Spink’s Fourth Quarter Push Lifts Mead Past LC

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mead vs Lewis & Clark</strong></h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Stood Out</strong></h2>   <p>This was playoff basketball in its purest form. Physical, methodical, and possession by possession.</p>   <p>Neither team found sustained offensive rhythm for long stretches. Mead carried a slim edge after the first quarter and the game stayed tight through halftime. Lewis & Clark never allowed separation, contesting every shot and forcing tough half-court possessions. The fourth quarter was the pivot point. Mead did not overhaul their offense. They trusted it. [player_tooltip player_id='1048829' first='Caroline' last='Spink'] went on a solo 8 point run to start the quarter, turning what felt like a coin-flip game into one that suddenly tilted toward the Panthers. From there, it became about composure. Mead valued possessions, forced contested looks, and limited second chances. In a 39-35 game, margins are razor thin. Free throws, defensive rebounds, and one or two clean execution possessions can decide everything. Mead won those moments.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Who Stood Out</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Spink delivered the defining stretch of the game. Her eight straight points to open the fourth quarter created the only meaningful cushion either team saw late. She finished through contact and converted when it mattered most. In a game where offense was scarce, she manufactured it.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Frederick's impact showed up in pace control. She never looked rushed and consistently navigated defensive pressure to get Mead organized in the half court. Her ability to operate from the elbow and make the next read kept possessions from breaking down.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Barkstrom's physical presence kept Lewis & Clark competitive. She battled on the glass and created second opportunities that prevented Mead from pulling away earlier. Her willingness to absorb contact and finish through it gave the Tigers life in the middle quarters.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Vue steadied the Tigers when possessions became chaotic. She brought the ball up under pressure and initiated offense without panic. In tight playoff games, that steadiness is critical. She kept Lewis & Clark within one or two possessions deep into the fourth.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kostelecky's defensive energy helped swing momentum late. She rotated quickly, contested shots, and forced Lewis & Clark into uncomfortable half-court looks. In a low-scoring game, those defensive possessions were just as valuable as points.</p>    <p>This was not about highlight plays. It was about execution and trust. Mead proved they can win a grind-it-out playoff game where scoring does not come easy. Lewis & Clark competed possession for possession, but Spink's fourth-quarter surge and Mead's late defensive composure separated the two. In February basketball, style does not matter. Surviving does.</p>