Bonney Lake girls basketball sends message in dominant win over Graham-Kapowsin

Nakiah Barrett

Wednesday night in Bonney Lake felt less like a league matchup and more like a statement.

The Bonney Lake Panthers, sitting second in league play at 3-1, hosted Graham-Kapowsin (1-3) in a midweek showdown that carried more weight than the standings suggested. Graham-Kapowsin arrived with momentum after a win over Yelm, while Bonney Lake was coming off a confidence-boosting non-conference victory against undefeated Lake Stevens, the top team in Wesco 4A.

From the opening tip, the Panthers made it clear they weren’t interested in easing back into league play.

First quarter: Panthers explode early

Bonney Lake came out blazing, fueled by Nakiah Barrett, who accounted for most of the Panthers’ early points as they jumped to a 9-2 lead. The Panthers’ tempo was relentless, quick ball movement, sharp passing lanes, and suffocating defense that immediately disrupted Graham-Kapowsin’s rhythm.

Azy Jackson

Azy Jackson ignited the crowd with an alley-oop inbound finish, a moment that captured the tone of the night. By the time the quarter reached its midpoint, Bonney Lake was already pulling away.

Freshman, Selena Meki, knocked down a couple buckets in the opening frame, helping the Panthers close the first quarter with a commanding 28-8 lead.

Second quarter: Depth on display

With a comfortable lead, Bonney Lake rotated players early in the second quarter without losing intensity. Izzy Meki began asserting herself defensively, turning pressure into transition buckets as the Panthers stretched the lead to 36-10.

At halftime, Bonney Lake led 40-12, a reflection not just of offensive efficiency but of disciplined, in-your-face defense.

Izzy Meki

Third quarter: Izzy takes over

Any remaining doubt disappeared quickly after the break.

Meki caught fire, drilling back-to-back three-pointers, five on the night, as she took control offensively. The Panthers continued to push the pace and extend the margin, entering the fourth quarter ahead 53-17.

With the outcome firmly in hand, Bonney Lake continued to rotate fresh players into the lineup, maintaining pressure and structure on both ends of the floor.

Bonney Lake Panthers

Fourth quarter: Defense seals it

Jackson anchored the defense all night and continued to disrupt Graham-Kapowsin’s offense in the fourth quarter as the Panthers pressed aggressively. While the Eagles showed brief signs of offensive life late, the deficit was simply too much to overcome.

Bonney Lake cruised to a decisive 61-22 victory, showcasing both depth and defensive identity.

Scoring leaders

• Izzy Meki: 20 points, 5 three-pointers

• Nakiah Barrett: 16 points

• Selena Meki: 9 points

• Azy Jackson: 8 points

• Eliza Mapu-Togiola Tavai: 4 points

• Liz Wylie-Olive: 2 points

• Kaylin Meng: 2 points

What’s next

The Panthers return to league play on the road, traveling to South Kitsap on December 19, carrying momentum and confidence into the next stretch of the season.