Community Sports

Peninsula girls clinch state berth with win over GH

Kaylia Heidelberg scored 29 points and grabbed six rebounds for the Seahawks (18-3). The senior guard, who averages 18 points a game, scored 16 points in the first quarter alone against the Tides.

Empty gym

The game was played in an empty Peninsula High gym. The Peninsula School District, citing advice from legal counsel, closed the game to spectators. The district said the move was related to “multiple safety concerns” following an alleged racist comment made by a player during a previous game between the rivals.

“I was very pleased with how they played considering the circumstances,” Peninsula coach Hannah Lekson said. “None of us knew what to expect playing in an empty gym. It was quiet, odd, and a different type of energy. But even with that my girls showed up and took care of business.”

Kaylia Heidelburg led Peninsula with29 points.

The Seahawks limited Gig Harbor to just 12 points total in the second and third quarters.

Peninsula’s lead ballooned to 55-25 entering the fourth quarter, when Lekson opted to mostly rest her starters.

Gig Harbor guard Olivia Paul hit four 3-pointers and led the Tides with 18 points. Riley Peschek had 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Tides guard Alex Ferrier chipped in with 10 points.

For Peninsula, guard Sophie Casello contributed 12 points and limitless energy. Brooke Zimmerman added nine points and six rebounds and do-it-all guard Grace Richardson contributed six points, four rebounds and five assists.

Olivia Paul of Gig Harbor drives under heavy pressure from a pair of Peninsula Seahawks. Bryce Carithers

District semifinal next for Peninsula

The win punched a state tournament ticket for the Seahawks, who are No. 9 in the latest WIAA RPI rankings. The Seahawks face league rival North Thurston in a West Central District 3/4 semifinal game at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Auburn.

The South Sound Conference champion Seahawks split the season series with the Rams.

“They know our personnel just as we know theirs … I’m looking forward to the game and I think it’s going to be a great match up,” Lekson said.

The winner of the Peninsula-North Thurston game will face either Bonney Lake or Lincoln for the district title at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Auburn High School.

The Tides (12-9) host a loser-out game against Prairie (11-9) of Vancouver at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14.

“We just have to compete and play hard and will be fine,” Gig Harbor coach Mike Guinasso said. “If we turn the ball over they will make it a game. We’re very excited to have a home game.”

Sophie Casello scored 12 points for Peninsula. Bryce Carithers