WECU/CDN Game of the Week: Squalicum at Bellingham
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28
Squalicum record: 7-6
Bellingham record: 5-7
Final prediction: Squalicum 55-40
Squalicum is looking to remain near the top of the conference standings with the postseason around the corner. The Storm are undefeated this season against teams below a .500 record and won four of their last five games. Although Squalicum is a very young team, the Storm thrive with their defense and athleticism.
Bellingham has trended downward in the last few weeks, losing six of its last seven games. The Bayhawks’ offense has struggled this season with an average of less than 41 points per game. Although the Bayhawks have struggled recently, they are an older, experienced and taller squad in this matchup.
Squalicum player to watch: Sophomore guard Tiana Thompson
Squalicum’s offense struggled in the first half of the season. However, Thompson led the Storm’s offense during their hot streak in the last few weeks. The 5-foot-8 guard has scored 55 points in the last five games and even posted 11 rebounds against Mount Vernon.
Bellingham player to watch: Senior guard Malia Hanks
Hanks is a 5-foot-7 guard who was an honorable mention all-conference player last year. This season, the Bayhawk guard has led the team in points in several games and plays tough defense near the perimeter. In her two games against Ferndale and Lakewood, she tallied 13 rebounds and 10 steals.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
