3-Point Game at the Buzzer: Ferris Edges Mt. Spokane

This game lived in the margins from start to finish. Clean looks were hard to come by, and both teams were forced to grind through physical possessions and half-court execution. Ferris worked to control tempo early and stay composed offensively, while Mt. Spokane relied on bursts of pressure and relentless effort to keep the momentum shifting. Neither side was able to create real separation, and the quarter-by-quarter scoring reflected that tension throughout. In a matchup defined by discipline and decision-making, the outcome ultimately came down to late-game execution and who made just a few more plays when scoring was necessary.    Lewis carried a large share of Ferris' offensive responsibility. She finished with 17 points with most of them coming from athletic finishes inside. She was decisive with the ball, didn't rush possessions, and consistently gave Ferris a reliable option if the offense stalled. Ferris has found their "go-to" for high pressure situations and JuJu is IT.     Kuney's contributions came in two 3 pointers that not only halted Mt Spokane's momentum, but completely swung it the other way. She didn't force shots, but she punished defensive lapses and helped Ferris maintain rhythm. Her ability to convert in the half court mattered in a game where points were at a premium.     Chisholm impacted the game beyond her scoring line. She competed defensively, stayed active on the glass, and helped Ferris win physical possessions. In a game this tight, her willingness to do the dirty work helped tilt the balance late.     Manuel's athleticism stood out. She consistently attacked gaps, created pressure downhill, and helped Mt. Spokane stay connected offensively. Even when shots didn't fall cleanly, her ability to draw defenders and force reactions was valuable in keeping Ferris from settling defensively.     Cestnik caught fire in the first half, knocking down three three-pointers and providing a jolt of momentum when Mt. Spokane needed it most. For a Wildcats group that has spent much of the season searching for its identity, stretches like this feel telling. Her shot-making wasn't just productive, it shifted energy. Those daggers changed how Ferris had to defend and hinted at a version of Mt. Spokane that can ride momentum swings rather than chase them.     Rubright was active in the paint on both ends, playing tough interior defense and drawing contact offensively to get herself to the free-throw line. Her physicality showed up in contested possessions, and her willingness to absorb contact set a tone. Jaelyn's love for the game is tangible. She plays with joy, and that energy helps establish the vibe Mt. Spokane wants to play with.

This game lived in the margins from start to finish. Clean looks were hard to come by, and both teams were forced to grind through physical possessions and half-court execution. Ferris worked to control tempo early and stay composed offensively, while Mt. Spokane relied on bursts of pressure and relentless effort to keep the momentum shifting. Neither side was able to create real separation, and the quarter-by-quarter scoring reflected that tension throughout. In a matchup defined by discipline and decision-making, the outcome ultimately came down to late-game execution and who made just a few more plays when scoring was necessary.