Basketball Victories for South Lakes' Teams

 South Lakes High School's girls basketball team took third place in the IAABO Invitational on Wednesday with a 39-38 victory over National Christian Academy,

South Lakes (6-3) was down by four points at halftime, but outscored NCA, 21-16 in the second half to seal the victory. In a defensive battle, South Lakes played tough down the stretch to close out the game on a 5-0 run.

Sasha Sprei nailed a pivotal three-point shot to close the four-point gap to one with just under one minute to play. Following a South Lakes timeout, the Seahawks were granted possession on a jump ball, and had less than 20 seconds to score.

Sprei came off of a screen to turn the corner and nail, what would become the game winner, off of the glass from the crowded mid-post area. National Christian Academy called a time out with 2.2 seconds remaining. Their just over half-court attempt fell short.

Caitlin Jensen led South Lakes with 12 points (four three pointers), including one in the Seahawks run in the fourth quarter. Jensen also finished with three rebounds and one assist.

Abigail Rendle was named to the IAABO All-Tournament team for the second season in a row. She had nine points, seven rebounds, four blocks, and one assist. Junior Gabrielle Schultz finished with eight points and went four-of-four   from the foul line. Sprei had all seven of her points in the fourth quarter. Sprei added two offensive rebounds, a team-high three assists, and one steal.

Junior Mary Severin celebrated her 17th birthday by hauling down 10 rebounds, earning one assist, and one steal, and also scoring one point.

South Lakes was awarded the Team Sportsmanship Award by the Tournament Committee.

South Lakes will play at Thomas Jefferson on Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m.

Boys basketball: South Lakes defeated Washington-Lee 77-42 on Wednesday at the George Long Holiday Hoops Tournament at Wakefield High School.

The Seahawks (4-4) were coming off a 58-55 overtime loss to West Potomac on Tuesday.

It was an easy game for South Lakes, which led 33-9 at halftime. All 14 Seahawks saw action. The Seahawks were led by DJ Christian with 12 points, JD Wallace with 11 and Jordan Francis with 10.  

Seahawks will wrap up the tournament with their final game  Thursday at 2:45 p.m.