Prep girls basketball Playoff loss to Shorewood ends season for young Hawks

The Mountlake Terrace Hawks faced a challenging end to their season in the District 1 3A girls basketball tournament, losing to the experienced Shorewood Stormrays, 50-29. The Hawks, made up entirely of underclassmen, struggled to find their rhythm, missing their first nine shots and finishing the first quarter with just one point. Coach Nick Starks attributed their slow start to nerves, acknowledging they missed several layups. Despite a spirited effort that included a 9-0 run to close the second quarter, the Hawks were unable to maintain momentum against Shorewood, who capitalized on Terrace's mistakes. The Hawks committed 26 turnovers, a reflection of their inexperience, which Starks noted was self-inflicted rather than due to the Stormrays' pressure.

Shorewood's senior leadership shone through, with Bridget Cox leading all scorers with 16 points. The Hawks improved dramatically from last season's 3-17 record, finishing at 10-13 this year and showcasing their potential for future success. Starks remains optimistic about next season, highlighting the team's growth and the fact that all players will return.