SEQUIM — Sequim erased a slow first half in a 56-43 Olympic League girls basketball win over Bremerton at home Thursday.
Junior Jolene Vaara led a second half surge scoring 15 of her game high 20 points in the third.
After back and forth play for most of the first half, Sequim went ahead for good with about a minute left in the second quarter when Vaara stole the ball and was fouled on a shot attempt. She made one of two free throws to put Sequim up 24-23. Just before the first half buzzer, Vaara made a short jump shot on a pass from Bobbie Mixon for Sequim to go up by three.
Jelissa Julmist helped pace Sequim with a double-double of 18 points — including 11 first half points — and 10 rebounds, along with 3 blocks. Julmist, Vaara and Mixon had 4 offensive boards apiece in the game. Vaara also nabbed 6 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 blocks.
The Wolves struggled shooting, missing many shots in the paint going 20 of 52 (38.5 percent) from inside, 3 of 11 (27.3 percent) from outside, and 7 of 22 (32 percent) from the free throw line.
Bremerton’s Jannisa Lizama sank a 3-pointer at the first quarter buzzer to put the Knights up 15-14 while turnovers and fouls kept the second quarter tight.
Sequim coach Joclin Julmist said the first two quarters were a let down.
“We can’t play like that,” he said. “In the third quarter we did a good job pressing.”
With the Wolves playing four games in six days, he said it was a tough week.
“We want to get back to good practices and work on shooting,” he said.
For the game, Mixon and Taryn Johnson also dished out four assists.
Sequim (2-0, 3-0) visits Steilacoom today.
Sequim 56, Bremerton 43
Brem.15 8 12 8— 43
Seq. 14 12 25 5— 56
Sequim (56) — Vaara 20, Julmist 18, Mixon 8, Bates 5, Johnson 3, Turella 2, Green, Bloomenrader, Herman.