The Bellevue offense was held to seven points in the final period.

Kailee Yan also reached double figures for Mercer Island, scoring 11 points. In the backcourt, Jackie Stenberg recorded six steals.

Next, Mercer Island will take on Redmond at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday at Redmond High School. Bellevue will host Lake Washington at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday at Bellevue High.