The girls from Cedarcrest were able to concentrate on basketball

long enough to win two games at the Costa Mesa Classic tournament in

California last week.

The Red Wolves improved their overall record to 4-5 heading into

a game with their last non-league foe and two KingCo contests this

week. The Cedarcrest girls are still seeking their first league win against

three losses this season.

Juniors Melanie Klevberg and Lindsay Peterson each scored

in double figures to lead the Wolves in a lopsided 64-32 win over Whitney

in the opening game of the 16-team tournament. Klevberg scored 17

and Peterson contributed a game-high 19, as Cedarcrest remained undefeated

in non-league play.

But that streak ended the next day when the Wolves fell 44-29 to

Mission Viejo. Klevberg and Peterson each scored seven points in the

losing effort. The loss dropped the Wolves into the consolation bracket.

“That was our sixth game of the year and Mission Viejo was

playing in its 14th game,” said Cedarcrest coach Marc Hillestad. “I think the

girls had a tough time concentrating after spending the previous day

at Disneyland.”

Hillestad said his team responded the next day with its best effort in

three years with an overtime win over Horizon High of San Diego, 47-45.

“It was great to finally see Melanie (Klevberg) play in a way we all

know she is capable of playing,” Hillestad said. “Her play in the post will be

an important factor for us against some of the taller teams in our league.”

Hillestad said the Wolves are now battling with three other

KingCo squads for the final playoff spot. Sammamish improved in league

play and separated itself from the other teams in the playoff race.

Despite a brave effort in the final minutes of the contest, Cedarcrest

lost its final game in California to Compton by three points.

The Cedarcrest girls played their first game of the new century at

home against KingCo opponent Liberty on Wednesday. The Red Wolves

will travel to Snoqualmie on Friday to take on cross-Valley rival Mount Si on

Friday night.

Cedarcrest concludes its non-league play on Saturday when

the team visits Foster.

“The California tournament helped us prepare for KingCo

by showing us some defenses we probably have not seen yet,”

summarized Hillestad. “Now we just have to

get back to the business of earning our season goal: that spot in the playoffs.”