The boys and girls basketball teams faced Liberty High School on Dec. 10 with the same outcome — victory. Both teams achieved wins by utilizing multiple offensive weapons.
Boys
Mercer Island 70,
Liberty 46
The boys basketball game took place at home, and the Islanders did not disappoint, posting their fourth win of the season, 70-46. The result leaves Mercer Island and Skyline as the only two undefeated teams left in 3A KingCo.
Islander Leroy Lutu led the home team with 25 points. The total was his highest of the season and fourth consecutive game over 20 points. Two other Islanders were in double figures for the game, Matt Shut (20) and Drew Sexton (16).
The three-player scoring threat was too much for Liberty to handle during the first quarter as Mercer Island jumped out to a 20-8 lead. The Islanders extended their lead by four points by halftime.
Liberty managed to keep pace during the third period, but the Islanders finished the game by outscoring the winless Patriots by nine points during the final frame of play.
The Mercer Island boys hosted another winless team at Interlake, Tuesday (after Reporter deadline). The boys team will travel to Palm Springs during winter break for the Desert Heat Classic on Dec. 26-29.
Girls
Mercer Island 65,
Liberty 54
Sharing the basketball and developing multiple offensive threats continues to be a focus for the Mercer Island girls. Against Liberty, the Islanders achieved balance in scoring with three shooters in double figures. The second victory of the season, 65-54, also pushed Mercer Island’s in-league record back to .500, following losses to the top two teams in the 3A KingCo.
Mercer Island shooting guard Hannah Lilly led the Islanders with 13 points but picked up help from Chloe Snethen (12) and Kate DaPron (11).
The Islanders did not look dominant during the first half. But a steady offensive attack kept Mercer Island ahead, leading by two after the first period and outscoring Liberty by three during the second quarter. Liberty managed to keep pace and stay in the contest during the third period, but the Islander offense took over during the fourth, scoring 20 points to secure the victory.
Mercer Island traveled to Interlake, Tuesday (after Reporter deadline), to take on the one-win Saints. The girls will travel to San Diego, Calif., over winter break for the second consecutive season at the San Diego Invitational. Last year, the team had a good showing at the invitational, which will be played on Dec. 27-29, this year.
