Odessa narrowly falls to Inchelium

MEDICAL LAKE - The Odessa girls lost their semifinal District 7 1B Tournament game against Inchelium 40-36 Saturday, Feb. 11.

The first quarter went quickly, with Inchelium taking the lead by five points, 12-7.

The two teams consecutively scored two-point plays and free throws during the second quarter. Odessa scored 13 points to Inchelium's eight, tying the game 20-20 by halftime.

The third quarter came with many fouls from both teams. Inchelium scored six points, and Odessa scored five points, 26-25.

The fourth quarter continued back and forth, with Odessa missing vital free throws. Inchelium scored 14 points to Odessa's 11 to eke out a four-point win.

Senior Ashlyn Neilsen and junior Melloney Deife led the scoreboard with 12 points apiece.

"This week, we are focusing on defense," Odessa head coach Travis Schuh said. "What things do we need to look at on offense? Work on the little things like making better passes and free throws."

Schuh said this was their downfall in their game against Inchelium.

"This was our issue against Inchelium," Schuh said. "We missed some shots early, which kind of hurt, but we were able to keep the game close."

Schuh said crucial turnovers down the stretch and questionable calls were a little frustrating.

Coach Schuh says he is proud of the team and how they played against the Hornets.

"The girls came out and played hard," Schuh said. "They weren't scared of the seventh-ranked team."

Odessa will face Republic in Deer Park in a loser-out match on Thursday, Feb. 16. The winner advances to Saturday's 3rd/4th place game, with a berth in the state tournament on the line.