On Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Whatcom Orcas took on the Edmonds Tritons in a game that was even from the get go – with both teams running hard to get back into the win column. Eventually, however, fans were able to see the key reasons for the Orcas swimming away with the win!
Keeping a close back and forth game with plenty of physicality, the Orcas kept the lead right up until the half, when they dropped down 23-25 to the Tritons. Although they were down after the first half, the Orcas ended with 23 first-half rebounds including 11 offensive, giving what would end up being pivotal points in the second half.
The WCC Women’s Basketball team has come up short for a few games in a row but if you watch their games you see their drive – a constant effort driven by a desire for comeback.
Evidence of this desire was visible in this game. The Orcas ended with 43 total rebounds, including 16 offensive, and Rokesia Sands (5) leading the way with 13 total rebounds.
“I like to think of myself almost like the Dennis Rodman of the team,” said Sands. “So it was great to help contribute to the win today.”
Known for absurd rebound stats and being the hustle player, Dennis Rodman was a part of the 90s Chicago Bulls trio with Micheal Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
When asked what the changing factor was in this game, Sands said “I think the coaches pregame message and feed off my teammates’ energy. I just wanted to keep it up and not go back to the same old habits that caused us to lose, so I think it really helped us to get the win today.”
Fans also saw a huge night from Laylah Kesee (1) with 24 points shooting 66% from the field – a huge factor in this win, as Kesee scored nine of those points in the fourth to help the Orcas come back.
Kesee explained that her comeback drive came from “seeing the time wind down and knowing we need to get up shots.”
Isla Kelly (0) also contributed majorly in the fourth, scoring seven of her 13 in that quarter, including hitting a huge shot with 38 seconds remaining to push it to a four point game.
Trying to win out the final three games of this season after having an uphill battle with injuries, the Orcas gave the power every night to be a contender, but previously ended up short. Being shorthanded and playing with seven players, their challenge has been intense this season.
“[This win] means growth,” noted Kesse, “it means we are stepping in the right direction for next year and we’re not letting our excuses overcome us.”
The sky is the limit with this team being composed of all freshmen. “We are playing for each other now,” said Sands, “you know, something to build off of.”
A close game throughout, the Whatcom Orcas show that winning in the important stats such as rebounds and turnovers increase the chance of winning. With two more games, fans hope they can continue this momentum and finish the season strong.
Fans can catch the Orcas playing against the Shoreline Dolphins today, Saturday, Feb. 21, in the WCC Pavilion at 4 p.m. Orcas will be trying to capture a win on the last home game of the season.
