Ashley Uusitalo Powers Lake Washington Past Chiawana

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Lake Washington vs Chiawana</strong></h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What Stood Out</strong></h2>   <p>Lake Washington handled business early and never gave Chiawana a real window back in. The Kangaroos led 16 to 7 after one, stretched it to a 33 to 16 halftime advantage, and controlled pace the rest of the way. Chiawana made a fourth quarter push, but the early deficit was too much to overcome. Lake Washington shot over 54 percent from the field and built separation at the free throw line. That combination is hard to beat in March. Lake Washington's shot quality was elite. They went 19 for 35 from the field and knocked down five threes. When they were not scoring from the floor, they lived at the line and converted 16 free throws. Chiawana found rhythm late and scored 23 in the fourth, but they spent most of the night playing uphill. The Riverhawks were forced into tough looks and could not match Lake Washington's efficiency.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Who Stood Out</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Uusitalo took over this game offensively. She poured in 29 points, going 8 for 15 from the field and 9 for 12 from the free throw line. She hit four threes and controlled tempo throughout. This was not just shot making. She created space, attacked gaps, and made Chiawana defend every action. When Lake Washington needed a basket to stop momentum, she delivered.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Benthin was efficient and steady. She scored 12 points on 5 for 6 shooting and added five rebounds. She made quick decisions and did not waste possessions. Her ability to finish inside helped Lake Washington stretch the lead in the first half. She kept pressure on the rim and forced help rotations that opened space for shooters.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Olteanu added 13 points and six rebounds. She mixed drives with midrange looks and attacked closeouts with confidence. She also did work defensively. Her activity in passing lanes and ability to contest without fouling helped Lake Washington maintain control through the middle quarters.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Maldonado battled all night. She finished with 16 points and five rebounds while going 5 for 11 from the field. She was one of the few consistent scoring threats for Chiawana. She attacked off the bounce and got to the free throw line. In the fourth quarter, she helped spark the late push that made the final margin respectable.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Maldonado finished with nine points and six rebounds and added six assists. She handled playmaking duties and tried to get teammates organized against Lake Washington's pressure. Her ability to distribute kept Chiawana connected, especially during their fourth quarter run. The assist numbers show she was looking to create even when the shots were not falling at a high clip.</p>    <p>Lake Washington's early control mattered. In state tournament games, building a two possession lead is good. Building a double digit halftime cushion changes everything. The Kangaroos did that and moved on because of it.</p>