Panthers Dominate Opening Night, Unleash Freshman Firepower in 69–2 Win Over Yelm

Izzy Meki - 19 points

On a cold December night in Bonney Lake, no one knew exactly what to expect as the Panthers tipped off their 2025–26 girls basketball season. Second-year head coach Nick Edens brought in a young roster and plenty of buzz, especially surrounding the three freshmen added to the varsity squad. If there were any questions about how this group would respond under the lights, they answered them early, and emphatically.

Bonney Lake dismantled Yelm, 69–2, in one of the most dominant performances the Panthers have put together in recent memory.

Azy Jackson - 9 points

Fast Start, No Looking Back

Bonney Lake struck first as Azy Jackson muscled her way to the opening bucket, settling early jitters and setting the tone. From there, the defense took over. Deflections, steals, traps, and relentless pressure made it nearly impossible for the Tornadoes to advance the ball past half court.

Then came the shooting.

Junior guard Izzy Meki started heating up from deep, burying three first-quarter threes as the Panthers blasted out to a 23–0 lead. The pace was fast, the energy was high, and the Panthers looked every bit like a team with something to prove.

Nakiah Barrett - 18 points

Freshmen Arrive: Loudly

By the second quarter, Bonney Lake’s freshman trio, Selena Meki, Nakiah Barrett, and Kaylin Meng, was already showing exactly why there’s so much buzz around this team.

Selena, younger sister to Izzy, showed off a smooth stroke and calm confidence. Barrett, one of the quickest players on the floor all night, flew into passing lanes and pushed the tempo with fearless drives. Meng, despite being the smallest on the court, played like a spark plug, beating defenders to loose balls and applying constant pressure.

Salena Meki - 15 points

Even with starters resting, the defensive clamp stayed tight. Bonney Lake suffocated Yelm from end to end, allowing their only points of the half on a single basket. By halftime, the Panthers led 49–2.

Second-Half Statement

The third quarter opened with more of the same. Izzy hit another deep three, her fourth of the night, pushing her scoring total to 19 and cementing her role as the offensive engine. Barrett continued her breakout debut, piling up points in transition. By the end of the third, Bonney Lake sat comfortably ahead, 60–2.

Kaylin Meng - 8 points

With most starters on the bench to start the fourth, the Panthers’ freshmen trio kept the energy buzzing. Quick, confident, and unafraid to shoot, they continued to give the Tornadoes fits until the final horn.

Final Score: Bonney Lake 69, Yelm 2

From start to finish, it was a defensive and tempo-driven masterpiece. The Panthers forced turnovers, ran the floor, and showcased depth that will make them a dangerous matchup all season long.

Top Performers

• Izzy Meki – 19 points, including four threes and 12 points in the first quarter

• Nakiah Barrett – 18 points, with 12 in the second quarter

• Selena Meki – 15 points

• Azy Jackson – 9 points

• Kaylin Meng – 8 points

What’s Next

The Panthers return home on Friday at 5:30 p.m. to take on Olympia. After tonight’s performance, and with this exciting blend of veteran leadership and freshman firepower, it’s the perfect time to come out and watch what promises to be a thrilling season of Bonney Lake basketball.