Bethel Bison Pull Away Late, Hand Bonney Lake First League Loss

Azy Jackson dropping another bucket inside the paint.

For three quarters, it was anyone’s game. Two undefeated 4A league squads—Bonney Lake Panthers and Bethel Bison—traded punches in a gritty, defensive battle Tuesday night. But as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, Bethel’s experience and relentless defense proved too much for the youthful Panthers, with the Bison emerging victorious, 55-44.

It was a game defined by momentum swings, clutch plays, and an electric Bonney Lake home crowd that had plenty to cheer about early.

Izzy Meki for three.

Sophomore forward Azy Jackson wasted no time imposing her will on the game. She accounted for the Panthers’ first six points, dominating the boards and scoring eight of her game-high 17 points in the opening quarter. But Bethel stayed close, matching Bonney Lake's intensity behind sharp ball movement and their ability to crash the glass. When sophomore Izzy Meki buried a three-pointer late in the first, the Panthers faithful erupted, and Bonney Lake took a slim 17-15 lead into the second quarter.

Bethel flipped the script in the second quarter, tightening their defense and controlling the tempo. The Panthers struggled to match Bethel’s rebounding tenacity, allowing second-chance opportunities that kept the Bison in control. By halftime, the visitors had clawed their way to a 24-23 lead.

Sophia Mackay driving in the lane for two.

The game remained razor-close in the third quarter as Bonney Lake fought to regain momentum. Senior guard Sophia Mackay ignited the Panthers with a quick steal and a pair of fast-break buckets that brought the crowd to its feet. Even so, Bethel’s poise and steady offensive execution kept them in front, holding a narrow 37-36 lead entering the final frame.

Disaster struck for Bonney Lake early in the fourth quarter when Mackay, who had been a sparkplug all night, fouled out with five minutes remaining. The Panthers, down by just three at the time, struggled to fill the void. Meanwhile, Bethel senior guard Moriah Sears took over, capping off her 16 point game and leading a defensive surge that forced turnovers and turned them into easy transition buckets.

Keira Lonn driving into two defenders to put down two points.

The Bison closed the game on an emphatic run, pulling away to secure the 55-44 win.

For the Panthers, Jackson’s 17 points and dominance in the paint stood out, while Mackay added 10 points before her exit. Keira Lonn and Nat Patten chipped in six points apiece, and Meki’s five included a crowd-pleasing three-pointer.

The Panthers, now 2-1 on the season, will look to bounce back when they travel to Spanaway Lake on December 12th.